Cwm Idwal

The Cwm Idwal CAN project will transform the current premises into an attractive gateway to Snowdonia. It will greatly improve the experience of visitors to Cwm Idwal and surrounding mountains. The experience will be accessible to a far greater range of people, as well as climbers, long distance walkers and outdoor activity groups.

In Cwm Idwal there is an excellent and accessible mountain experience. There is a remote feeling relating to the place and it has many gripping stories to recite, and it is only a stone's throw from the A5.

However the current facilities at Cwm Idwal are no longer fit for purpose and this initiative will transform the premises into an attractive gateway to Snowdonia, greatly improving the experience of visitors to Cwm Idwal and surrounding mountains. The site will be accessible to a far greater range of people, as well as climbers, long distance walkers and outdoor activity groups.

The legacy of this initiative will be:

a gateway fit for the magnificent scenery and experience of Cwm Idwal and the mountains around the site
facilities that stimulate new enterprises that offer services to visitors
facilities that are accessible to a greater range of visitors
new, up to date, interpretation of Cwm Idwal
a hub for community and volunteer engagement in the environment
provision of an indoor meeting space to support enterprises and events
approximately 350 metres of new path to complete a low level walking circuit around Llyn Idwal

The CAN initiative at Cwm Idwal is being delivered in partnership by CCW, Snowdonia National Park Authority and the National Trust.

The National Park Authority and CCW consulted widely about the facilities valued by users, to find out what is required to support a great outdoor experience. The consultation in Spring showed a lot of support for the overall design. We adapted the canopy and fine tuned other aspects to take on board comments about it needing to look more robust and less flamboyant. We have submitted the planning application and hope it will be approved by the planning authority on 14 December 2011. If so, we intend to start work late in January 2012, with the project completing in July or August 2012.