WALK: NORTH WALES - Cwm Idwal Loop

Walk Leader:

This walk is led by Catherine. 

Walk Summary:  

Cwm Idwal offers a fantastic taste of Eryri (Snowdonia) without climbing mountains and is one of the National Park's most important National Nature Reserves. We will begin our walk at the Ogwen Centre Car Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fisb4PZwD9W6whZ5A) - please see parking and transportation info below. The walk is 2.7 miles or 4.3km and should take us 2.5-3 hours to complete depending on the comfortable pace of the group. This walk includes a steady incline from the car park to the lake followed by a more level circular route around the lake itself, returning to the car park back down the way we came up. This is one of Eryri's most popular walks and the paths are well maintained and pretty level underfoot. This is suitable for those with a little walking experience and seasoned walkers alike, and we will take it at a pace to suit everybody. 

This event is for plus size people of all genders to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18/2XL we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Route Description: 

The route will begin at the Ogwen Centre Car Park (Please see Parking and Public Transport info below) at 10:45am. There are toilets, an exhibit and a snack bar at the car park. It's unclear whether the snack bar will be open given the time of year, but the toilets are always open.

We will then pick up the footpath heading up and out of the car park. The first 300m or so is a steady incline which becomes much more gentle and gradually levels out as we get closer to the lake. We will take all inclines at a slow pace with plenty of breathers. Underfoot, the path is well-constructed with flat rocks, although there are some small sections where it's a little less even due to the path deteriorating.

We will then take a circular, clockwise loop around the lake (the Komoot map says we're going anticlockwise but in order to have lunch on the beach, it's best we go the other way around!). The path around the lake is mostly level with some very short uphill sections and underfoot the conditions are very good, but not quite as even as the route up from the car park. There will be some rocks to step over, some rocks arranged as steps, some sections of loose rock and the path is narrow.

We will then reach "the beach" of the lake where we can stop for lunch and a good rest before making our way back down to the car park.

Several kind souls have made it possible to do a virtual "walk" of our route on Google Maps. If you select "street view" and drop the yellow man icon on to our route, you can walk around the lake and see the underfoot conditions for yourself! Please be aware however that the virtual route takes you up a higher route at the southern end of the lake - we will be taking the lower path.

I anticipate this walk will take us 2.5 - 3hrs to complete but this will depend on the comfortable pace of the group - we will not be rushing, and this walk has a total elevation gain of 325ft or 99m. 

I will send out an email to attendees before the walk with my direct contact details in case you need to get in touch before the walk begins.

Link to Komoot Route: EBO - Cwm Idwal Loop | hike | Komoot

More info: 

• Dogs are welcome to join us but must stay on a short lead for the duration of the walk. 
• We will be going at a gentle pace that will work for everyone, and nobody will be left behind. The walk will be led with this in mind and numbers will be capped.
• You should bring all clothing and kit that you need for the weather - including sturdy footwear, a waterproof jacket and warm layers. Due to the northern-facing aspect of the cwm, the cwm is often several degrees cooler than forecast. Please bear this in mind and bring plenty of warm clothing. 
• Please bring any food or snacks you need for a walk of this length, and plenty of water. We will have a stop for lunch. 
• Our walks are all volunteer run. If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend the walk, please email hello@everybodyoutdoors.co.uk to cancel your space so we can let the volunteer know and open up your space to others.

Parking and Public Transport:

The route begins at the Ogwen Centre Car Park (parking charges apply here). This is a small car park and spaces can fill up quickly, particularly at peak times. There are two disabled parking spaces in the car park.

The National Park recommend that wherever possible, folks make use of the bus network which runs between the nearby town of Bethesda and the bus stop at the Ogwen Centre.  

Link to the bus timetable for 8/02/2025:  https://traws.cymru/en/services/BARB/T10?date=2025-02-08&direction=outbound&all=on cannot guarantee that we will return in time for any particular bus as our completion time will depend on the comfortable pace of the group and nobody will be rushed as we walk.

About Every Body Outdoors: 

Every Body Outdoors are fighting for clothing, gear, and representation for larger/plus-size bodies in the outdoors movement in the UK, so Every Body can feel safe and welcome on the hills, trails, lakes, and more. We are working with brands and retailers to improve the availability and fit of plus size outdoors clothing and kit, whilst also providing online and in-person opportunities for our community to gain skills and confidence and meet other plus size outdoors lovers.

We have a code of conduct that we expect all event attendees to adhere to, and you will be asked to agree to this when you register.

The small print:

Walking is an outdoor activity that comes with risks. You are responsible for your safety at all times when on an Every Body Outdoors walk.