Our Favourite Lakes in Snowdonia
Snowdonia has been blessed with some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Sculptured thousands of years ago by ice, the dramatic and magnificent landscapes make Snowdonia one the most outstanding places to be.
There are over a hundred lakes more than an acre in size in Snowdonia, some that attract hundreds of visitors because of the rich beauty of the area that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Cwm Idwal attracts many visitors due to being a popular area for rock climbing and ice climbing.
Llyn Idwal (lake) is over 800 metres long and 300 metres wide and set perfectly around tall and craggy cliffs which are an outstanding site.
Something that makes this area special is that it's a Site of Scientific Interest where many rare and protected plants can be seen growing through the cracks of the hanging valley.
One of the more searched-for plants in this area is the Snowdon Lily which can only be found on Mount Snowdon and the surrounding area.
This rare plant can be found in bloom from June onwards, so if you catch a glimpse be sure to take a picture.
Trawsfynydd Lake is popular for fishing.
This lovely location is one of the best places to catch rainbow trout, brown trout and perch with permits for sale in the area.
Four dams were built to create this lake lying between Porthmadog and Dolgellau.
One of these dams was built after the construction of the nuclear power plant that you can see in the background.
There is also an 'around the lake walk' of about 8 miles in length which will guarantee a full day of beautiful views over the lake where you can watch the fishermen trying to get the biggest catch.
Llyn Elis can be found above the village of Betws-y-Coed in the Gwydyr Forrest.
This area is said to be the outdoor capital of the North with numerous mountain bike and walking paths.
Set right in the heart of the forest you can choose to take a path right for Betws-y-Coed village itself which will take you right to the lake and back again.
This path is around five miles long but well worth it for the beauty you see along the way.
Some more closed parts of the lake are also a breeding ground for black headed gulls which you can see from time to time.
After you've visited the lake it's also a lovely experience to visit the idyllic village where you can relax and enjoy a hot drink.
Lyn Ogwen, lying just four miles out of the sleepy slate town of Bethesda, has become increasingly popular due to its location.
It sits between the two mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau with the A5 road running alongside it.
Also with the high mountain backdrops of Pen yr Ole and Tryfan it has become an area that is popular among photographers who visit during all seasons of the year.
In fact, Ogwen Lake is quite shallow with a depth of only three metres, although it looks much deeper.
It is said to be the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur's sword Excalibur.
The blue lake can be found in Goleuwern Slate Quarry, above Fairbourne.
Only accessible by foot through a gloomy tunnel this unusual lagoon type lake makes for a very interesting visit.
It is said to be very deep as it was once a popular spot for divers.
You can still see old quarry tracks and machinery about the quarry which adds to its eerie feel.
Once you've visited this memorable lake you can enjoy the other attractions of Fairbourne such as its steam railway, the Fairbourne railway, or a round of golf or visit the beach.
Another lake holding a similar blue colour is Llyn Du'r Arddu set a little closer to Snowdon.
It holds its vibrant colour from the copper mineral deposits in the area.
It sits just below Clogwyn Coch ridge at 579 metres above sea level.
The lake that can be viewed on the way to the summit holds a legend that a 'fairy' emerged and returned to the underworld.
The lakes of Snowdonia always hold something special about them that make them well worth the visit.
Whether it's fascinating colours or outstanding views and surroundings, they will be part of memories you will never want to forget.
Sculptured thousands of years ago by ice, the dramatic and magnificent landscapes make Snowdonia one the most outstanding places to be.
There are over a hundred lakes more than an acre in size in Snowdonia, some that attract hundreds of visitors because of the rich beauty of the area that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Cwm Idwal attracts many visitors due to being a popular area for rock climbing and ice climbing.
Llyn Idwal (lake) is over 800 metres long and 300 metres wide and set perfectly around tall and craggy cliffs which are an outstanding site.
Something that makes this area special is that it's a Site of Scientific Interest where many rare and protected plants can be seen growing through the cracks of the hanging valley.
One of the more searched-for plants in this area is the Snowdon Lily which can only be found on Mount Snowdon and the surrounding area.
This rare plant can be found in bloom from June onwards, so if you catch a glimpse be sure to take a picture.
Trawsfynydd Lake is popular for fishing.
This lovely location is one of the best places to catch rainbow trout, brown trout and perch with permits for sale in the area.
Four dams were built to create this lake lying between Porthmadog and Dolgellau.
One of these dams was built after the construction of the nuclear power plant that you can see in the background.
There is also an 'around the lake walk' of about 8 miles in length which will guarantee a full day of beautiful views over the lake where you can watch the fishermen trying to get the biggest catch.
Llyn Elis can be found above the village of Betws-y-Coed in the Gwydyr Forrest.
This area is said to be the outdoor capital of the North with numerous mountain bike and walking paths.
Set right in the heart of the forest you can choose to take a path right for Betws-y-Coed village itself which will take you right to the lake and back again.
This path is around five miles long but well worth it for the beauty you see along the way.
Some more closed parts of the lake are also a breeding ground for black headed gulls which you can see from time to time.
After you've visited the lake it's also a lovely experience to visit the idyllic village where you can relax and enjoy a hot drink.
Lyn Ogwen, lying just four miles out of the sleepy slate town of Bethesda, has become increasingly popular due to its location.
It sits between the two mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau with the A5 road running alongside it.
Also with the high mountain backdrops of Pen yr Ole and Tryfan it has become an area that is popular among photographers who visit during all seasons of the year.
In fact, Ogwen Lake is quite shallow with a depth of only three metres, although it looks much deeper.
It is said to be the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur's sword Excalibur.
The blue lake can be found in Goleuwern Slate Quarry, above Fairbourne.
Only accessible by foot through a gloomy tunnel this unusual lagoon type lake makes for a very interesting visit.
It is said to be very deep as it was once a popular spot for divers.
You can still see old quarry tracks and machinery about the quarry which adds to its eerie feel.
Once you've visited this memorable lake you can enjoy the other attractions of Fairbourne such as its steam railway, the Fairbourne railway, or a round of golf or visit the beach.
Another lake holding a similar blue colour is Llyn Du'r Arddu set a little closer to Snowdon.
It holds its vibrant colour from the copper mineral deposits in the area.
It sits just below Clogwyn Coch ridge at 579 metres above sea level.
The lake that can be viewed on the way to the summit holds a legend that a 'fairy' emerged and returned to the underworld.
The lakes of Snowdonia always hold something special about them that make them well worth the visit.
Whether it's fascinating colours or outstanding views and surroundings, they will be part of memories you will never want to forget.