Top 6 Lakes in Anglesey

Anglesey's lakes are rich in wildlife, especially birds. At Llyn Alaw, you can spot wildfowl, common terns, and occasionally rare black terns. Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve is known for seabird colonies, butterflies, and aquatic plants, particularly thousands of Sandwich, common, and Arctic terns nesting from May to June. Llyn Maelog is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse birdlife including reedbed birds, coot, pochard, and reed warblers, plus eight species of pondweed. The Valley Lakes, an RSPB reserve, support various ducks, grebes, and wintering species, and are one of the last places in Wales where bitterns bred.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Llyn Alaw has a network of pathways. Llyn Cefni features a peaceful circular walk, mostly through forest, which is popular and dog-friendly. Llyn Maelog has a public footpath encircling much of the lake, linking to the Anglesey Coastal Path. For more extensive routes, you can explore the running trails in Anglesey, which include an easy 4.7 km loop around Llyn Cefni Dam and Reservoir.

Several lakes are great for families. Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam is a peaceful spot for a picnic. Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve is also considered family-friendly, offering a chance to see seabirds. Llyn Cerrig Bach, with its historical significance, can be an interesting stop for families, especially with the chance to spot jets from the nearby RAF base.

Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Llyn Alaw offers fishing opportunities. Llyn Cefni is managed as a fishery by the Cefni Angling Association. Llyn Maelog is known for pike, bream, roach, rudd, and perch. Llyn Llywenan is also renowned for its fishing opportunities.

Yes, Anglesey's lakes are often surrounded by history. Llyn Cerrig Bach is famous for the discovery of over 150 Iron Age metal objects, considered one of the most important finds of its kind in the British Isles. Llyn Llywenan holds historical significance as a site for lake baptisms. The Valley Lakes area, particularly Llyn Cerrig Bach, is notable for its Iron Age treasure hoard discovery.

Many of Anglesey's lake walks are dog-friendly. The circular walk around Llyn Cefni, mostly through forest, is a popular spot for dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock.

Cycling is a great way to explore the lake areas. Llyn Alaw serves as a starting point for several cycle trails. The Lôn Las Cefni cycleway meanders along the Afon Cefni and provides easy access to Llyn Cefni. You can also find various road cycling routes in Anglesey that pass near some of the lakes.

For birdwatching, the best times vary by lake and species. May to June is ideal for visiting Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve to see thousands of nesting terns. The Valley Lakes RSPB reserve is vibrant in spring and early summer with warblers, and in winter for various wildfowl. Llyn Alaw is excellent for wintering wildfowl.

Yes, Llyn Maelog holds the official 'Village Green' status, making it the only lake in Wales with this designation. It's also an SSSI for its rich flora and fauna. Llyn Alaw is the largest lake on Anglesey and a significant source of drinking water, recognized as an SSSI. Llyn Llywenan is the largest natural freshwater lake on the island and an SSSI.

Parking is available at several lake locations. Llyn Cefni has car parks at its southwestern and northeastern tips, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Yes, Llyn Maelog is a popular destination for paddleboarding, offering a serene environment for water activities alongside walking and fishing.

The Valley Lakes, including Llyn Penrhyn, Llyn Dinam, Llyn Treflesg, and Llyn Cerrig Bach, form an RSPB reserve and an SSSI. Known as Anglesey's 'mini Lake District,' this area is vital for its diverse aquatic plants and rich birdlife. It's also historically significant, with Llyn Cerrig Bach being the discovery site of Wales' most important Iron Age treasure hoard.