Top 16 Lakes around Llanrwst
Best lakes around Llanrwst are situated in the Conwy Valley, an area characterized by its forested hills and the rugged landscape of Snowdonia. This region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with many lakes serving as important water sources or featuring notable landmarks. The landscape provides diverse opportunities for exploration, from serene waters to surrounding woodlands.
Best lakes around Llanrwst
- The most popular lakes is Llyn Crafnant, a viewpoint that is a serene lake located in the Conwy Valley surrounded by forested hills and the rugged landscape of Snowdonia. There is a cafe and fishery further south along the lake.
- Another must-see spot is Llyn Elsi, a lake. This idyllic mountain lake is hidden amongst the pine and deciduous forests of the Gwydyr Forest and lies above Betws-y-Coed. It is used as a water reservoir and offers picturesque views.
- Visitors also love Llyn Syfydrin Waterworks Commemoration Monument, a man-made monument on the north side of the lake. It commemorates the construction of the dam and the use of the lake as a water supply, with lake-facing benches available for visitors.
- Llanrwst is known for its forested lakes, family-friendly lake walks, and historical sites near water bodies. Visitors can explore a variety of natural and man-made features alongside these water sources.
- The lakes around Llanrwst are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 20 photos shared.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Llyn Crafnant
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Llyn Elsi
Highlight • Lake
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Llyn Syfydrin Waterworks Commemoration Monument
Highlight • Monument
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Eigiau Dam Ruins
Highlight • Structure
On 2 November 1925 the failure of two dams caused a flood that swamped the village of Dolgarrog, killing 16 people. The disaster was started by the failure of the Eigiau Dam, a gravity dam owned by the Aluminium Corporation. The water released from the reservoir flooded downstream,[10] and overtopped the Coedty Dam, an embankment dam. This dam also subsequently failed, releasing the huge volume of water that flooded Dolgarrog.[11] Many more villagers could have been killed had they not been in the local theatre watching a film that night.
The disaster at Dolgarrog led the British parliament to pass the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act in 1930, which introduced laws on the safety of reservoirs. This has since been updated, and the current one is the Reservoirs Act, 1975.
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Llyn Parc
Highlight • Forest
The long, narrow lake is surrounded by the thick Gwydyr Forest, with a walking path down the eastern shore.
A gravel fire road is perfect for cycling nearby, touching the shore at the southern end where you'll find the dam.
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Tips from the Community
This is a serene lake located in the Conwy Valley surrounded by forested hills and the rugged landscape of Snowdonia. There's a cafe and fishery further south along the lake which is a lovely place to stop and refuel.
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Llyn Crafnant is a lake that lies in a valley in Wales where the northern edge of the Gwydir Forest meets the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains and, more specifically, the ridge of Cefn Cyfarwydd. The head of the valley offers a profile of crags which are silhouetted at sunset. The Forest Park guide (2002) states that "the (view along Llyn Crafnant) is one of the most breathtaking views in all Snowdonia" Crafnant takes its name from “craf”, an old Welsh word for garlic, and “nant”, a stream or valley. Many visitors walk there from the village or from the neighbouring lake of Llyn Geirionydd, which runs parallel to it, but a mile distant, the two being separated by Mynydd Deulyn – “mountain of the two lakes”. The lake can also be reached on foot from Capel Curig.
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This memorial on the north side of the lake commemorates the fact that Lord Ancaster allowed the construction of the dam and the use of the lake as a water supply.
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This idyllic mountain lake is hidden amongst the pine and deciduous forests of the Gwydyr Forest and lies above Betws-y-Coed. The lake is used as a water reservoir. In the past the lake was actually made up of two smaller lakes, called Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc.
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The construction of such a huge structure as this dam was hard and dangerous work at the time, without the technical resources available today. So it's nice that this monument keeps the memory of the construction workers alive.
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A few lake facing benches here. perfect to have a bite to eat and coffee before head off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Llanrwst?
Yes, several lakes in the area are suitable for families. Llyn Crafnant offers accessible paths around its perimeter, and there's a cafe and fishery. Llyn Elsi, hidden within the Gwydyr Forest, is another picturesque spot. Additionally, Llyn Parc has a walking path along its eastern shore and is close to Betws-y-Coed, making it easily accessible for families.
What are some easy lake walks near Llanrwst?
For an easy walk, the paths around Llyn Crafnant are generally accessible and offer a less strenuous experience. The lake is serene and surrounded by forested hills. Another option is the walking path along the eastern shore of Llyn Parc, which provides a peaceful stroll through the Gwydyr Forest.
How long does it take to walk around Llyn Crafnant?
A full circular walk around Llyn Crafnant typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The paths are generally accessible, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding Snowdonia landscape.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Yes, there is a cafe and fishery located further south along Llyn Crafnant, providing a lovely spot to stop and refuel. For Llyn Syfydrin Waterworks Commemoration Monument, there are lake-facing benches available, perfect for a break with a bite to eat and coffee.
What historical sites can be found near the lakes?
Near the lakes, you can visit the Llyn Syfydrin Waterworks Commemoration Monument, which commemorates the construction of the dam and the lake's use as a water supply. Additionally, the Eigiau Dam Ruins offer a poignant historical site, marking the location of a significant dam failure in 1925 that led to the Dolgarrog flood.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The area around Llanrwst's lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain hikes, including trails around Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd. There are also MTB trails, such as those around Llyn Parc, and cycling routes that pass by Llyn Parc and Llyn Crafnant. For more details, explore the Mountain Hikes around Llanrwst, MTB Trails around Llanrwst, and Cycling around Llanrwst guides.
Are there challenging hikes around Llanrwst lakes?
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, the region offers mountain hikes that can be quite demanding. For instance, the 'Llyn-y-Foel – Moel Siabod Summit loop from Capel Curig' is rated as difficult. You can find more challenging options in the Mountain Hikes around Llanrwst guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Llanrwst?
The lakes around Llanrwst are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for outdoor activities is typically from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period is ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural scenery. Winter offers a different, often serene, experience with snow-capped landscapes, though some paths might be more challenging.
Are the lake paths accessible for everyone?
While many paths are suitable for general walking, specific accessibility for wheelchairs or pushchairs can vary. Llyn Crafnant is noted for having 'good accessible paths around the outside for a less strenuous walk,' which suggests it's more accommodating than some other locations. Always check specific route details for the most accurate accessibility information.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are nestled within the Conwy Valley, characterized by forested hills and the rugged landscape of Snowdonia. You'll encounter dense pine and deciduous forests, particularly around Llyn Elsi and Llyn Parc within the Gwydyr Forest. The views often include crags, especially at the head of the Llyn Crafnant valley, which are silhouetted at sunset.
Can I find circular walks around the lakes?
Yes, circular walks are available. For example, there's a 'Llyn Crafnant – View of Llyn Crafnant loop from Capel Curig' which is a moderate 11.3 km route. Many of the lakes, like Llyn Crafnant, have paths that allow for a full circuit, offering varied perspectives of the water and surrounding scenery.
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