Gwydir Forest, Eryri (Snowdonia), near Betws-y-Coed
Llyn Bodgynydd
Lake
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
1.5–2 hours for the documented circular route
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A forest lake on a circular route that also passes Llyn Ty’n-y-mynydd and the remains of Gwydir’s lead-mining landscape.
Llyn Bodgynydd earns its place for the combination of a secluded-feeling forest lake and a substantial loop through Gwydir Forest, with a smaller lake and lead-mine remains along the way. The lakeside path can be boggy and difficult to pick out, so this is a proper walk rather than a guaranteed easy stroll.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapGwydir Forest, Eryri (Snowdonia), near Betws-y-Coed
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The experience
The clearest sourced way to experience Llyn Bodgynydd is the 4.1-mile circular walk from near Tŷ Hyll. Allow around 1.5–2 hours; expect a moderate route, an ascent, and potentially boggy, indistinct lakeside paths.
Things to do
Walk the Tŷ Hyll–Bodgynydd–Ty’n-y-mynydd circuit
Follow the documented loop through Gwydir Forest, taking in Llyn Bodgynydd, a smaller lake and forest roads near the lead-mine remains.
1.5–2 hours
Pause at the smaller lake
The route passes a smaller lake after the northern end of Llyn Bodgynydd before rejoining a forest road.
Look for mining traces along the forest roads
The loop passes North Cyffty Lead Mine and Llyn Ty’n-y-mynydd, then continues towards Cyffty Lead Mine. AllTrails notes that evidence of local lead and zinc mining occurs throughout Gwydir Forest.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1.5–2 hours
The Bodgynydd lake loop
- 01
Start from the small car park beside the A5 near Tŷ Hyll, checking current parking arrangements first.
- 02
Follow the route uphill along the road, then continue on the bridleway into Gwydir Forest.
- 03
Reach Llyn Bodgynydd and follow the lakeside path; be prepared for boggy ground and sections where the path is hard to spot.
- 04
Continue past the smaller lake and follow the forest roads back towards the trailhead, passing the mine remains described on the route.
Verified history
The supplied route description identifies lead and zinc mining as a prominent part of the Gwydir Forest area and names North Cyffty Lead Mine and Cyffty Lead Mine along the circuit. The supplied sources do not establish a more detailed history for Llyn Bodgynydd itself.
Folklore & legend
No lake-specific folklore is verified by the supplied sources. AllTrails notes several tales about Tŷ Hyll, including claims about its origins and former use, but presents them as uncertain accounts rather than established history.
Hidden details
The route’s second lake — After following the northern end of Llyn Bodgynydd, the circuit passes a smaller lake before rejoining the forest road.
Mine remains in the forest landscape — The route passes North Cyffty Lead Mine and later Cyffty Lead Mine; the route description notes local evidence of lead and zinc mining across Gwydir Forest.
When to go
· Allow enough daylight for the full circuit; check current conditions before setting out.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season for the lake or route.
The lakeside path may be boggy. Check conditions before visiting and wear footwear suitable for uneven, wet ground.
Worth pairing with
Tŷ Hyll (the Ugly House)
The documented route starts from a small car park by Tŷ Hyll. AllTrails describes it as a tearoom, antique shop and visitor attraction; check current details before planning a stop.
What to look for
Notice the smaller lake beyond the northern end of Llyn Bodgynydd, then look for evidence of the area’s lead-mining history near North Cyffty and Cyffty lead mines.
The story
Lead and zinc mining in the Gwydir Forest landscape
Best time to go
Check conditions before visiting; the lakeside path can be boggy.
Choose a time when you have enough daylight to complete the full loop, and check conditions before setting off; no specific seasonal peak is verified by the supplied sources.
How long to spend
1.5–2 hours for the documented circular route
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A circular walking route visits the lake from the Tŷ Hyll trailhead. The lakeside path can be hard to follow and boggy; check current access and conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The documented route starts from a small car park beside the A5 near Tŷ Hyll; verify current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
AllTrails describes Tŷ Hyll as a tearoom and antique shop; check current opening arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The documented route is rated moderate. Its lakeside section may be boggy and difficult to follow; not suitable to assume wheelchair access.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake
Gallery
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Around Llyn Bodgynydd
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
