Wild Swimming On Pen Yr Ole Wen, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

If 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

The route

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

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.

Eat & drink nearby

Betws Y Coed. Llanberis and Caernarfon are all within a 30 minute drive for post swim refreshments. There is also a little cafe at the visitor centre at the main car park in the Ogwen Valley.

Places to stay nearby

Elephant View, Eryri National Park Glamping

Elephant View, a luxury shepherd's hut for 4 near Eryri (Snowdonia), with a wood fired hot tub and pizza oven.

8 miles away 📍 Map View →

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