Cwm Idwal

Cwm Idwal features a U-shaped valley with steep cliffs surrounding a glacial lake at an elevation of over 300 meters above sea level.

The cirque formation dates back to the last Ice Age, when massive glaciers carved out the distinct bowl-shaped depression in the mountainside.

The site serves as an educational center for geology students, with Charles Darwin conducting research on glacial processes in this location.

Visitors can access the cirque through marked trails starting from the parking area, with informational boards explaining the geological formations along the path.

The location contains rare Arctic-Alpine plants that survived from the last glaciation period, making it a protected botanical research site.

Location: Gwynedd

GPS coordinates: 53.11371,-4.02993

Latest update: March 3, 2025 18:07