Cwm Lloer, Ogwen Valley, Eryri

SUMMARY:

Best at / for: winter sunrise.

Best avoided: summer sunset

Parking: free parking on the A5 near Llyn Ogwen.

Access: strenuous walking required.

Notes: good hiking / wild camping opportunities nearby.

Details:

Cwm Lloer is a secluded hanging valley above sea not going underneath the peak of Pen Yr Ole Wen. The hike up from the A5 takes about an hour and can be quite strenuous. There isn’t a defined footpath and the going can be quite boggy.

But the effort to reach Cwm Lloer Is well worth it for the landscape photographer. It is a secluded south east facing corrie, the route up to which offers some of the classic views of Tryfan and the Glyders.

The valley itself gets very little light except for mid winter sunrises when it can be absolutely spectacular. The attraction of this location for me, however, is the wild and remote seclusion it offers despite being relatively easily accessible – by comparison , that is, to some of the more remote areas of the Carneddau range.

One particular feature of this location which I enjoy is the “infinity pool” aspect of the lake which drains from the valley, with its backdrop of distant hills.