Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
The geological features and vegetation of Cwm Idwal provide clear examples of the changes in Wales over eons, and drew naturalist Charles Darwin here in the 19th century.
Cwm Idwal comprises volcanic and sedimentary rock which was laid down in a shallow Ordovician sea 450 million years ago, and later pushed up and deformed into the distinctive u-shaped fold known today as the Idwal Syncline. The site has been further shaped by ice and snow which covered the uplands during cold phases of the last Ice Age.
Cwm Idwal is one of the best places, and the most southerly British place, to see plants which were very common during the cold glacial periods. Arctic-alpine plants such as moss campion and saxifrages can be seen in the cracks and crevices of the north facing slopes.
When the glaciers finally retreated from Snowdonia 11,500 years ago they eroded and deposited material in their path in mounds called moraines, which can be seen around the floor of the Cwm.
Arctic plants were soon joined by grasses, shrubs and eventually trees. You can actually find parts of ancient birch trees buried in peat, even though there are no birches nearby today - evidence suggesting that the uplands of Wales were once far more wooded than they are today.
Access:
There is one disabled parking space and an adapted toilet here. For interpretation facilities, it's advisable to ring first. The mile-long walk from the car park is on a rough path, but, on the plus side, there aren't any stiles on the route.
Location:
Off the A5 at the west end of Llyn Ogwen, 5m South of Bethesda (next to Ogwen Cottage Youth Hostel). Car park, toilets, small cafe and interpretation facilities on Cwm Idwal and Nant Ffrancon. Pick up the footpath from the car park. The site is managed jointly by the National Trust and CCW.
Ben Dover, Holmes Chapel It's nice looking, but after 2 minutes it gets incredibly boring. Wed Jul 8 13:32:16 2009
Harry Dodd, Wirral (North West England) I went to Cwm Idwal with my school, early October. It just blew me away! I stood, and gazed in complete ore at the splended corrie back wall, and was astounded at the beauty of the swirling hills, that diaaspeaed behind the mist! I am honoured to say that I have been to Cwm Idwal: it will be a momory that I keep in my mind forever, and everytime I think of 'beauty', I will think just 2 words...Cwm Idwal. Thu Oct 18 15:24:51 2007
Renee Eaton The view of Nant Ffrancon is truly inspirational and like another man mentioned here my Father, Ronald Lester, also wanted his ashes scattered there. If you have never visited all I can say is do make the effort, it is well worth it! Mon Feb 19 10:11:51 2007
Matt Wynne, Warrington I've just got back from there and I thought it was really interesting. Watch out for the RAF flying overhead though. Really loud. Wed Jul 12 11:13:34 2006
Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
