A Collection of Beautiful Welsh Lake Walks
From mountain lakes beneath Yr Wyddfa to peaceful reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons, Wales is full of waterside walks that are both accessible and rewarding. These five lakes all offer established circular routes, meaning you can experience some of Wales’ finest scenery without having to head into the mountains.
Llyn Padarn, Eryri
Distance: Approx. 10km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best for: Mountain views without tackling a summit
Sitting at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, Llyn Padarn is one of the most impressive lakes in Wales. The circuit combines lakeside paths, woodland and views towards the surrounding mountains. Along the way you’ll pass Llanberis, Padarn Country Park and the remains of the area’s slate heritage. You could also take a detour off the route to visit Llyn Padarn’s lonely tree – an iconic spot to get a photo.
For many walkers, this is one of the best lake circuits in Eryri because it delivers dramatic scenery without requiring a full mountain day.
Llyn Idwal Circular Walk, Eryri
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best for: Spectacular mountain scenery without a summit climb
Set beneath the towering cliffs of the Glyderau in the heart of Eryri National Park, the walk around Llyn Idwal is one of the most rewarding short lake walks in Wales. The path loops around a glacial lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, with views of crags, waterfalls and the distinctive rock formations that make this landscape so famous.
Despite its spectacular setting, the route is accessible and easy to follow, making it a great introduction to mountain landscapes without the challenge of a summit walk. The area is rich in geology and folklore, and on a calm day the dark waters of the lake beautifully reflect the peaks rising above. It is easy to see why Cwm Idwal was designated the first National Nature Reserve in Wales and remains one of the country’s most iconic outdoor destinations.
Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionnydd Circular, Conwy
Distance: Approx. 8km (can be shortened to just a 4k around Crafnant)
Difficulty: Easy
Nestled in the heart of the Gwydir Forest, this circular walk combines two of North Wales’ most beautiful lakes. The route begins at Llyn Crafnant, a peaceful lake framed by woodland, rolling pasture and the rugged hills of the Eryri landscape. Easy to follow and rich in views, the path offers ever-changing perspectives across the water, with glimpses of traditional whitewashed cottages and the heather-clad slopes rising towards Crimpiau.
After leaving Llyn Crafnant, the walk climbs through the forest to the wilder shores of Llyn Geirionydd. Here, lakeside paths, upland scenery and the remains of the area’s mining heritage create a very different atmosphere. A highlight is the monument to the legendary Welsh bard Taliesin, who is said to have lived beside the lake. Combining natural beauty, local history and two stunning lakes in a single route, this is one of the most rewarding circular walks in North Wales.
The surrounding hills reflect beautifully on calm days, making this one of Wales’ most photogenic lake walks.
Llyn Brenig, Conwy and Denbighshire
Distance: Up to 15km for the full circuit
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the largest lakes in North Wales, Llyn Brenig offers a rewarding circular walk or cycle through open countryside, waterside trails and wildlife-rich habitats. The route crosses the impressive dam before passing through the peaceful woodland and heathland of the Gors Maen Llwyd Nature Reserve. Along the way, you’ll cross the historic Pont Brenig stone bridge and enjoy ever-changing views across the reservoir from both shores.
This is an accessible walk with well-maintained paths and plenty of opportunities to spot birds, including ospreys during the breeding season.
Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan), Bannau Brycheiniog
Distance: Approx. 9km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
As the largest natural lake in South Wales, Llangorse Lake deserves a place on every Welsh lake walking list. The route explores a mixture of shoreline paths, open countryside and superb views towards the surrounding peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog.
The lake is particularly rich in wildlife and has a long history stretching back to medieval times.
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
As Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid offers a varied circular walk that combines lakeside scenery, woodland trails and far-reaching views across southern Eryri. Starting from the historic market town of Bala, the route explores the quieter shores of the lake before climbing above the water to reveal panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the broad rift valley that cradles the lake.
Along the way you’ll discover the landscape that inspired generations of writers and travellers, with glimpses of native woodland, rolling farmland and the sparkling blue waters below. The route also passes traces of the area’s rich history, from woodland paths and traditional farms to views towards the famous Bala Lake Railway. Combining scenery, wildlife and a sense of Welsh heritage, it’s a rewarding way to experience one of the country’s best-loved lakes.
Navigation Tips for Lake Walks
- Check the route before setting out and download it for offline use in OS Maps.
- Lake circuits often combine multiple rights of way, so don’t assume the shoreline path is continuous.
- Paths can be exposed to very cold winds even on relatively low ground.
- Mountain lakes in Eryri can experience rapidly changing weather conditions.
A Few Facts about Welsh Lakes
- Largest natural lake in Wales: Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), covering around 4.8 km². It is also the largest natural lake in Wales, although many larger bodies of water by area are reservoirs.
- Deepest natural lake in Wales: Llyn Cowlyd in Eryri, which reaches a depth of approximately 70m
- Longest lake in Wales: Llyn Tegid, stretching for around 6km from end to end.
- Most Welsh lakes are in North Wales: The glaciated landscapes of Eryri contain more than 100 lakes, ranging from tiny mountain tarns to large lakes such as Llyn Tegid and Llyn Padarn.
- The Welsh word for lake is “llyn”: That’s why so many Welsh lakes begin with the name Llyn.
Explore More Welsh Lakes in OS Maps
Wales is home to hundreds of lakes, reservoirs and mountain tarns, from the iconic waters of Eryri to the remote reservoirs of the Cambrian Mountains. Don’t stop at this list of lake walks, there’s plenty more to explore.
Use the OS Maps search function to save these lakes to your favourites and build your own Welsh lake walking challenge. From the glacial lakes of Eryri to the reservoirs of the Brecon Beacons, each offers a different way to explore Wales on foot.
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By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of OS Maps Discover. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales.
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