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The breathtaking valley of Ogwen

The valley of Ogwen is one of the National Park’s most breathtaking backdrops. The valley is a great base for exploring both the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges and is home to Cwm Idwal—a jaw-dropping glacial valley famous for its geology.

Getting to Ogwen
Before you visit

Double yellow lines have been placed along parts of the A5 in Ogwen. Parking is not permitted on double yellow lines at any time including on the side of the road and the pavement.

At busy times, such as the spring and summer holidays, parking spaces in Ogwen fill up quickly. You should use bus services from Bethesda if parking spaces in Ogwen are full.

Using public transport is a convenient way to get to the Ogwen valley.

T10 TrawsCymru Bus Service
The TrawsCymru T10 service links Bangor, Bethesda and Betws y Coed and stops at Ogwen.

T10 Bus Timetable (Traws Cymru)

Bws Ogwen Electric Bus Service
Bws Ogwen is a 9-seat electric bus service that runs from the nearby village of Bethesda to Ogwen.

Bws Ogwen Timetable

The best place to park if you’re using public transport to get to the Ogwen valley is at the local football club at the nearby village of Bethesda.

Bethesda Football Club Parking
Fee: £7/day paid by pay and display machine
Public transport services stop at bus stops in Bethesda.

View Bethesda Football Club Car Park on Google Maps

Bws Ogwen Electric Bus Service
The Bws Ogwen service is part of the Ogwen Partnership scheme—a social enterprise working for the benefit of the economy, environment and communities of Ogwen.

The 9-seater bus travels between the nearby village of Bethesda and Ogwen.

It’s possible to park at Bethesda Football Club and catch the Bws Ogwen service from the bus stops in the village.

Bethesda Football Club Parking Fee: £7

View Bethesda Football Club Car Park on Google Maps

Bws Ogwen Timetable
Ogwen Partnership Website

Parking is limited at Ogwen and spaces fill up quickly, particularly during peak times.

There is a small car park owned and managed by the National Park Authority at the Ogwen Centre.

Ogwen Centre Car Park
Daily rate (Expires at midnight): £6.00
4 hours: £3.00
Blue badge/disabled parking: 2 spaces
EV charge points available

Payment method ‘Chip and pin’ or contactless only. Cash payments not accepted.

View on what3words
View on Google Maps

The glacial valley of Cwm Idwal is one of Eryri's most dramatic locations. The Glyderau range is accessible from Ogwen valley. The Ogwen Centre offers drinks and snacks as well as access to toilets. Llyn Ogwen is a lake that lies in the heart of the valley with its own mythical connections (© Crown Copyright)
The glacial valley of Cwm Idwal is one of Eryri's most dramatic locations.
The Glyderau range is accessible from Ogwen valley.
The Ogwen Centre offers drinks and snacks as well as access to toilets.
Llyn Ogwen is a lake that lies in the heart of the valley with its own mythical connections (© Crown Copyright)
Cwm Idwal Centre

At the heart of the Ogwen valley is the Cwm Idwal Centre with ample facilities such as:

  • Interactive exhibition

  • Public toilets and showers, accessible 24 hours a day

  • Ogwen snack bar providing a range of drinks, snacks, pasties and a variety of locally-baked cakes

Cwm Idwal Partnership Officer’s Headquarters, the Eryri National Park Authority wardens work from here on occasion. However, due to the nature of warden work, the presence of a warden cannot be guaranteed during core hours. 

Ogwen Cottage

Ogwen Cottage has long been familiar to climbers, ramblers and general visitors to Ogwen for many years. The National Trust bought the property back in 2014 and the Glyderau and Carneddau wardens are based here.

The Outward Bound Trust also has a centre here which they use as a great location for challenging and adventurous outdoor learning courses for children and young adults.

Ogwen Cottage (National Trust website)

Walks and Routes
Cwm Idwal Walk
Follow the route around the breathtakingly unique, Cwm Idwal.
Outstanding geology
The Ogwen valley is home to a rich geological history stretching over millions of years.
Eryri's Geology