Y Garn via Llyn Idwal and Twll Du

Paul Shorrock

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Y Garn is one of the high peaks that encircle the beautiful Llyn Idwal. Because of its prominent position, there are excellent views of Tryfan and the Glyderau and also the Carneddau and Ogwen Valley. If you needed further reason to walk it, it is also one of the fifteen Welsh peaks that are over 3,000ft. Do all of those in one day and you will have an unforgettable experience on one of the classic British mountain challenges.

This route is much more modest in ambition. It can easily be done in half a day, making it suitable for the first or last day of a holiday. Alternatively, it can be linked onto the end of a traverse of Tryfan and the Glyderau (see Route 4375) making a longer, but more logical, day out. Although not technically difficult walking, the walk is graded as a Hill Scramble, mainly because of the atmospheric ascent of Twll Du (the Devil's Kitchen). In clear weather the way is a set of steps, albeit a long set of steps; in the mist or rain you will imagine yourself on something much more difficult.

The walk starts by the tea bar and toilet between Ogwen and Idwal Cottages. A good path is followed up to Llyn Idwal, which continues along the lakeside before rising into the Devil's Kitchen. The route then heads up to the summit of Y Garn. The descent takes the north-east ridge of Y Garn and a meandering path takes you back to Llyn Idwal.

In good visibility the views on this walk are outstanding; in poor visibility the atmosphere of the ascent will almost compensate, as you climb up between the black, impending walls of Twll Du.

The walk is good enough to stand alone, but equally can be combined with other routes to make a longer day. It is an altogether fine route, whichever way you do it.

Wales - North Wales - Gwynedd - Snowdonia