A Cwm Idwal walk | Photographing the Snowdonia mountains
The Cwm Idwal Walk: A Photographer’s Dream in Snowdonia
Tucked into the heart of Snowdonia National Park, the Cwm Idwal walk offers one of North Wales' most photogenic hiking routes. Whether you're an amateur with a smartphone or a seasoned photographer with a DSLR, the trail around Cwm Idwal provides stunning opportunities to capture dramatic landscapes, shifting light, and unique geological features.
The walk begins at the Ogwen Cottage visitor centre, where parking is available and trail information is easily accessible. From there, a well-maintained stone path gently ascends into the glacial amphitheatre of Cwm Idwal, framed by towering peaks such as Tryfan and the Glyderau. The circular route around Llyn Idwal (Idwal Lake) is approximately 3 miles (5 km) and can be completed in 1.5 to 2 hours — though photography lovers will want to allow more time for stops.
What makes the Llyn Idwal circular walk so special for photography is its combination of serene water, rugged rock formations, and ever-changing weather. On clear days, you can capture mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake’s surface. In moody conditions, low-hanging mist clings to cliffs like Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du), adding atmosphere and drama to every shot.
Golden hour here is particularly magical. The evening sun often paints the crags in soft amber tones, while morning light can cast long, delicate shadows across the valley. Wildlife sightings — such as mountain goats or peregrine falcons — provide additional opportunities for nature photography.
Tips for photographers: bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the water, and a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the surrounding peaks. Waterproof gear is a good idea — Snowdonia’s weather can change quickly.
In all seasons, the walk in Cwm Idwal delivers breathtaking compositions and peaceful solitude. It’s a must-visit for landscape photographers seeking inspiration in one of Wales' most iconic natural settings.
With the recent snowfall here in North Wales, I couldn't miss the opportunity for a wander with the camera amongst the snow-capped mountains of Eryri Snowdonia National Park. I made my way to Cwm Idwal, one of my favourite photography locations and a site I often utilise for my Eryri Snowdonia photography workshops. The conditions were nearly perfect; Llyn Idwal was partially frozen, calm winds provided a chance for reflections, and the mountain peaks, draped in snow, created a stunning backdrop. The views of Tryfan and Pen Yr Ole Wen were particularly striking. I managed to capture a variety of photos, so do take a moment to browse through my Eryri Snowdonia photo gallery. If you click on the embedded photos in this blog, you can view the larger versions.
Looking for Eryri Snowdonia photos? Visit my website gallery
An Eryri Snowdonia photos gallery where you can buy stunning photo prints, framed photographs and canvases of the beautiful Eryri Snowdonia scenery by photographer Simon Kitchin.
