Earlier this week on the blog we delved deeper into the legend of King Arthur – one of the most famous stories of all time, and just how closely linked the tales are to the wonderful and historic landscape of Snowdonia.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the legends of Arthur further, then Snowdonia is a great place to start. And today on the blog, we’re featuring a fantastic walk at the heart of Snowdonia. Llyn Ogwen is said to be the final resting place of excalibur, Arthur’s trusty sword. Arthur’s Knight Sir Bedivere threw the sword into the lake after Arthur’s final battle – the battle of Camlann, where it was caught by the infamous lady of the lake.

Listen for the ghost of Excalibur at Llyn Ogwen, thought to be the sword’s final resting place.

Where:             Llyn Ogwen, Snowdonia, Gwynedd.

Distance:          3 miles

Difficulty:          Fairly easy with good paths. Some steep hills

Start:                Pay & Display Car park at western end of lake; just off A5 between Capel Curig and Bethesda – follow signs for toilet and parking.

Grid Ref:           SH 649 603

Maps:               OS Explorer 17: Snowdon

Directions:

1: Leave car park by stony track on left side of toilet block that heads uphill (Cwm Idwal Nature Trail). Pass waterfalls, then turn right and carry on uphill. At fence that marks edge of nature reserve pass through gate and turn left to walk along the eastern edge of Llyn Idwal. There’s a well defined path here that climbs up into the valley of Cwm Idwal.

2: About ¾ way along lake, leave the nature trail (this heads right to continue along lake) and instead head upwards underneath rock slabs. Cross stream then follow windy footpath to the bottom of Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du).

3: If visibility is good, continue to the tarn of Llyn y Cwn – follow path to left as it heads up slab of rock, now on right. At the top you will come to grassy area between peaks ahead; Glyder Fawr is on your left and Y Garn is on right. Look just beyond first small grassy hillocks to find the tarn. Re-trace steps back down to bottom of Twll Du.

4: Look to north east (in direction of lake) to find path among large rocks and stones that splits. Take left fork to walk above the lake.

5: Continue as path rounds the northern end, and the footpath will soon meet the track that you used on way up. Turn left here and re-trace steps back to car park. To visit Llyn Ogwen, turn right out of car park onto road, then cross main road (A5) to lake shore.

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.