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Carneddau and Glyderau
Experience the wildest landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia).
National Trust, Bwthyn Ogwen, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ
Opening times for 18 December 2024
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Car parking at Llyn Ogwen lake - not National Trust.
Kiosk
Kiosk and warden centre run by Snowdonia National Park,. Access for Cwm Idwal here, just off A5.
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed on lead. Please be mindful of livestock.
Toilet
Toilet facilities at Llyn Ogwen lake - not National Trust.
Mountainous locations with steep, rocky, boggy and uneven terrain in places, may also include styles.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets at Llyn Ogwen lake car park. Please note this car park is not run by the National Trust.
Steps/uneven terrain
Rough terrain, uneven paths, steep and narrow in places, stone-pitched paths, conditions influenced by weather.
Designated parking
Accessible parking at Llyn Ogwen lake car park. Please note this car park is not run by the National Trust.
By road
From Bangor / A55, take A5 towards Bethesda. Continue through Bethesda to Nant Ffrancon until you reach Llyn Ogwen (lake) on the left. From Betws y Coed travel along the A5 to Capel Curig and to Llyn Ogwen. | O Fangor / A55, cymerwch yr A5 i gyfeiriad Bethesda. Parhewch drwy Fethesda i Nant Ffrancon nes cyrraedd Llyn Ogwen ar y chwith. O Fetws y Coed teithiwch ar hyd yr A5 i Gapel Curig ac i Llyn Ogwen.
Parking: There is car parking at Llyn Ogwen (lake) (non-National Trust) | Mae maes parcio yn Llyn Ogwen (nid parcio Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol)
On foot
Various footpaths, as well as Lon Las Ogwen that runs from Bangor to Capel Curig. | Llwybrau amrywiol, yn ogystal â Lôn Las Ogwen sy’n rhedeg o Fangor i Gapel Curig.
By train
Nearest train station Bangor 10-12 miles. Also station at Betws y Coed 13 miles | Gorsaf drên agosaf yw Bangor, 10-12 milltir. Hefyd gorsaf Betws y Coed, 13 milltir
By bus
S6 Sherpa and T10 Traws Cymru buses from Bangor and Bethesda to Llyn Ogwen during holidays and weekends. Check traveline Cymru online for latest times. | Bysiau S6 Sherpa a T10 Traws Cymru o Fangor a Bethesda i Lyn Ogwen yn ystod gwyliau a phenwythnosau. Gwiriwch traveline Cymru ar-lein am yr amseroedd diweddaraf.
By bicycle
Lon Las Ogwen cycle path from Capel Curig to Bangor, (check Sustrans website) | Llwybr beicio Lôn LasOgwen o Gapel Curig i Fangor, (edrychwch ar wefan Sustrans)
National Trust, Bwthyn Ogwen, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) with your dog
Follow in the footsteps of legends around Eryri (Snowdonia) with your dog. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a mountainous walk, here's a selection of destinations to tire out all four legs (and yours).
Highlights
Mountain ranges
21,000 acres, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve and nine peaks above 3,000 feet.
Cwm Idwal
Wales's first National Nature Reserve, a glaciated lake surrounded by the dramatic Glyderau mountains and rugged Tryfan.
Things to see and do
Activity
Walking and climbing on Tryfan
What makes the Tryfan mountain so special? Discover the history of this rugged peak and the challenges it raises for climbers and mountaineers who attempt to conquer it.
Top trails
Trail
Cwm Idwal walk
Follow the Cwm Idwal walk through some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. A 3-mile trail over glacial terrain with a lake steeped in legend in the Glyderau mountain range in North Eryri (Snowdonia).
Trail
Llyn Ogwen circular walk
Escape the crowds of Cwm Idwal and enjoy stunning views on this moderate walk around Llyn Ogwen. Legends say it’s the last resting place of King Arthur’s sword Excalibur.
Places to stay
Tal Y Braich
A cosy stone built cottage in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), in the shadow of Tryfan, perfect for adventurers and walkers.
Glan yr Afon
This cosy stone-built farmhouse in the heart of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
The Chalet at Tan yr Ogof
Close to Beddgelert and sitting in secluded woodland, this is the perfect base for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia).
Hen Dy
Characterful stone-built cottage on the Hafod Y Llan estate, great for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia).
Y Wenallt
A cosy and simple first floor escape above a farmhouse, in the stunning setting of the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range, perfect for walkers.
Caban Llyndy
Try camping in a 'stone tent' in this rustic bothy in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Dyffryn Mymbyr Cottage
A rustic but restored cottage with walks from the front door.
Dyffryn Mymbyr Farm House
This restored Victorian farmhouse has mountain views all around.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Carneddau and Glyderau
A 21,000-acre mountainous place, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic alpine plants. There are eight tenant upland farms on this land, nine peaks above 3,000 feet and the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest. The area is home to a variety of wildlife such as otters, water voles, feral ponies and rare birds such as dottrel and peregrine and the very rare Snowdon lily. The 100km of footpaths are popular with 500,000 walkers each year, and the bleak, photogenic, landscapes have proven popular with artists and painters. You'll find over 1,000 archaeological sites here including seven scheduled ancient monuments.
Latest news
Press release
Special bench marks the story of connection and change at Cwm Idwal, Eryri (Snowdonia)
Three pairs of strangers with a special connection to Cwm Idwal come together to express their hopes and fears for the area in a changing climate. The themes from their conversations inspiring a specially carved bench for visitors to enjoy, located along the path to the lake.
Press release
New equipment will help climbers protect Cwm Idwal’s rare plant species
New temperature sensors being installed at Cwm Idwal will help to protect the National Nature Reserve’s rare plants from damage during winter months.
History
Article
History and legends of Cwm Idwal
Discover Cwm Idwal’s past, Darwin’s discovery of its creation and the legend of a 12th-century prince, his son and the giant that occupied the land.
Our work
Article
Making meadows in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Rangers in Eryri (Snowdonia) are working hard to create and restore meadows rich with wild flowers that will benefit a range of wildlife, from butterflies to rare birds.
Project
Project
Thinking like a sheep to plant a tree
Discover more about a project that’s encouraging rangers and volunteers in Wales to think like sheep when they plant trees in Dyffryn Mymbyr, Carneddau and Glyderau, Eryri (Snowdonia).