Top 20 Lakes around Dolgarrog
Best lakes around Dolgarrog, a village in Conwy County Borough, Wales, are set within the rugged landscapes of Snowdonia. The area is characterized by its diverse natural beauty, offering a range of aquatic environments from serene valley lakes to remote mountain tarns. These lakes provide opportunities for exploration, from tranquil walks to challenging mountain routes. The region's geography includes forested hills, dramatic crags, and significant mountain ranges like the Carneddau and Glyderau.
Best lakes around Dolgarrog
- The most popular lakes is Cwm Idwal, a lake that offers stunning views towards Tryfan and Pen Yr Ole Wen. A circular walk from the visitor's centre takes visitors around the lake, and it also serves as a starting point for exploring the mountains above.
- Another must-see spot is Llyn Crafnant, a serene lake nestled in the Conwy Valley. Surrounded by forested hills, it features a cafe and fishery further south along the lake, providing a place to stop and refuel.
- Visitors also love Llyn Bochlwyd (Bochlwyd Lake), a lake cradled beneath Glyder Fach's main cliff and Tryfan's west face. The circuit of the ridges above the lake, known as the Bochlwyd Horseshoe, is a classic scrambling route in the UK.
- Dolgarrog is known for serene valley lakes, remote mountain lakes, and reservoirs. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from accessible paths to challenging mountain environments.
- The lakes around Dolgarrog are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 100 upvotes and over 80 photos, they offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Y Garn Summit
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Cwm Idwal
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Llyn Bochlwyd (Bochlwyd Lake)
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The circuit of the ridges above the lake is one of the classic scrambling routes in the UK: the Bochlwyd Horseshoe. Taking in Tryfan's North and South Ridges, Glyder Fach's Bristly Ridge and the quieter Y Gribin, the route is an adventurous hiker's dream, rivalling the nearby Snowdon Horseshoe for sheer drama.
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Llyn Crafnant
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Llyn Elsi
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Tips from the Community
Y Garn is a fine hill, usually climbed from Ogwen Valley by it's West ridge, or as part of the walk along the Glyders range between Elidir Fawr and the Glyders themselves. There is however another way up, the East Ridge, which is a Grade 2 scramble and starts from Llyn Idwal.
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Llyn Idwal is a lake (approximately 800 by 300 metres, or 28 hectares) in Cwm Idwal in the Glyderau Mountains of Snowdonia. On the north-western edge of Llyn Idwal is a small pebble beach, which is occasionally used by visitors for recreation. Swimming is not permitted as it is in a nature reserve.
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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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It can be windy and cloudy here. There are marks to find a trail in the cloud. Also on the top there is a nice area to hide from wind and rest. If not in the cloud, the view is awesome
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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 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Dolgarrog?
Dolgarrog is surrounded by a diverse range of lakes, from serene valley lakes like Llyn Crafnant, nestled in forested hills, to remote mountain tarns such as Llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn high in the Carneddau range. You'll also find lakes that are starting points for challenging mountain routes, like Cwm Idwal and Llyn Bochlwyd.
Are there family-friendly lakes with easy access around Dolgarrog?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Cwm Idwal offers a beautiful circular walk from its visitor's centre, and Llyn Crafnant has good accessible paths around its perimeter, making it ideal for less strenuous walks. Llyn Mymbyr is also noted as family-friendly.
Which lakes offer challenging hiking or scrambling routes?
For adventurous hikers, Llyn Bochlwyd is a great starting point for the classic Bochlwyd Horseshoe scrambling route, which rivals the Snowdon Horseshoe for drama. The area around Y Garn Summit also offers challenging ascents with stunning views into Cwm Idwal. You can find more challenging routes in the area by exploring the Mountain Hikes around Dolgarrog guide.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Dolgarrog?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the region. Llyn Crafnant has a fishery, and the remote mountain lakes of Llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn are associated with the Dolgarrog Fishing Club, known for trout fishing opportunities. Kite, a reservoir further down the valley, also offers good fishing.
Are there any lakes with interesting historical or cultural significance?
Yes, Llyn Idwal is steeped in an old Welsh legend about Prince Idwal. Llyn Dulyn is also known for a propeller from a Dakota plane that crashed during the war, sometimes visible when water levels are low, adding a unique historical element to its remote setting.
What are the best times of year to visit the lakes around Dolgarrog?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings stunning foliage, especially around forested lakes like Llyn Crafnant. Winter can be dramatic, particularly in the higher mountain areas, but requires appropriate gear and experience for hiking.
Are there cafes or places to refuel near the lakes?
Yes, Llyn Crafnant features a cafe and fishery further south along the lake, providing a convenient spot to stop and refuel during your visit.
What other outdoor activities can I do in the Dolgarrog area besides visiting lakes?
The Dolgarrog area, being part of Snowdonia, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore various mountain hikes, enjoy road cycling routes, or tackle mountain biking trails. The National Outdoor Centre, Plas y Brenin, near Llyn Mymbyr, offers courses in activities like hill walking, climbing, and kayaking.
Is swimming allowed in the lakes around Dolgarrog?
While many lakes offer beautiful scenery, swimming is not permitted in all of them. For example, swimming is explicitly not allowed in Llyn Idwal as it is located within a nature reserve. Always check local signage and regulations before considering swimming in any lake.
How accessible are the remote mountain lakes like Llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn?
Llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn are remote mountain lakes located high in the Carneddau range. Access typically involves challenging hikes over rugged terrain. These lakes are known for their wild, untamed beauty and can feel quite isolated, especially when mist descends, offering a sense of entering a different world.
Are there specific viewpoints to capture the best scenery of the lakes?
Many lakes offer stunning views. Cwm Idwal provides breathtaking views towards Tryfan and Pen Yr Ole Wen. The view along Llyn Crafnant is considered one of the most breathtaking in Snowdonia, especially at sunset. From Y Garn Summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Llyn Ogwen, Llyn Idwal, and other surrounding lakes.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Dolgarrog?
Generally, Snowdonia National Park is dog-friendly, but rules can vary depending on the specific area or nature reserve. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock or in sensitive wildlife areas, and to clean up after them. Check specific signage at each lake for any particular restrictions.
Are there public transport options to reach the lakes?
While some areas are more accessible than others, public transport options to the more remote lakes can be limited. Key hubs like Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, and Trefriw often have bus services that can get you closer to certain trailheads or villages near the lakes, such as those leading to Llyn Crafnant or Cwm Idwal. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
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