Top 5 Lakes around Henryd
Best lakes around Henryd are situated within the Conwy County Borough in North Wales, a region known for its glacially formed lakes. These natural features are renowned for their scenery and recreational opportunities. The area offers a variety of lake experiences, from serene valley settings to rugged mountain tarns, providing diverse options for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Henryd
- The most popular lakes is Llandudno West Shore Beach, a beach and viewpoint that offers lovely views over Conwy Bay and towards Anglesey. At low tide, it provides a large expanse of golden sand suitable for activities like kitesurfing.
- Another must-see spot is Eigiau Dam Ruins, a historical site. This location is historically significant as the site of the 1925 dam failure that caused a flood in Dolgarrog, leading to the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act in 1930.
- Visitors also love Coedty Reservoir, a historical site and reservoir originally built to supply water for a hydro-electric power station. It is historically significant due to its involvement in the 1925 Dolgarrog Dam Disaster.
- Henryd is known for glacially formed lakes, reservoirs, and mountain tarns. These include serene valley lakes, those within forests, and rugged mountain tarns, offering diverse natural experiences.
- The lakes around Henryd are appreciated by the komoot community, with 89 upvotes and 17 photos shared.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Llandudno West Shore Beach
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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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Coedty Reservoir
Highlight • Historical Site
Coedty Reservoir is historically significant due to its involvement in the devastating Dolgarrog Dam Disaster of 1925. The failure of the Llyn Eigiau dam, located upstream, led to a surge of water that also breached the Coedty dam. This resulted in a catastrophic flood that swept through the village of Dolgarrog, causing the loss of 16 lives.
Coedty dam is a "balance tip" dam, meaning water flows from it automatically when it reaches high levels. This excess water flows into a spectacular gorge below, which is used by outdoor pursuit groups. However, gorge walking here can be dangerous due to the sudden releases of water.
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Llyn Anafon
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Rocky singletrack along Llyn Cowlyd
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Tips from the Community
The reservoir was originally built in 1924 to supply water for the hydro-electric power station in Dolgarrog, which in turn powered an aluminium smelting works. This power station is still operational today. Coedty Reservoir is historically significant due to its involvement in the devastating Dolgarrog Dam Disaster of 1925. The failure of the Llyn Eigiau dam, located upstream, led to a surge of water that also breached the Coedty dam. This resulted in a catastrophic flood that swept through the village of Dolgarrog, causing the loss of 16 lives. Coedty dam is a "balance tip" dam, meaning water flows from it automatically when it reaches high levels. This excess water flows into a spectacular gorge below, which is used by outdoor pursuit groups. However, gorge walking here can be dangerous due to the sudden releases of water.
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West Shore Beach lies on the south-western side of North Wales’ Llandudno headland. It is less busy than the more developed North Shore and has lovely views over Conwy Bay and out towards Anglesey. At low tide there is a large expanse of golden sand which is suitable for ball games and kitesurfing. As the beach faces west it enjoys some spectacular sunsets. Cars can be parked along West Parade and there is a small car park at the southern end of the road. The beach has a cafe and toilets and there is a quiet promenade along which toilets and a cafe can be found. There is a boating lake and young children’s play area close to the beach. Dogs are not allowed on the main section of beach between the two stone groynes from 1st May to 30th September. However, there is plenty of beach to either side that is dog-friendly year round.
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Brilliantly rocky, technical and wild. Just make sure you carry spares and tools with you.
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can be very wet and bogy at the start
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A brilliant bit of rocky single track running along llyn cowlyd hard to get to but worth the time
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Eigiau Dam Disaster. 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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Decent from drum is intense in the summer but beware of the slush when recent rain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes and natural features to visit around Henryd?
The region around Henryd offers a variety of stunning natural features. Popular spots include Llandudno West Shore Beach, which provides lovely views over Conwy Bay, and Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve, known for its diverse bird species. For a more traditional lake experience, Llyn Crafnant is nestled in a serene valley with breathtaking views, while Llyn Geirionydd is unique for permitting power boats and water skiing.
Are there historical sites related to the lakes near Henryd?
Yes, the area has significant historical sites. The Eigiau Dam Ruins and Coedty Reservoir are historically important due to their involvement in the 1925 Dolgarrog Dam Disaster. Additionally, Llyn Geirionydd is overlooked by the Taliesin Monument, commemorating a 6th-century Welsh bard, and Dolbadarn Castle can be seen across Llyn Padarn.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Henryd?
The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy walking, fishing, and boating at Llyn Crafnant. Llyn Geirionydd is popular for watersports like power boating, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Llyn Padarn is excellent for kayaking, rowing, sailing, and swimming. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including the 'Tal y Fan gravel loop' or the 'Conwy Valley Cycle Route'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the cycling guide, road cycling guide, and MTB trails guide for Henryd.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or activities in the Henryd area?
Absolutely. Llandudno West Shore Beach is considered family-friendly, offering a large expanse of sand for games and a promenade with a cafe and play area. Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve is also family-friendly, with bird hides for wildlife observation. Llyn Padarn features the Llanberis Lake Railway and themed trails within Padarn Country Park, making it a great option for families.
Where can I go for wild swimming near Henryd?
Llyn Padarn was designated a 'Bathing Water' in 2014, ensuring its quality for swimming. For a more rugged experience, Llyn Bochlwyd, a mountain tarn, is also a popular spot for wild swimming amidst dramatic scenery.
Which lakes are good for fishing in the region?
Several lakes are excellent for fishing. Llyn Crafnant is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Llyn Geirionydd offers fishing for wild brown trout. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is a protected wildlife site with abundant fish like pike, perch, and trout, and is home to the rare gwyniad fish.
What are some less crowded or 'hidden gem' lakes near Henryd?
For a sense of wild solitude, Llyn Conwy, located in the Migneint moors, offers unspoiled nature and views of Arenig Fawr. Llyn Bochlwyd, a rugged mountain tarn in the Glyderau range, is accessible only by footpath, making it ideal for hikers seeking tranquility and dramatic scenery away from crowds.
Are there opportunities for challenging hikes around the lakes?
Yes, for adventurous trekkers, Llyn Bochlwyd in the Glyderau mountain range offers challenging routes like the Bochlwyd Horseshoe, providing panoramic views of peaks like Tryfan and Glyder Fach. The 'Rocky singletrack along Llyn Cowlyd' is also a challenging highlight for those seeking rugged terrain.
What unique natural features or wildlife can be found in the lakes around Henryd?
The lakes are rich in unique features. Llyn Padarn is home to Arctic charr, a rare fish species, and is surrounded by ancient sessile oak woodland. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is the only place where the critically endangered gwyniad fish, a relic from the last Ice Age, can be found. Llyn Conwy is notable for its extensive blanket mire and Ordovician rock geology.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Henryd?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from serene valley settings to rugged mountain tarns. The stunning scenery, opportunities for various outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and watersports, and the rich historical context of sites like the Eigiau Dam Ruins are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared 17 photos and given 89 upvotes, reflecting the area's appeal.
Are there any lakes suitable for watersports like sailing or kayaking?
Llyn Geirionydd is the only lake in Snowdonia where power boats and water skiing are permitted, also popular for kayaking and paddleboarding. Llyn Padarn is a hub for kayaking, rowing, and sailing. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is renowned for watersports such as sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing, benefiting from the winds in its mountain valley.
Where can I find cafes or picnic spots near the lakes?
Llyn Crafnant features a lakeside cafe, perfect for a break. Llyn Geirionydd has car park and picnic facilities. Llandudno West Shore Beach also has a cafe and toilets along its promenade. Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve offers benches for picnics while birdwatching.
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