Idwal Slabs
The great grey sweep of slabs above Llyn Idwal in Cwm Idwal, where generations of British climbers have learned their trade. Long, easy-angled padding up water-worn volcanic rock, with the harder walls above holding pre-war test-pieces like Suicide Wall. Drainage lines mean the slabs stay greasy for a while after rain.
Conditions right now
Classics
| Route | Grade |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Route | D |
| Hope | VD |
| Tennis Shoe | HS 4b |
| Suicide Wall Route 1 | E2 5c |
Access & approach
Park at Ogwen Cottage (fills very early) or lay-bys on the A5; 25 minute walk to the slabs. National Nature Reserve - keep to paths.
Always check the BMC Regional Access Database (RAD)for current restrictions and seasonal bird bans before visiting. County: Gwynedd. View on OpenStreetMap ↗
Photos
Freely-licensed photographs taken at or near the crag. Rock changes less than websites do, but check the date — an approach can silt up or a path can be diverted.
The Crazy Fighting Goats of the Ogwen Valley · RufusDaviesPhotography, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia - geograph.org.uk - 1424783 · Geoff Cooper, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Llyn Idwal and The Devil's Kitchen - geograph.org.uk - 1811807 · Gary Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Mountain Goats at Llyn Idwal - geograph.org.uk - 1811847 · Gary Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Cwm Idwal - Easter 1959 - geograph.org.uk - 2579818 · M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
