Llyn Idwal Circular Route

• Car Park Location: ///owned.trim.force (what3words)
• Parking: Car parking charges apply (fills up fast!)
• Length of walk: 5km
• Time Taken: 1hr 30 mins - 2 hrs
• Accessibility: Must be a confident dog walker, steep slippy areas with lots of rocks. Would not recommend it during bad weather conditions.
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

Why We Chose This Location

We chose Llyn Idwal as our destination because it was a beautiful day, and we were up for a challenge. The stunning views we saw online promised an adventure worth every step. Nestled in Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Idwal's rugged terrain and breath-taking scenery made it the perfect spot for a memorable dog walking excursion.

Discovering Llyn Idwal

Our journey began with a trusty search on the All Routes app, which led us to this incredible trail. The app provided detailed maps and reviews, ensuring we were well-prepared for what was ahead.

A Glimpse into History

Llyn Idwal is not just a natural wonder but also a place of historical significance. In 1831, Charles Darwin visited Cwm Idwal and made a fascinating discovery. He observed that the large, scattered boulders around the lake contained marine seashells, leading him to deduce that these rocks were formed in an ancient ocean and later uplifted to the surface by Earth's geological forces. This connection to Darwin's observations added an extra layer of wonder to our adventure.

Preparing for the Journey

Given the challenging nature of the route, we made sure to equip ourselves and our dogs appropriately. Oggy was kitted out in his high-vis jacket and a Woof and Snout collar (independently strength-tested for safety). We carried water and Oggy's favourite fish training treats from Woof and Snout to keep him energised and to help with recall. For ourselves, we had layers to cope with the unpredictable weather and walking boots to ensure safety when climbing over rocky terrain. We also brought along paw balm from Mountain Garden Botanics to soothe Oggy's paws after the hike. (Use code Oggy15 for 15% off and free shipping)

Safety Considerations

We visited Llyn Idwal during January and Oggy was able to roam freely for most of the hike, as there was no livestock present during our visit. However this may be different during summer as sheep might be grazing nearby in which case dogs will need to be kept on a lead to prevent any incidents.

Our Adventure Companions

We weren't alone on this adventure; four of us embarked on this journey, including two dogs. Oggy's best friend, Ted the Bedlington Terrier, joined us along with his owner, Georgia. Oggy and Ted have been inseparable since Oggy was a pup, making them the perfect pair for this exciting outing.

Exploring Llyn Idwal was an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and the joy of watching our dogs revel in the great outdoors. It was a day well spent in the company of good friends and happy, adventurous dogs.

The Route

The route around Llyn Idwal is mostly easy going, making it a pleasant walk for most of the way. However, when you reach the southern side of the lake, the path steepens and involves some mild rock climbing as you head up the slope. These parts were quite wet for us at the time which made it quite slippery. For those looking for an extra challenge, there's the option to extend the route by continuing up to Twll Du (Devil's Kitchen). Local folklore adds an eerie touch, with the belief that the steam above the crack signifies the Devil cooking something in his kitchen.

Parking at Llyn Idwal requires a small fee, and spaces are limited, often filling up quickly. If the main car park is full, there are several lay-bys along the A5. The A5 also has a path so you can walk from these alternative parking spots to the route, all while enjoying the beautiful views of the lake. Public transport is also a viable option, with bus stops nearby.

While the route is mostly suitable for dogs, the section heading up the mountain has some steep rocky parts, so your dog must be capable and confident with climbing. In a few areas we did actually pick the dogs up to help them across to always make sure they were safe. For those with dogs that may struggle with the climb or are too big to pick up, taking the shortcut along the lake’s edge to avoid the steeper areas is a good alternative.

One of the benefits of this hike is its straightforward navigation. The path is very easy to follow and it's quite clear where you need to go, eliminating the need to constantly check your phone for route directions. This simplicity allows you to disconnect and enjoy the surroundings for an hour or two.

When we visited it was at the end of January, the hike was not busy at all, and we encountered only a few other hikers passing by at the start and end of the route. However, I suspect that during warmer weather, the area becomes significantly more crowded.

Adding to the area's appeal is its rich history. The cwm has a dark past, being the site where Prince Idwal, son of Owain of Gwynedd, was reportedly murdered and drowned in the lake that now bears his name. It is said that due to this foul deed, no bird will fly over the lake, adding a sombre legend to the scenic beauty.

For those needing a break, there is a café near the car park equipped with toilet facilities, although we did not stop there during our visit.

Our hike did include a few humorous moments as the slippery rocks led to some slips and trips among our group which were pretty funny (no injuries). Oggy, true to his nature as a water-loving dog, couldn't resist jumping into the lake at the end of the hike too, adding a splash of joy to our adventure.

Training and Activities on the Walk

During this walk, we mainly enjoyed the company of our friends and the beautiful scenery, but it also provided an excellent opportunity to work on some training with Oggy. He was particularly impressive in walking past other dogs off-lead without bothering them—definitely a proud dog mom moment! This hike's climbing sections were also fantastic for building confidence and trust. Navigating through the rocky areas required Oggy to trust my guidance, which strengthened our bond.

For those looking to work on their dog's recall, this trail offers plenty of off-lead and longline opportunities, although it’s important to note that there are no enclosed fields. Therefore, ensuring your dog has reliable recall is essential. The numerous open areas along the path also offer great spots for a safe game of fetch, and if your dog loves water, there are plenty of opportunities for a swim. Whether it's a gentle paddle or a full-on plunge, the lake provides an ideal setting for water-loving dogs to have a splash.

Overall, I thought the walk was lovely, though the steep sections presented quite a challenge. Despite this, I would definitely do it again, perhaps taking the shortcut across the lake next time and exploring that section. The breath taking views and the serene environment make it a walk worth recommending to others. One of the most heart warming moments was seeing Oggy enjoy the hike with all his favourite people, including his best friend Ted. Witnessing his happiness made the adventure even more special, reminding me how grateful I am for these shared experiences.

Lots of love,

Libby and Oggy

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