The best waterfall hikes and walks around Llyn Eigiau

There are over 30 dedicated waterfall hiking trails around Llyn Eigiau, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These trails are situated within a glaciated valley, surrounded by the impressive Carneddau Mountains.

Yes, Llyn Eigiau offers several easy waterfall hikes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Coedty Reservoir – Waterfalls at Afon Ddu Gorge loop from River Conwy is an easy 5 km trail that takes just over an hour to complete, providing beautiful views of the Afon Ddu Gorge waterfalls.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Gravel Road to Llyn Eigiau – Waterfalls at Afon Ddu Gorge loop from River Conwy is a great choice. This 12.4 km route typically takes around 3 hours 45 minutes and offers scenic views, including the waterfalls at Afon Ddu Gorge, as you explore towards Llyn Eigiau.

Many of the waterfall trails around Llyn Eigiau are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Aber Falls – Aber Falls Pathway loop from Bwlch y Ddeufaen, a challenging 20.3 km loop that prominently features the stunning Aber Falls.

Beyond the waterfalls, you'll encounter diverse landscapes, including the serene Llyn Eigiau lake itself, dramatic mountain peaks of the Carneddau range, and historical elements like old slate quarries. The area also offers views of summits such as Pen Llithrig y Wrach and the remains of the Llyn Eigiau Dam, which adds a poignant historical touch to the rugged scenery.

The waterfall trails in Llyn Eigiau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,400 reviews. Hikers often praise the combination of serene lake views, challenging mountain ascents, and the wild, peaceful atmosphere, especially the prominent Aber Falls and the dramatic glaciated valleys.

Access to Llyn Eigiau by public transport can be limited. While there are bus services to nearby villages like Tal-y-Bont, reaching the specific trailheads around Llyn Eigiau often requires a further walk or taxi. Planning your journey in advance is recommended, as direct routes to the more remote starting points are scarce.

Parking options are available near common starting points for trails leading to Llyn Eigiau and its surrounding waterfalls. Specific car parks can be found near villages that serve as gateways to the Carneddau, though it's advisable to check local signage and availability, especially during peak seasons, as some areas may have limited spaces.

While Llyn Eigiau itself is quite remote, you can find cafes and pubs in the nearby villages such as Trefriw or Capel Curig. These establishments offer a chance to refuel before or after your hike. For example, the Gorsedd Stone Circle, Llanrwst – Ty Hwnt i’r Bont Tearooms loop from Trefriw passes by historical landmarks and offers scenic views, with tearooms available in Llanrwst.

The best time to visit Llyn Eigiau for waterfall hiking is generally during spring and autumn when the weather is milder, and the waterfalls are often at their most impressive due to recent rainfall. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but waterfalls might have less flow. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear and experience due to potentially challenging conditions in the high Carneddau mountains.

Many trails in Snowdonia National Park, including those around Llyn Eigiau, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code. Some routes may involve challenging terrain or stiles that could be difficult for larger dogs.

The waterfall trails around Llyn Eigiau cater to a range of fitness levels. There are easy routes suitable for casual walkers, moderate trails requiring a reasonable level of fitness, and difficult routes that involve significant elevation gain and challenging terrain, often requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness, especially when venturing into the higher Carneddau peaks.