Llynnau Mymbyr

The A4086 follows the northern shore, so the lake is easy to pair with a drive between Capel Curig and Pen-y-Gwryd. Pullouts and the mapped viewpoint give quick views, while a longer lakeside outing can follow a mostly gentle route for about 4.4 km out and back. Expect uneven ground, wet grass, and boggy patches away from the road rather than a fully surfaced promenade.

The water is also used for canoe and paddle-sport training from the nearby outdoor centre. For a casual visit, the best experience is usually on shore: watch the light move across the Horseshoe, look for reflections in sheltered water, and leave the open water to people with the right skills and conditions.

• Use the roadside parking areas and viewpoints along the A4086, taking care when crossing or walking beside the road. Parking is limited and can fill around busy periods.
• There is no dependable visitor-centre setup at the lakeshore. Do not arrive expecting a formal promenade, a broad level path, or facilities directly beside the water.
• Wind can turn a calm surface into tiring chop quickly. If you paddle, check the forecast, stay close to shore when conditions are uncertain, and bring the equipment and self-rescue skills for an exposed inland lake.
• Waterproof shoes and a rain layer are sensible even for a short stop. The valley is open to weather, and the banks become slippery after rain.

The name is plural because a delta has made one long lake look like two. The whole water body is roughly three-quarters of a mile long, and the valley’s shape reflects both glacial carving and the older rocks of the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation. That mix of dark water, rough mountain sides, and open pasture gives the view more depth than the usual roadside lake stop.