🗺️ The route
Free to viewIf you want a wild swim with a view, then they don’t get much better than the this spot on Pen Yr Ole Wen overlooking the mighty Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley. With a relatively short route up but with BIG views, its no surprise this is a go to of ours when were in the Ogwen Valley.
What to expect
You’ll leave the Ogwen valley and head up the quieter side of the mountains past Llyn Ogwen before you start the climb up Pen Yr Ole Wen. The path is quite tricky to follow in places and not always obvious but as long as you keep the river in your sight you can’t go too far wrong.
There may be times you have to cross calmer sections of the falls on stepping stones, so its not the easiest walk but the views back down the valley towards the lake and Tryfan are breathtaking.
Getting there & parking
Llyn Ogwen Cottage main car park – LL57 3LZ. This one is a pay & display, there are also lots of FREE lay-bys further along the road, but these do fill up quickly. Use the same postcode and just carry on along the A5.
Good to know
Yes, at the start of the walk.
No, dogs aren't allowed on this walk.
Expect roadside, mountain paths, stream crossings underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 4.4 Miles
- 2-3 Hours
- Moderate
This is an out and back route, starting at Llyn Ogwen before crossing a little stream bridge to walk past the lake and up Pen Yr Ole Wen. Shortly after, you’ll cross a stile and follow the waterfall up, once you reach a second stile, look out for the mountain pool on your right, its not always obvious from the path
Step-by-step
- From the car park, head right along the A5.
- Once you get past the lake look out for a footpath on your left.
- Follow this past the cottage, through the gate and towards Pen Yr Ole Wen.
- You'll see a stile over a wall, take this.
- Follow the waterfall up, you may have to cross the falls at certain points, the path isn't obvious here so it can be tricky.
- Once you reach another stone wall with a stile, you're almost there.
- Get over the wall and look out for the mountain pool on your right.
- Head back the same way you come after a swim.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Good walking boots, always. Even in summer the path can be wet in places and you need solid footwear with good grip to cross the falls as the rocks here can be slippy. Be sure to also pack swimwear, a towel, swimming shoes, as well as extra layers and a hot drink for after your swim.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Grip on rock We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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When the weather turns Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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A brew at the top We both useJetboil Stove
Fast, efficient stove for a brew or a hot meal on the trail.
