GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Llyn Ogwen Circular Walk

3 miles (5 km)

This circular walk takes you around Llyn Ogwen in the Snowdonia. You'll also visit the beautiful Ogwen waterfall at the western end of the lake. There's great views over the lake to the surrounding hills and mountains. The views of Tryfan are particularly good as it is located just to the south of the lake.
You can start the walk from the Tryfan car park on the southern side of the lake. You then follow the lakeside pavement to the waterfall before picking up footpaths above the lake on the northern side.
It's easy to extend your walking in this beautiful area. You can head up to the hanging valley at Cwm Idwal and visit Llyn Idwal on the way.

Postcode

LL57 3LZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Llyn Ogwen OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Llyn Ogwen Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Ogwen Snack Bar is located at the western end of Llyn Ogwen and a good option for some post walk refreshments.  It's open seven days per week for most of the year – opening only at weekends during the winter months. The popular snack bar can trace its history back to the early 1900’s when it was precariously perched on rocks at the head of the waterfall from which it takes its name.  Known throughout the world it has its place in the mountaineering history in this part of Snowdonia and has been run by the same family since 1953. It moved to its current location over forty years ago to the newer premises incorporating Snowdonia National Park warden office and public toilets. It sells a range of drinks, snacks, pasties, paninis and locally baked cakes. There's an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your food with fine views of the surrounding mountains. You can find the snack bar between Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal at postcode of LL57 3LZ for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Lon Las Ogwen cycle route starts/finishes at the western side of the lake. The off road trail will take you north to the coast at Bangor, passing the splendid Penrhyn Quarry at Bethesda and the stunning glacial valley of Nant Ffrancon on the way. It runs mostly along old railway paths and the River Ogwen before finishing on the coast. The route is also suitable for walkers.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Llyn Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 238033

One of the shallowest lakes in Snowdonia, the maximum depth being a little over 3m. It has an area of just under 30 hectares.

Llyn Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 1437705

View west from the point where Afon Denau enters the lake. On the horizon, left is Y Garn and right is Foel Goch. On the right, the slopes of Pen yr Ole Wen sweep down to the lake.

Llyn Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 521569

The lake with Foel Goch the mountain in the distance.

Llyn Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 14428

Legend has it Sir Bedivere, the last surviving Arthurian knight, cast Excalibur into the water here.

Waterfall at the west end of Llyn Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 2018371

Waterfall at the west end of Llyn Ogwen

The river Ogwen cascades down into the valley - geograph.org.uk - 2018380

The river Ogwen cascades down into the valley

The Car Park at Ogwen - geograph.org.uk - 238039

The Car Park at Ogwen. This photograph was taken from near the entrance to Ogwen Cottage - the LEA hostel. The ridge in the background is Y Llymllwyd, a spur of Foel Goch.

Bridge carrying the A5 over the Nant Ffrancon - geograph.org.uk - 2437953

Bridge carrying the A5 over the Nant Ffrancon at the western end of the lake.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Llyn Ogwen.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Llyn Ogwen.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)