Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd, Wales

Even with all the cloud shadows, it still should be apparent why Cwm Idwal would make a good place for climbers to practice their craft; a few were out and about on my first visit here. Llyn Idwal is lurking in the shadows while the the rocky buttresses catch the light to make you wonder is there is a way around them for walkers at all. The answer is that there is though the rocky staircase needs a reasonable head for heights to get up or down it. First, you have to get to it and one option will take you on a precarious looking crossing of a waterfall, which is why I took the second less challenging course on my second visit.