Llyn Ogwen
Lake Mountain lake in Snowdonia, scenic valley setting
Lake in Snowdonia’s Ogwen Valley, reachable from the A5. Hikers use it as a base for Glyderau and Tryfan climbs; scenery is raw mountain country and slate-strewn shores.
Llyn Ogwen is a mountain lake in the Ogwen Valley of Snowdonia, north-west Wales, known as a gateway to nearby peaks. It sits at the head of a steep glaciated valley and is closely linked to local climbing and hillwalking routes.
A compact upland tarn offering immediate access to routes on Tryfan and the Glyderau ridge, it is used as a starting point for multi-day and day walks. The roadside location and nearby parking make it a frequent stopping place for walkers, scramblers and photographers.
The basin was carved by glaciation during the last Ice Age and the surrounding landscape has been used for grazing and outdoor recreation for centuries. Modern recreational use increased with the development of mountain walking and climbing in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The lake sits in the Ogwen Valley beside the A5 mountain road in Snowdonia National Park, within easy reach of Bethesda and the main visitor routes into the northern Carneddau and Glyderau.
- Access: Sited beside the A5 mountain road, it is a common access point for climbs of Tryfan and the Glyderau.
- Setting: The lake sits within Snowdonia National Park and is a focal point in the Ogwen Valley for walkers and climbers.
How to Get to Llyn Ogwen #
From the A5 trunk road between Capel Curig and Bethesda; park at Ogwen Cottage or nearby laybys and follow the valley path to the lake. Public buses serve nearby villages; walking from the A5 is a short but stony route.
Tips for Visiting Llyn Ogwen #
- Park at Ogwen Cottage (a National Trust landmark) and take the path into the valley for classic reflections and mountain views.
- Early morning is best for mirrors on the water and for fewer walkers; afternoon storms are common in summer.
- Combine a visit with a walk on the Glyderau or a scramble on Tryfan, but check mountain-weather forecasts first.
Best Time to Visit Llyn Ogwen #
Llyn Ogwen is best visited in late spring to early autumn for walking access and clearer weather; winter visits require mountain equipment and caution.
Weather & Climate near Llyn Ogwen #
Llyn Ogwen's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1539 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (178 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
