Llyn Idwal Loop, Wales UK

• 5-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 130-240m (440-800ft)
• Betws-y-Coed, Wales | United Kingdom
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The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a mountainous area with a lake in the middle. The foreground includes a person standing on a small bridge or pathway, looking towards the lake and mountains. The path appears to be made of stone steps, and the surrounding area is lush with green grass and rocky terrain. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue, adding to the picturesque nature of the scene.

Above Llyn Idwal, looking across the valley.

Snowdonia National Park is one of the best and most popular hiking destinations in the United Kingdom, located in the country of Wales which you'll find on the West side of the British Isles mainland. Wales is well known for rugged coastlines and mountains, ancient castles and the thriving language of the Welsh nation.

On a recent trip we found it remarkable to happen upon the pristine glaciated mountains and valleys around Llyn Idwal, just a short thirty minute drive from exploring an ancient castle in the town of Conwy. We considered ourselves doubly lucky thanks to winning the weather lottery with blue skies and no rain in the forecast.

Located in the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve inside Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Idwal is a lake that rests in a rocky bowl surrounded by unique geology. Unique enough to be the subject of many geology papers, including study by Charles Darwin who observed fossils of sea-life high in the mountains above.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Loop Trail 2.6 mi loop, easy, gain 130m (440ft)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

⬤ 5★ Larger Loop 3.0mi, loop, moderate, gain 240m (800ft)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

This short hike begins with a stone flagged pavement that gently ascends for half a mile to reach the lake, before encircling it in its entirety. Those that are comfortable with a slightly rockier terrain and a little hill-climbing should choose the longer looping trail that offers a little more challenge, and some excellent views of this Welsh valley.

Some however may just prefer the mile long out-and-back to the lake alone. There's still plenty to admire from the shores of the lake, and the opportunity to take a dip in the cooling waters on a warm summer's day.

The trailhead for this hike is well appointed with small visitor center, toilets and even a snack bar. There's also the next door youth hostel association cottage for folk who want to spend some more time up here. A pay-and-display car park is available here, though check out the parking spots immediately outside the toilet block first as these were free parking when we visited.

The image shows a scenic landscape with two hikers walking along a trail in a mountainous area. The trail crosses a small stream via stepping stones. The surrounding area is lush and green, with rocky outcrops and large hills or mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue, suggesting a pleasant day for hiking.

Hiking up the flanks of Glyder Fawr on the longer loop trail.

The image shows a serene landscape featuring a lake surrounded by mountains. Two people are swimming in the lake, which is calm and reflects the surrounding scenery. The mountains are rocky and covered with patches of green vegetation. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

An excellent lakeside beach makes taking a dip more fun.

The image shows a mountainous landscape with rocky terrain and green grass. There are two people hiking up a stone path that leads towards the rocky cliffs in the background. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue visible.

Hardy paved stone flag trail all the way.

Tangents:
• Official: National Trust
• Public Map at AllTrails: Llyn Idwal Circular
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