Pen-y-benglog - Llyn Idwal - Devil's Kitchen - Pen-y-benglog
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This is one of the best examples of glaciated landforms in the United Kingdom. The views down the Ogwen Valley illustrate the characteristic form of a U-shaped glacial valley. Higher up, the area provides a habitat for alpine-arctic plants.
Hot drinks and snacks can be bought at the start and there are public toilets in the car park. A good path leads from the interpretive displays towards Llyn Idwal. It then continues along the eastern side of the lake to reach Idwal Slabs. The slabs rise nearly 150 metres and are a popular proving ground for rock climbers. They offer several classic routes in the middle grades. Climbers can combine them with harder routes on the headwall above, or a scramble up Senior's Ridge to reach the summit of Glyder Fawr.
The path ascends towards a stream and then rises more steeply to a path junction beside a large boulder. There are views up into the Devil's Kitchen and across Llyn Idwal towards Pen yr Ole Wen. In the hardest winters, such as 1978 and 1979, several ice climbs come into condition at Grades III to V, including an ascent of The Devil's Kitchen at Grade IV.
It is possible to continue steeply along the path above the large boulder to reach Llyn y Cwn for an ascent of Y Garn or the Glyders, or to take in the view from the top of The Devil's Kitchen. When you have finished, the route leads past the front of the large boulder and descends towards the western side of Llyn Idwal. Stone slabs bridge several small streams before the path reaches the northern tip of the lake, to join the path from Y Garn. Cross a wooden footbridge to reach a footpath junction and retrace the path to Ogwen Cottage.
Wales - North Wales - Caernarfonshire - Snowdonia
Features
Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Toilets