Llyn Dinas

• Still water and reflections on calm days, with hills and trees mirrored in the surface.
• Mostly level lakeside walking, unusual in a landscape of steep ground.
• Picnic and photography spots along the shore.
• Bird watching from the quieter sections of bank.
• Legend on the doorstep: the hill of Dinas Emrys above the lake carries the story of the red and white dragons, told as folklore rather than history.

• Roughly 60 to 66 acres (about 24 to 27 hectares).
• Fairly shallow, with a reported maximum depth of about 10 m.
• Sits at around 55 m elevation in a basin ringed by higher ground.

From Beddgelert. Official route information places the lake on the Fisherman’s Path and Cwm Bychan routes out of the village, so it can be reached on foot without driving to the shore.

Southern shore track. The track along the south side is described as well maintained, easy to follow and mostly flat. Approaches from nearby parking areas can be rougher and narrower, and a return along the road is less pleasant than staying on the trail.

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas circuit:

Dinas Emrys walk:

Longer days can be linked on towards the Watkin Path for those wanting to continue into the hills.

• Starts at the Craflwyn car park, grid reference SH600489.
• 6.5 miles / 10.4 km, allow 3 to 4 hours.
• Uneven surfaces and steps throughout.
• Only partly waymarked: carry a map and compass and be prepared for mountain conditions.
• Passes farmland and livestock, so dogs on leads.
• Takes in heath and ffridd, waterfalls, ancient oak woodland and the lake shore.
• Also from Craflwyn, 2.2 miles / 3.52 km, 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
• Mainly gentle uphill with a steep, rocky final section.

No facilities are verified at the lake shore; bring what you need. Take your own food, water and a bag for your rubbish, and plan for uneven, sometimes wet ground.

Entering the lake is optional and entirely at your own risk. It is open water: cold, deep in places and not lifeguarded or supervised.

• Go with a buddy, never alone.
• Only in calm, settled conditions, and only if you are a confident cold water swimmer.
• Enter slowly to manage cold shock, and stay close to the shore.
• No diving or jumping: depths and submerged obstacles are unknown.
• Get warm and dressed quickly afterwards.

Keep to paths where they exist, close gates, give livestock space, keep dogs under close control on leads near farmland, and take all litter home.