Eryri (Snowdonia), near Ogwen Visitor Centre, North Wales
Llyn y Cwn
Lake
Place photograph
7.6
Wildland
Half day
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.6A small mountain lake above Llyn Idwal, reached by a steep climb through the dramatic cleft known as Devil’s Kitchen.
Llyn y Cwn is not an easy roadside viewpoint: getting there means climbing through boulders and loose rock beside the steep cleft of Devil’s Kitchen. The reward is a quiet alpine lake beneath Y Garn and Glyder Fawr.
Wild · Remote · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapEryri (Snowdonia), near Ogwen Visitor Centre, North Wales
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The experience
Reach Llyn y Cwn from Ogwen Visitor Centre by following the route beside Llyn Idwal and climbing Devil’s Kitchen. The return route descends the steep section and follows the opposite shore of Llyn Idwal. This is a mountain walk, not a casual lakeside stroll; allow for the stated 2.5–3 hours and take particular care in wet weather or poor visibility.
Things to do
Walk the Devil’s Kitchen route
Follow the route from Ogwen Visitor Centre via Llyn Idwal and climb the steep cleft to Llyn y Cwn. The ascent includes boulders and loose rock, and may require scrambling.
2.5–3 hours return
Pause at Llyn y Cwn
Take in the lake’s mountain setting, with Y Garn to the north and Glyder Fawr to the south-east.
Look into Devil’s Kitchen
On the climb, look for the dramatic cleft splitting the cliffs and the waterfall tumbling over the rock face.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 2.5–3 hours return
Quick Escape: Devil’s Kitchen to the lake
- 01
Start at Ogwen Visitor Centre and follow the well-marked path towards Llyn Idwal.
- 02
Walk along Llyn Idwal’s eastern shore towards Devil’s Kitchen.
- 03
Climb through the boulder field and steep, loose-rock sections to reach Llyn y Cwn.
- 04
Return by the same steep section, then follow the path beside Llyn Idwal’s western shore back towards the start.
Hidden details
The waterfall at Devil’s Kitchen — The route guide describes a waterfall tumbling over the rock face in the cleft known as Devil’s Kitchen.
A wall and stile at the top of the steep climb — A wall with a stile marks the top of the Devil’s Kitchen ascent, according to the route description.
When to go
· Choose a time when visibility and weather conditions are suitable for a mountain walk; check the forecast before setting out.
The supplied route information does not establish a best season. It warns that wet conditions and poor visibility make the route hazardous.
Mountain weather can affect safety and visibility. The route includes steep, loose-rock and boulder sections; the supplied guide advises particular care in wet conditions or poor visibility.
The route
- ascent
- 1,480 ft
- stiles
- A wall with a stile marks the top of the Devil’s Kitchen climb.
- surface
- Mountain paths, boulder field and loose rock; sections may be faint.
- distance
- 3.8 mi return
- duration
- 2.5–3 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate rating in the source; includes a steep climb, boulders, loose rock and sections that may require scrambling.
- waymarking
- A well-marked path leads from the visitor centre towards Llyn Idwal; paths up and down Devil’s Kitchen can be faint.
- route shape
- Out and back to Llyn y Cwn, returning via the opposite shore of Llyn Idwal.
- start point
- Ogwen Visitor Centre
- parking start
- Route source identifies Ogwen Visitor Centre as the start. Parking details: Check before visiting.
- Llyn Idwal’s eastern and western shores
- The steep cleft and waterfall at Devil’s Kitchen
- Llyn y Cwn beneath Y Garn and Glyder Fawr
What to look for
On the approach, look for the steep rock cleft and waterfall at Devil’s Kitchen. At the lake, note the mountain setting beneath Y Garn to the north and Glyder Fawr to the south-east.
Best time to go
Check current mountain conditions before setting out; the supplied route source warns that wet weather and poor visibility make the ascent hazardous.
Choose a day with suitable mountain weather and good visibility. The supplied route guide specifically cautions against poor visibility and wet conditions; check the forecast before leaving.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
The lake is reached on foot from Ogwen Visitor Centre via Llyn Idwal and the steep Devil’s Kitchen ascent. The approach includes boulder fields, loose rock and sections that may require scrambling; paths can be faint. Take care in poor visibility or wet conditions.
Parking
The route source starts at Ogwen Visitor Centre. Parking availability and charges: Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The approach is a steep mountain walk over boulders and loose rock, with sections that may require scrambling. Not suitable for visitors seeking an easy or step-free route.
Cost
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Water
Lake
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Around Llyn y Cwn
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
