Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk makes a circuit from the car park at Ogwen. It goes up to the north shore of Llyn Idwal and climbs the north-east ridge of Y Garn (946 m), the armchair-shaped peak above the lake. From the summit it drops to Llyn y Cwn and comes down the Devil's Kitchen path under the cliffs of Twll Du, back into Cwm Idwal, a classic glacial cirque studied by Darwin. It is on path nearly all the way.
It is 7.7 km with 721 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate for a fairly short day, but the north-east ridge is a steep, sustained climb and the Devil's Kitchen path is steep and rocky on the way down.
The ground around Llyn y Cwn needs care in mist, so carry a map and compass, check the mountain forecast and be ready to turn back. In winter the Devil's Kitchen holds snow and ice and needs an ice axe, crampons and experience.
The car park charges a fee. Roman Bridge station is about 11 km away in a straight line. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The armchair-shaped peak above Llyn Idwal, climbed by its north-east ridge
- Down by Llyn y Cwn and the Devil's Kitchen path under the cliffs of Twll Du
- Cwm Idwal is a classic glacial cirque studied by Darwin
Summits on the way
- Y Garn 946 m
- Pen y Benglog 364 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Ogwen · Pay and display. 53.12380, -4.02041
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Roman Bridge: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
