Moelwyn uplands, Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

Llyn Edno

Lake

Source image

8.2

Wildland

Full day

Time

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Cost

Remote

Feel

LakesideHillsWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

8.2

A mountain lake among crags and uncertain paths, with the wild Moelwyn uplands stretching around it.

Llyn Edno earns its place through the country around it: crag-framed water, scattered upland lakes and a walk where navigation still matters. This is a substantial mountain outing, not a roadside lake stop.

Remote · Wild · Peaceful

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Moelwyn uplands, Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

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The experience

Make Llyn Edno the quiet centre of a proper mountain day. The documented Bethania circuit climbs past Llyn Llagi, reaches Llyn yr Adar and the Ysgafell Wen ridge, then follows a fence towards Edno. Allow time to stop beside the lake, but retain enough daylight and energy for an indistinct descent.

Things to do

Pause beside the crag-framed lake

Make time for the destination rather than treating it as another waypoint. The route account singles out Edno as a mountain lake surrounded by wild country and crags, worth lingering beside for its solitude.

Link the upland lakes on a substantial circuit

The Bethania circuit combines Llyn Llagi, Llyn yr Adar and Llyn Edno with the Ysgafell Wen ridge. Its published moderate grade should not obscure the navigation demands or wet ground.

6 hours 40 minutes walking

Consider the Moel Meirch summit diversion

The route account recommends an optional diversion from the col beyond Edno to Moel Meirch for a view north. Only add it with suitable visibility, time and energy.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 6 hours 40 minutes walking for the documented circuit; allow additional time for stops

The essential visit — a mountain day, not a quick escape

01
Plan using the complete Walking Britain route and a suitable mountain map. Start at the small lay-by near Bethania, grid reference SH631483.
02
Take the signed path past Llwynyrhwch and climb towards Llyn Llagi, passing a ruined barn.
03
Continue through the uplands to Llyn yr Adar and the Ysgafell Wen ridge, checking your position carefully where paths become faint.
04
Follow the documented route north towards Llyn Edno and pause for the lake's crags and solitude.
05
Return via the col, the Afon Llynedno crossing and Hafodydd Brithion. The descent path develops and fades: this outline is not a navigation guide.

Verified history

The documented approach passes a ruined barn before Llyn Llagi and evidence of mining beyond the lake. These are traces along the wider walk, not a verified history of Llyn Edno itself; the supplied research gives no dates or attribution.

Hidden details

Three small lakes below Ysgafell Wen — From the second cairned summit of Ysgafell Wen, identified at SH664486 and 669 metres, look for the trio of lakes described as Llynnau 'r Cwr, or the Dog Lakes.

Cnicht from an unfamiliar angle — At Llyn yr Adar, look south-west towards Cnicht. The route author notes that its profile appears less dramatic from this side.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Start early enough to complete a substantial mountain walk in daylight.

The imported record favours late spring to early autumn. Longer daylight provides more flexibility for a route published at 6 hours 40 minutes, before stops.

Walking Britain warns that navigation can be difficult even in fine weather and that heavy rain leaves very wet ground. Carry a mountain map and compass and know how to use them; do not rely on the imported phone-signal flag. Clear conditions are needed for the wider mountain views.

The route

ascent: 758 metres / 2,500 feet
stiles: A ladder stile at SH644497
surface: Mountain paths, rocks and grass; sections faint or indistinct; very wet after heavy rain
distance: 14.6 km / 9.0 miles — associated Bethania circuit, not a direct lake approach
duration: 6 hours 40 minutes
difficulty: Moderate in the source grading; demanding navigation even in fine weather
waymarking: Signed path near the start; no continuous waymarking established. Later paths can fade.
route shape: Circular
start point: Small lay-by near Bethania, SH631483
parking start: Small lay-by on the minor road leaving the A498 at Bethania; check current restrictions

Llyn Llagi beneath steep crags
Llyn yr Adar
Ysgafell Wen ridge
Dog Lakes viewpoint
Llyn Edno

Worth pairing with

Llyn yr Adar

An on-foot pairing within the documented circuit, with a view towards Cnicht. This is part of the mountain outing rather than a separate easy stop.

Ysgafell Wen

The circuit reaches its ridge and offers diversions to two cairned summits, including a view of the Dog Lakes.

What to look for

01
The crags around Edno
02
the three small Dog Lakes seen from Ysgafell Wen
03
Cnicht's less dramatic profile from Llyn yr Adar
04
and mining traces on the earlier climb beyond Llyn Llagi.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn; choose clear weather and a relatively dry spell.

Choose a clear day with a generous daylight margin. The route account warns of difficult navigation even in good weather and very wet ground after heavy rain; conditions matter more than a particular month.

How long to spend

Full day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached on foot through demanding mountain terrain. Walking Britain describes a circuit from near Bethania with faint paths, a river crossing and a ladder stile. Navigation skills are essential, even in fine weather.

Parking

Walking Britain identifies a small lay-by at grid reference SH631483, on the minor road leaving the A498 at Bethania. Capacity is limited; check current restrictions before visiting.

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Toilets

The imported record reports no toilets at the lake. Check before visiting for facilities elsewhere.

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The documented approach includes sustained climbing, rocks and grass, indistinct paths, a river crossing and a ladder stile. It is not a wheelchair or pushchair outing.

Cost

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Water

Lake