³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Wales, the u-shaped valley and lake at the bottom has been formed over millennia and exhibits some geologically interesting features.

Cwm Idwal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the cwm was established as Wales' first nature reserve in 1954.

The areas almost unique set of geological, geographical and ecological characteristics even drew Charles Darwin here and thousands of walkers, geologists and botanists continue to visit each year.

Its peculiar structure gives it characteristics more in common with a far colder climate and is therefore ideal for plant species which were common during glacial periods.

Cwm Idwal is the most southerly place in the British Isles where Arctic plants such as moss campion and some alpine saxifrages, including tufted saxifrage and saxifraga nivalis grow in the cracks and rock crevices.

The rare Snowdon lily can also be found here so tread carefully as this flower is unique to these isolated parts of Snowdonia and may not survive if global warming continues.