Cwm Eigiau, near Dolgarrog, Conwy

Llyn Eigiau

Reservoir

Place photograph

6.6

Wildland

1–2 hours for the reservoir-side visit

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

LakesideHillsValleyRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory loversWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.6

A mountain reservoir beneath the Carneddau, where the remains of its dam and the slate-working landscape give the quiet valley a human story as well as a dramatic setting.

Llyn Eigiau earns its place for the combination of a remote-feeling mountain reservoir, rugged Carneddau scenery and visible traces of the area’s industrial past. The nearby quarry walk makes it more than a viewpoint stop, but the approach and uneven terrain call for preparation.

Wild · Remote · Atmospheric · Peaceful

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Cwm Eigiau, near Dolgarrog, Conwy

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The experience

Come for the mountain setting and take time to notice the dam and the industrial traces around Cwm Eigiau. For a longer outing, follow the gravel-track route from the parking area towards Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry and return the same way. This is a rugged upland setting, not a serviced lakeside attraction.

Things to do

Walk to the reservoir shore

From the small parking area at the end of the road, follow the track towards Llyn Eigiau and pause by the water for views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Allow time for the walk there and back; exact duration is not established by the sources.

Continue to Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry

Follow the gravel track from the lake towards the quarry and look for mining remnants beside the route. Return to the starting point by the same track.

2.5–3 hours

Take in the Carneddau views

Use the reservoir and quarry walk as a chance to look across the lake and up to the surrounding mountain range; visibility will depend on the weather.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours; allow for the walk from the parking area and back

Reservoir and dam remains

01
Drive carefully along the narrow road towards the small parking area at the end of the route; confirm current access before setting out.
02
Walk towards the reservoir shore and take in the setting beneath the Carneddau.
03
Look for the dam remains, then retrace your steps.

Half day · 2.5–3 hours

Follow the old quarry track

01
Start at the small parking area at the end of the narrow road to Llyn Eigiau.
02
Follow the gravel track past the reservoir towards Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry, noticing mining remnants along the way.
03
Take in the views across the lake and surrounding mountains, then return by the same route.

Verified history

The available sources identify the remains of Llyn Eigiau Dam and the old slate quarry landscape at Cwm Eigiau. The source row says the reservoir was built in the early twentieth century to supply water to local slate quarries and that a section of the dam burst in 1925, causing a flood in the valley below; those details are not independently confirmed by the supplied research excerpts.

Hidden details

Mining remnants on the quarry track — The walk towards Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry passes mining remnants. Keep an eye along the gravel track for traces of the area’s industrial landscape.

The dam remains — Llyn Eigiau Dam is identified as a point of interest on the route. The supplied sources do not give further detail about what remains are visible on the ground.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · October · Choose a clear, settled day for mountain views; no specific time of day is established by the sources.

The source row recommends May to October, citing milder conditions than winter. The supplied research does not verify exact seasonal wildlife or flowering highlights.

This is a mountain setting. The source row warns that winter snow and ice can make access challenging; check the local forecast and road conditions before travelling. The route source describes rugged paths and steep terrain for the longer mountain circuit.

The route

ascent: 577 ft
surface: Gravel track and rugged paths; the route source describes a track to the quarry.
distance: 5.9 miles (9.5 km) return, according to AllTrails
duration: 2.5–3 hours
difficulty: Moderate, according to AllTrails
route shape: Out and back
start point: Small parking area at the end of the narrow road leading to Llyn Eigiau
parking start: Small parking area at the end of the narrow road; check availability and current road access before travelling.
shorter alternative: Walk towards the reservoir shore and return without continuing to the quarry; exact distance and duration are not specified.

Llyn Eigiau and views across the reservoir
Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry
Mining remnants beside the route
Carneddau mountain scenery

What to look for

Look for the dam remains and the traces of slate quarrying along the route towards Cwm Eigiau Slate Quarry. The walk also opens views back towards the reservoir and surrounding Carneddau mountains.

The story

Reservoir dam remains and the slate-quarry landscape of Cwm Eigiau

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn, according to the source row; mountain weather can change quickly at any time of year.

The source row recommends May to October for generally milder conditions. Aim for a clear, settled day for mountain views, and check the forecast before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for the reservoir-side visit; allow 2.5–3 hours for the quarry out-and-back walk.

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A small parking area at the end of a narrow road provides a starting point for walks to the reservoir and quarry remains. The road is described as narrow and winding; check current access and parking conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

A small parking area at the end of the narrow road to Llyn Eigiau; capacity and current availability should be checked before setting out.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets nearby are reported in the source row; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No nearby café is reported in the source row; bring supplies and check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are mentioned on the Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe route source, but current rules for the reservoir and access route are not confirmed; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Uneven terrain and lack of paved paths are reported in the source row. Not described as wheelchair accessible. The walk to the reservoir is not suitable to assume accessible.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Mountain reservoir