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This walk measures somewhere between three and four miles, and will take you around the area of Cwm Idwal, which is an absolute paradise for both walkers and climbers. Any budding botanists will surely find plenty to enjoy here as well.

Start off at the car park on the western edge of Llyn Ogwen, and simply follow the trail up – it is reasonably well marked out, so you shouldn’t have much trouble keeping to the path. The stone steps are pretty flat, and take you all the way to the lake.

The views from here are breath-taking; take in the sight of the lake surrounded by craggy peaks.

The area is an interesting one in itself. Darwin studied here, and it’s one of the best places in the UK to see the effects of the most recent Ice Age. You can see many different features: erratic boulders, exposed strata, moraines, and rock striations.

There are a number of rare alpine plants here, including the currently threatened Snowdon lily, which is only found in Snowdonia. If you wish to see it in full bloom, come in late May.

Local legend has it that no bird flies over the lake, mourning the death of the young Welsh Prince Idwal, after whom the valley was named.

Image Source: CC by-SA 2.0 by paj68

Image Source: CC by-SA 2.0 by Denis Egan

Location

Beginning in the carpark of Llyn Ogwen, the train is signed from there. Enjoy the sights of lakes and craggy peaks. 

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