| Llyn Idwal | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Llyn Idwal | |
| Location | Snowdonia, Wales |
| Coordinates | 53°6′57″N4°1′32″W / 53.11583°N 4.02556°W /53.11583; -4.02556 |
| Lake type | natural |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 2,115 feet (645 m) |
| Max. width | 885 feet (270 m) |
| Surface area | 28 acres (11 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 373 m (1,224 ft) |
| Islands | numerousislets |
| Designated | 7 November 1991 |
| Reference no. | 534[1] |
Llyn Idwal is a smalllake (approximately 800 m by 300 m, or 28 acres) that lies withinCwm Idwal in theGlyderau mountains ofSnowdonia.[2]
It is named after Prince Idwal Foel, a grandson ofRhodri Mawr, one of the ancient Kings of Wales. Legend states that the king's unfortunate offspring was murdered by beingdrowned in the lake. In fact Idwal Foel died in battle against the Saxons in 942 and an alternate version claims that he was cremated beside the lake, as was the burial custom for Celtic nobility.[3]
A number of small streams flow into Llyn Idwal from aroundCwm Idwal. One small river flows out and joins theAfon Ogwen river at Pont Pen-y-Benglog nearOgwen Cottage, immediately above the Rhaeadr Ogwen waterfall.
The lake is easily accessible on foot via a 900-metre long stone-paved path fromOgwen Cottage on the mainA5 road. Another path encircles the lake. Two paths lead from opposite sides of the lake to the top of the ridge close to the Twll Du (Devil's Kitchen), but these paths become rather steep in places. They lead toGlyder Fach andGlyder Fawr.
There is a small pebble beach at the northwest edge of Llyn Idwal which is occasionally used by visitors for recreation, including bathing in the summer months. As a mountain lake, the waters can be cold and care should be taken by swimmers not to go out beyond their depths.
The lake lies wholly withinGwynedd County, although the eastern edge forms the boundary between the counties ofGwynedd andConwy.
