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Panorama on Llyn Ogwen walk in Snowdonia, Wales

Llyn Ogwen Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
95 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.9 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
This walk has stunning, mountainous views; the iconic summits of Tryfan and Glyderau will tower above you as you hike. Some scrambling is involved to begin with but, overall, it’s a relatively easy, and most definitely enjoyable, hike.

Route Description for Llyn Ogwen

From Ogwen Cottage car park head down to the main road, turn left to walk along the pavement following the road over the bridge before turning right on to a small footpath that cuts through a small gap in the wall.

Follow the river away from the road heading towards the lake, the footpath is camouflaged in a scramble of boulders and can be tricky to navigate, keep ahead towards the lake and the path will soon become clear. From here the footpath is well marked and follows the shoreline. After a 1 km the path bears slightly left and up a slope towards a stile. After climbing the stile it again continues close to the shoreline. At the far end of the lake the footpath crosses a second stile and heads uphill towards a small footbridge.

After crossing the stream continue ahead to a further stile, turn immediately right onto a path dropping down to a small farm track. Turn left away from the farm buildings and follow the track down to the main road.

At the main road turn right and use the pavement to follow the shoreline back to Ogwen Cottage. At Ogwen Cottage there are good facilities, a small café and the Ranger base offers further information about the local area.

Want to find more amazing walks in Snowdonia? Check out the Pyg Track to Snowdon, or the Moel Siabod walks.

Insider Hints for Llyn Ogwen

  • Some scrambling is required to navigate the north side of the lake so good footwear is essential.
  • Get an overview of the route before setting out and it is an easy route without having to worry about navigation (but take a map just in case!).
  • Plas Curig Hostel is just a few miles east and is a great place to stay for all the family (5* hostel).
  • Maps and forecast available from the Ranger Base should you wish before you head out.

Getting to the Llyn Ogwen Trailhead

From Bangor travel on the A55 then turn onto the A5 towards Bethesda, continue on A5 to Ogwen Lake, upon arriving at the lake turn right into the car park at the Ogwen Cottage Ranger base, park costs £2.50 for 4 hours.

Route Information for Llyn Ogwen

  • When to do:

    April - October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Loop

Llyn Ogwen Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Llyn Ogwen

9.8
15 reviews
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Jorge MullsJuly 2020

This hike is short and exciting. We had a wonderful dayhike here. Awesome hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Felix LegrandJuly 2020

A beautiful lake and a great spot for hiking in Wales

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Tom NahlJune 2020

Wonderful trail. We enjoyed the beautiful views. It required some scrambling, but overall it was a great hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Byron HermesSeptember 2019

Honestly, I wasn't disappointed I did this hike. We started at 9am and the weather was wonderful. Wandering around was fun. Felt years younger after doing it.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
colormylifeAugust 2019

Marvelous views! We enjoyed our short day tour here.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Danielle v.August 2019

It was a bit challenging initially but eventually, become easy. Nice views of nature, farms, and buildings! Very peaceful.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mustafa SubbarayaAugust 2019

I was genuinely surprised by the amazing views along the way. A truly magnificent hike in Snowdonia. Surely not to be missed!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Terrance GyroAugust 2019

What a stunning hike! A nice diverse hike, that is not challenging at all, even the kids find this one easy.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mustafa SubbarayaAugust 2019

Fairly easy hike, but totally rewarding. The lake was so beautiful. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Queen ColemanAugust 2019

Nice hike with a myriad of scenery. We love the hidden lake and the numerous waterfalls. It's very easy too. I think we hit the jackpot when we did this hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: June 2, 2026

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