Wales, located in the southwest region of Great Britain, is a country known for its stunning landscapes, ancient castles and rich cultural heritage. But beyond its charming towns and historic sites, Wales is also home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the United Kingdom.
From glacial lakes to reservoirs, Wales boasts a diverse range of bodies of water that attract thousands of tourists each year. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a photographer or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the lakes in Wales are not to be missed. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most beautiful lakes in Wales and what makes them so special.
1. Lake Vyrnwy: A Hidden Gem in Mid-Wales
Located in Powys, Mid-Wales, Lake Vyrnwy is a man-made reservoir that was built in the late 19th century to supply fresh water to the city of Liverpool. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its picturesque location amidst the Berwyn Mountains.
History and Formation of Lake Vyrnwy
Lake Vyrnwy was created in the late 1880s by building a dam across the Vyrnwy River. The construction of the dam took four years and resulted in the flooding of the valley, submerging the village of Llanwddyn and surrounding farmland.
The water in Lake Vyrnwy is sourced from the natural catchment area of the River Vyrnwy, which covers over 23,000 hectares of land. The reservoir has a capacity of over 13,000 million gallons of water, making it one of the largest lakes in Wales.
Things to Do at Lake Vyrnwy
Visitors to Lake Vyrnwy can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. The lake is surrounded by a 12-mile long road that offers stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. There are also numerous walking trails around the lake, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
For those interested in wildlife, Lake Vyrnwy is home to over 170 species of birds, including peregrine falcons, ospreys and buzzards. The area around the lake is designated as a Special Protection Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Places to Stay and Eat
There are a few options for accommodation near Lake Vyrnwy, including a hotel and several holiday cottages. The lake also has a café and a pub, both of which offer scenic views of the water. For a unique experience, visitors can also stay at the iconic Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, which was built in the 1890s and offers luxurious rooms and fine dining.
2. Llyn Ogwen: A Glacial Lake Surrounded by Snowdonia’s Peaks
Llyn Ogwen is a small glacial lake located in Snowdonia National Park, in the county of Gwynedd. This picturesque lake is situated between two of the highest peaks in Wales, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Formation and Features of Llyn Ogwen
Like many other lakes in Wales, Llyn Ogwen was formed during the last Ice Age, when glaciers carved out the valley where the lake now lies. The lake is fed by the Afon Ogwen River, which flows from the Ogwen Valley and eventually empties into the Irish Sea.
At 310 meters above sea level, Llyn Ogwen is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 3.6 meters. The crystal clear water of the lake reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a stunning mirror effect that is a favourite among photographers.
Activities and Attractions
Llyn Ogwen is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, thanks to its close proximity to some of Snowdonia’s most renowned peaks. There are several walking trails around the lake, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes that lead to the summit of nearby mountains.
The lake is also a popular fishing spot, with rainbow and brown trout being the main species found in its waters. Visitors can obtain a permit to fish at the Ogwen Bank Fishery, which is located next to the lake.
Places to Stay and Eat
There are limited options for accommodation near Llyn Ogwen, with the nearest town being Bethesda, about 5 miles away. However, there are several campsites and holiday cottages available for those looking to stay closer to the lake. For food and drink, visitors can dine at the nearby Ogwen Bank Country Park or bring a picnic to enjoy by the water.
3. Llyn Padarn: A Serene Lake in the Heart of Snowdonia
Located near the village of Llanberis, Llyn Padarn is a large glacial lake that forms part of the Snowdon Massif. This stunning lake is surrounded by the towering peaks of Snowdon and the Glyderau range, making it a popular spot for kayaking, sailing and other water activities.
History and Formation of Llyn Padarn
Like many other lakes in Wales, Llyn Padarn was formed during the last Ice Age when glaciers carved out the valley where the lake now lies. The area around the lake has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements found in the nearby rock shelters.
In the 19th century, Llyn Padarn became an important industrial site, with several slate quarries located on its shores. The lake was also used to transport slate to the nearby port of Caernarfon, using a narrow gauge railway that ran along its eastern bank.
Things to Do at Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. There is also a cycle path that runs alongside the lake, connecting the villages of Llanberis and Brynrefail.
For those interested in history and culture, Llyn Padarn has several attractions worth visiting, such as the National Slate Museum and the ancient Dolbadarn Castle. There are also several walking trails around the lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Places to Stay and Eat
Visitors can find a range of accommodations near Llyn Padarn, including hotels, guesthouses and self-catering holiday cottages. The nearby village of Llanberis also has several restaurants, cafes and pubs where visitors can enjoy traditional Welsh cuisine and locally brewed ale.
4. Llangorse Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Brecon Beacons
Located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Llangorse Lake is the largest natural lake in South Wales, with an area of over 327 hectares. This picturesque body of water is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green countryside, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
History and Formation of Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake is believed to have been formed over 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age when glaciers carved out the valley where the lake now lies. The area around the lake has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Bronze Age settlements found on its shores.
In the early 19th century, Llangorse Lake was drained and turned into farmland, but it was restored to its former glory in the 1950s. Today, the lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse flora and fauna.
Activities and Attractions
Llangorse Lake offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as fishing, boating, horse riding and birdwatching. The lake is home to over 100 species of birds, including rare species such as the Great Crested Grebe and the Little Ringed Plover.
For those interested in history and culture, the nearby villages of Llangors and Talgarth offer several attractions, such as the Iron Age hillfort of Pen-y-Crug and the Talgarth Mill, a restored 18th-century flour mill that now serves as a community hub.
Places to Stay and Eat
There are several options for accommodation near Llangorse Lake, including hotels, guesthouses and self-catering holiday cottages. There are also several campsites around the lake for those seeking a more rustic experience.
For food and drink, visitors can dine at the nearby villages or bring a picnic to enjoy by the water. The Lakeside Café and Gift Shop also offers light meals and refreshments, as well as local crafts and souvenirs.
5. Bala Lake: A Scenic Reservoir in the Heart of Snowdonia
Also known as Llyn Tegid, Bala Lake is a large natural reservoir located in the county of Gwynedd, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. With an area of over 1,000 hectares, it is the largest natural body of water in Wales, attracting thousands of tourists each year.
History and Formation of Bala Lake
Bala Lake was formed during the last Ice Age, when glaciers carved out the valley where the lake now lies. The area around the lake has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period.
The lake was also an important industrial site during the 19th century, with several slate quarries located on its eastern bank. Today, Bala Lake serves as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of outdoor activities.
Things to Do at Bala Lake
Bala Lake offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as fishing, boating, windsurfing and paddleboarding. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area, including the rare Osprey.
For those looking to explore the lake, there are several boat tours available, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby village of Llanuwchllyn. There are also several walking trails around the lake, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Places to Stay and Eat
Visitors can find a variety of accommodations near Bala Lake, including hotels, guesthouses and self-catering holiday cottages. The nearby town of Bala also has several restaurants, cafes and pubs where visitors can enjoy traditional Welsh dishes and locally produced ale.
6. Tal-y-Llyn: A Tranquil Lake at the Foot of Cader Idris
Tal-y-Llyn is a small glacial lake located in the county of Gwynedd, at the foot of the majestic Cader Idris mountain. This secluded body of water offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and attracts visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Snowdonia.
History and Formation of Tal-y-Llyn
Tal-y-Llyn, which means “end of the lake” in Welsh, was formed during the last Ice Age when glaciers carved out the valley where the lake now lies. The area around the lake has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements found on its shores.
The lake was also an important industrial site during the 19th century, with several slate quarries located on its western bank. Today, Tal-y-Llyn is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, thanks to its diverse flora and fauna.
Activities and Attractions
Tal-y-Llyn offers a peaceful setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. There are several walking trails around the lake, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes that lead to the summit of Cader Idris.
The lake is also a popular fishing spot, with brown trout being the main species found in its waters. Visitors can obtain a permit to fish at the Tal-y-Llyn Angling Association, which manages the lake’s fisheries.
Places to Stay and Eat
There are limited options for accommodation near Tal-y-Llyn, with the nearest town being Tywyn, about 5 miles away. However, there are several campsites and self-catering holiday cottages available for those looking to stay closer to the lake.
For food and drink, visitors can dine at the nearby village of Abergynolwyn or bring a picnic to enjoy by the water. The Tal-y-Llyn Tearooms, located next to the lake, also offers light meals and refreshments, as well as locally sourced products and souvenirs.
Conclusion: Wales’ Lakes Offer a Unique Nature Experience
From man-made reservoirs to glacial lakes, Wales boasts a diverse range of bodies of water that offer a unique nature experience for visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or simply want to admire the stunning landscapes, the lakes in Wales are sure to leave you in awe.
So if you’re planning a trip to this charming country, make sure to add some of these beautiful lakes to your itinerary. Whether it’s the hidden gem of Lake Vyrnwy or the tranquil Tal-y-Llyn, each of these lakes offers a different but equally captivating experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beauty of Wales’ lakes and immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature that this country has to offer.
