Exploring the Picturesque Lakes around Betws-y-Coed
The beautiful countryside of North Wales boasts some of the most breath-taking landscapes in the UK. Famed for its beautiful mountain ranges, dramatic coastline, and picturesque lakes, the area is a feast for the senses. One of the most beautiful spots in North Wales is undoubtedly Betws-y-Coed, a small village nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. This charming village is surrounded by some of the most picturesque and serene lakes in the area, and in this blog, we'll take a closer look at them.
Betws-y-Coed itself is a great place to explore, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to discover. The village sits at the confluence of the rivers Llugwy, Conwy, and Lledr, which give it a unique character and provide some lovely walking routes. But it's the lakes that are the real draw here. There are several beautiful lakes in and around the village, each with its own unique character, and exploring them all is a must for anyone visiting the area.
The first lake we'll look at is Llyn Elsi, located just a short walk from Hendre Rhys Gethin and the village itself. This beautiful lake is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. The trail around the lake is approximately 2.5 miles long and takes around an hour to complete. It offers some truly stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, as well as the chance to spot some of the local wildlife.
One of the best things about Llyn Elsi is that it's relatively quiet compared to some of the more popular tourist spots in the area. This makes it the perfect place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful and tranquil walk. The lake is also known for its fishing, with brown and rainbow trout both present in the water. So, if you're an angler, consider bringing your gear along and give it a try. Remember, a permit is required.
The next lake we'll explore is Llyn Geirionydd, located just a few miles from Betws-y-Coed. This beautiful lake is surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, making it a stunning place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic. There are several walking trails around the lake, including the popular Geirionydd Circular Walk, which takes around two hours to complete. One of the highlights of Llyn Geirionydd is its clear blue water, which is perfect for swimming on a summer's day. The lake is also popular with kayakers, paddle boarders and motor boats, so if you're feeling adventurous, why not rent a boat and explore the lake from a different perspective?
Another nearby lake worth visiting is Llyn Crafnant, which is located just a few miles to the north of Llyn Geirionydd. This beautiful lake is surrounded by dense woodland and towering mountains, making it a real hidden gem. The lake is around a mile long and half a mile wide, and there are plenty of walking trails around it to explore. One of the highlights of Llyn Crafnant is the stunning waterfall that cascades into the lake. The waterfall is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, and it's well worth taking the time to explore the area around it. There's also a cafe located next to the lake, which is an ideal spot for a coffee or a bite to eat after a walk.
Moving further afield, another beautiful lake in the area is Llyn Padarn, located around 10 miles from Betws-y-Coed. This stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountains, making it a breathtaking place to explore. The lake is around two miles long and half a mile wide, and there are several walking trails around it to discover. One of the highlights of Llyn Padarn is the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, which are located on the eastern shore of the lake. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the area. There are also several water sports activities on the lake, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. So, if you're looking for some adventure, Llyn Padarn is the perfect spot.
Finally, we come to the largest and most famous lake in the area, Llyn Tegid (also known as Lake Bala). Located around 25 miles from Betws-y-Coed, this stunning lake is over four miles long and half a mile wide, making it the largest natural lake in Wales. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, and there are several walking trails around it to explore. One of the highlights of Llyn Tegid is the watersports activities available on the lake. There are several adventure centers located around the lake, offering activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. The lake is also popular with fishermen, with brown trout and pike both present in the water.
