Picture the situation - we were burning daylight, the lightest threat of rain just starting to come in. We have had a long day exploring around the Northern Coast, but have just enough time to fit in one last stop-off before the sun goes down or the heavens open (whichever comes first). We certainly did not have time to ascend the mountains on the northern side of Snowdonia, where all the tallest peaks, such as Glyder Fawr, Carnedd Llewelyn and even Snowdon itself reside. Just because you are strapped for time doesn't mean there is nothing for you in the area and one of my favourite stop-offs, as you make your way along the A5, is this set of beautiful locations in some of Snowdonia's most spectacular scenery. Hell, if you are just planning a day out and want somewhere to start, come here and then pick from some of the many walk options on offer that all start in the area.
To start with, getting here is pretty straight forward - this can be found on the A5 between Capel Curig and Bethesda (check these are signposted). There is considerable parking along the road, either on the same side as Llyn Ogwen or on the Tryfan mountain side of the road - there is further parking just a little way up the road too. You can also park at Ogwen Cottage/Ogwen Partnership Centre, this parking is pay and display but is the most centralised to all three of today's landmarks - that said, all of these locations are so close together that I wouldn't really let distance concern you.
Let us start Llyn Ogwen - a beautiful lake at the foot of Pen Yr Ole Wen, the 7th tallest peak in Wales with its parent peak, Carnedd Llewelyn ranking as second tallest. While not the biggest or deepest lake, in fact, it is remarkably shallow with a maximum depth of a little over 3 meters, but it is such a convenient spot for those travelling through to unwind that you may as well even if you are strapped for time. While not as well publicised as the 'Mach Loop', on almost every trip through these valleys we have always seen jets and helicopters from the local RAF bases and even spent a little while watching a couple of jets doing laps from the shore of Llyn Ogwen. You would be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing spot that is only a few yards from an A-road.
Next, we are heading to the National Trust maintained Carneddau and Glyderau. This is actually a 21,000-acre space of mountainous terrain with Carneddau and Glyderau being distinct mountain groups including 9 peaks such as the iconic Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn - but today we are specifically looking at more of a quicker day out. That said, I am sure you can figure out that there are walks here that could see you adventuring for days on end! We are going to soak in one of the easiest to reach views - hard to pass it up considering that once again you can practically drive right up to it. From the aforementioned car park at Ogwen Cottage, follow the small single track road from the main road, between the fences to where it opens up. The view is hard to miss, once the fences open up just head out to your right and enjoy.
To complete the trio of beauty spots, our final location requires a little climbing. Like many mountain routes in the area, it is almost entirely rough stone steps sunken into the grounds, and aside from the occasional wet and muddy parts, it shouldn't be too strenuous. You won't be ascending any mountains today (unless you want to that is), just follow the path up and you will be almost immediately be greeted by a great little waterfall. Once you have had your fill, continue upwards - the path should ease slightly and will become a more gradual ascent until you reach the shore of Llyn Idwal. It is hard to fault this for a walk, fairly easy going and not a long walk by any stretch of the imagination, but you end up in Cwm Idwal, a natural amphitheatre (a cirque or corrie) with waterfalls cascading down the tallest edge of the bowl. Feel free to walk the lake to your heart's content or just set up somewhere picturesque and enjoy the views.
It should go without saying that you are in the company of many amazing walks around here, with so many towering mountains in the area you are spoilt for choice. Of course, these are not easy-going walks and you should make sure you plan ahead and do not take these walks too lightly - gear up appropriately and if you choose to make your way to the top of a mountain plan for a full days adventure! Peaks that can be reached from Llyn Idwal include the likes of Glyder Fawr, Y Garn and of course any mountain that connects from there. Alternatively, there are routes around the A5 that lead to Tryfan, Pen Yr Ole Wen and more - meaning this area can take you into both the Glyderau, the Carneddau and even on into the Snowdon Massif. You only need to look at the map above to see the absolute spiders-web of possible routes in the area.
If you feel are more in the mood for quick stops rather than tackling a mountain climb you are in a wonderful area of Snowdonia. You are just a stone's throw away from some of my favourite locations, plus a handful of other quick stops you can chain together, such as Dolbadarn Castle and the Lonely Tree. Castles in this area are in an abundance, with three of my favourites, Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris all within a relatively short distance from your current location. If you are looking to take a grander excursion up into the mountains well you are certainly in luck - there are plenty of walks in the area that will see you spoilt for choice, in fact, on the shore of Llyn Idwal you are already partway up a mountain path that will see you summit Glyder Fawr to name just one of the nearby peaks.
I think these three locations are just the perfect embodiment of what Snowdonia has to offer - beautiful lakes with waterfalls aplenty, stunning landscapes all surrounded by dramatic peaks. This is one of the most wonderful areas to adventure around, not just because the tallest peak happens to be just a stones-throw away but these amazing mountain groups make for some of the most perfect backdrops, even the most mundane bits of countryside become awe-inspiring when it is dwarfed by some of the Welsh 3000s (the 15 tallest mountains in Wales). Whether you only have a few minutes to stop off, an hour or two to kill or a whole day to explore there is something for everyone.
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