Best lakes around Llanfair are primarily located in the Gwynedd region of Wales, offering diverse natural and man-made water features. This area is situated within Snowdonia National Park, providing access to mountain ranges such as the Rhinogydd. The landscape features large reservoirs and natural lakes, suitable for various outdoor activities including walking and cycling. The region's lakes are known for their ecological interest and scenic surroundings.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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A wild and beautiful place, high between Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr
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Llyn Hywel is a wild and beautiful place cradled high between Rhinog fach and Y Llethr. It is famous for the huge slab that dives straight into the water on it's eastern side.
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perfect after a ride from Machynlleth "Canolfan Prysor Centre" with all the usual cafe favourites, good food and friendly staff.
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This is a gorgeous lake beneath the broken, craggy slopes of Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr. It's nestled right in the heart of the ancient Rhinogydd range and is a spectacular place to explore. The path around the northern shore indulges in a spot of entertaining rock hopping – always good fun!
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Maentwrog Dam was built in the 1920s to provide a source of hydroelectric power. Later in 1965 the lake also became a source of cooling water for the nuclear power station.
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Maentwrog Dam was built in the 1920s to provide a source of hydroelectric power for the Maentwrog power station. Later in 1965 the lake also became a source of cooling water for the Trawsyfynydd nuclear power station.
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Lovely well signposted singletrack. It avoids riding on the busy neighbouring road but can be muddy after rainfall.
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The lakes around Llanfair offer a variety of walking experiences. For instance, Llyn Trawsfynydd features well-maintained footpaths around its shores, suitable for leisurely walks. For a more adventurous hike, Llyn Hywel, nestled in the Rhinogydd range, has a path around its northern shore that involves entertaining rock hopping. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Llanfair guide.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Llyn Trawsfynydd has accessible cycleways and footpaths, making it suitable for families. The village of Trawsfynydd Village, on the banks of the lake, is also a great basecamp for exploring. Additionally, Llandegfedd Lake, near Llanfair Kilgeddin, is highly recommended for ages 4-12 and offers various watersports.
Absolutely. Llyn Trawsfynydd is particularly well-suited for cycling, with well-maintained cycleways around its entire shore. The Maentwrog Dam, which creates a lake, is also easy to traverse by bike, offering scenic routes, especially when riding anti-clockwise around the lake. For more cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Llanfair guide.
The lakes in the Llanfair area, especially those in Gwynedd, are known for their diverse natural beauty. You'll find wild, natural settings like Llyn Hywel nestled in the ancient Rhinogydd range. Llyn Trawsfynydd, though man-made, is surrounded by woodlands, nature reserves, wetlands, and Atlantic oakwoods, supporting diverse animal and birdlife. Anglesey's lakes, like Llyn Llywenan and Llyn Coron, are significant natural lakes contributing to the island's ecological diversity.
Yes, the area features notable man-made structures. The Maentwrog Dam, built in the 1920s for hydroelectric power, is a significant historical feature. Llyn Trawsfynydd is an enormous man-made reservoir, originally built to provide cooling water for a nuclear power station, which is now undergoing decommissioning. These structures highlight the region's industrial heritage alongside its natural beauty.
The lakes around Llanfair are rich in wildlife, particularly in areas like Llyn Trawsfynydd, which features woodlands, nature reserves, and wetlands supporting diverse animal and birdlife. On Anglesey, many lakes, including Llyn Llywenan and Llyn Coron, are part of the Valley Wetlands RSPB reserve, making them excellent spots for birdwatching and observing ecological diversity.
The best time to visit the lakes around Llanfair generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and watersports, with lush landscapes. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially around wooded areas. While some trails might be more challenging, winter can offer a stark, wild beauty, particularly in the Rhinogydd range around Llyn Hywel.
Yes, you can find options for food and drink. The village of Trawsfynydd Village, located on the banks of Llyn Trawsfynydd, is a great basecamp and offers amenities. For example, the Cross Foxes pub in Trawsfynydd provides bunkhouse accommodation and serves food.
While some areas, particularly in the mountainous Rhinogydd range, can be challenging, Llyn Trawsfynydd offers well-maintained cycleways and footpaths around its shores, which are generally more accessible. These paths provide opportunities for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Many trails around the lakes in the Llanfair area are dog-friendly, especially those on public footpaths and bridleways. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife habitats, such as around Llyn Trawsfynydd with its nature reserves, or near the Anglesey lakes which are part of RSPB reserves.
Beyond walking and cycling, the region around Llanfair's lakes offers various outdoor activities. The nearby Coed y Brenin Forest Park provides excellent trails for gravel biking and mountain biking. You can explore more options by checking the Gravel biking around Llanfair guide. Watersports are also available at lakes like Llandegfedd Lake near Llanfair Kilgeddin.
Public transport options to the lakes around Llanfair vary by specific location. For lakes within Snowdonia National Park, such as Llyn Trawsfynydd, local bus services might connect from larger towns. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for the specific lake you plan to visit, as services can be less frequent in rural areas.
For hiking on public footpaths, permits are generally not required. However, if you plan to fish in any of the lakes, you will likely need a fishing permit or license, which can usually be obtained locally or through relevant angling associations. Always check specific regulations for the lake you intend to visit, as rules can vary.


Still not found your perfect lake around Llanfair? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.