Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

Llyn Llydaw

Lake

Place photograph

7.8

Wildland

Half day

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

LakeHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.8

A high mountain lake reached by a track built to serve the Britannia Copper Mines. From its shore, the route presses on towards Glaslyn and the upper mountain landscape.

Llyn Llydaw earns its place through the combination of a substantial mountain setting and a path with a clear industrial past. It is more than a viewpoint stop: the Miners’ Track brings you to the water, while the rougher lakeside continuation rewards walkers who are prepared for uneven ground.

Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric

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Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

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The experience

Walk in from Pen-y-Pass on the Miners’ Track to reach the lake. Choose a shorter out-and-back along the main track, or continue around the shore if you are equipped for unclear, boggy and uneven ground. Do not treat the lake as a confirmed swimming venue: the supplied research does not establish permission.

Things to do

Follow the Miners’ Track to the lake

Walk from Pen-y-Pass to Llyn Llydaw on the track built to serve the Britannia Copper Mines. The track is described as broad in places, though eroded sections may occur.

The source row estimates about 1.5 hours on foot to reach the lake; AllTrails gives 2.5–3 hours for its 6.6-mile route.

Walk the rougher lakeside continuation

The route can continue around the lake, but the path away from the main track may be unclear, boggy and uneven. Suitable footwear and careful judgement are needed.

Part of the 6.6-mile, 2.5–3-hour route listed by AllTrails; the source does not give a separate duration.

Look towards the route to Glaslyn

The Miners’ Track continues along the lake’s northern bank before climbing towards the smaller lake, Glaslyn. Use this as a landmark and route decision point.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 2.5–3 hours for the AllTrails route described; a shorter out-and-back is possible, but no verified duration is supplied for it.

Lake-side out-and-back

01
Start at Pen-y-Pass and follow the Miners’ Track towards Llyn Llydaw.
02
Reach the lake shore and pause to take in the mountain setting.
03
Retrace your steps to Pen-y-Pass rather than continuing onto the rougher lakeside path.

Half day · About 2.5–3 hours for the full route listed by AllTrails; allow extra time if conditions are difficult.

Continue around Llyn Llydaw

01
Begin at Pen-y-Pass and follow the Miners’ Track to Llyn Llydaw.
02
Continue along the lakeside route rather than climbing towards Glaslyn.
03
Be prepared for a path that can be unclear, boggy and uneven; turn back if conditions or navigation are unsuitable.
04
Return to Pen-y-Pass.

Verified history

AllTrails states that the Miners’ Track was built in the 19th century to serve the Britannia Copper Mines, which were abandoned in 1917. The supplied source does not substantiate the source-row claims about the lake’s Ice Age origins or the proposed Breton derivation of its name, so those claims are not presented as verified history.

Hidden details

The track had a working purpose — The Miners’ Track was built in the 19th century to serve the Britannia Copper Mines, which were abandoned in 1917. That industrial connection gives the approach a story beyond its mountain scenery.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Early morning or late afternoon may be quieter and bring changing light, according to the source row; check conditions and transport before setting out.

The source row recommends May to September for milder weather and more accessible paths. This is a mountain environment, so season alone does not guarantee safe conditions.

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and current route conditions before setting out; winter snow and ice can make the walk challenging.

The route

ascent: 456 ft, according to AllTrails
surface: The main track is described as road-like in places and eroded in others; the lakeside path can be boggy and uneven.
distance: 6.6 miles for the AllTrails route
duration: 2.5–3 hours, according to AllTrails
difficulty: Moderate, according to AllTrails
route shape: Out and back, according to AllTrails
start point: Pen-y-Pass
parking start: Pen-y-Pass parking is very limited and may require pre-booking in busier seasons. Check availability before travelling. AllTrails describes alternative parking near Llyn Pen-y-Gwyrd and a footpath to Pen-y-Pass; verify current arrangements.
shorter alternative: Walk from Pen-y-Pass to the lake on the main Miners’ Track and retrace your steps; a separate distance or duration is not supplied.

Llyn Llydaw
Miners’ Track and its copper-mining history
Lakeside continuation towards the route to Glaslyn

What to look for

01
Notice how the Miners’ Track meets the lake and continues towards Glaslyn
02
look for the contrast between the broad main track and the rougher, less distinct path beside the water. The supplied research describes the track’s connection to the Britannia Copper Mines, but does not identify specific surviving mine remains at the lake.

The story

19th-century copper mining; the Miners’ Track was built to serve the Britannia Copper Mines, which closed in 1917.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn for generally milder conditions and more accessible paths; mountain weather can change quickly.

Late spring to early autumn is suggested for milder weather and more accessible paths. Early morning or late afternoon may offer quieter conditions and changing light, but this timing advice comes from the source row and should not be treated as a guarantee.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Reach the lake on foot from Pen-y-Pass via the Miners’ Track. The path continues along the lake’s northern shore; a full circuit leaves the main path, where the route can become unclear, boggy and uneven. Check current parking and transport arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Pen-y-Pass is the stated route start. Parking is very limited and may require pre-booking in busier seasons; check availability before travelling. AllTrails also describes alternative parking near Llyn Pen-y-Gwyrd and a footpath to Pen-y-Pass.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets at the lake are evidenced. The source row reports toilets at Pen-y-Pass; check current facilities before travelling.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No café at the lake is evidenced. The source row reports a small café at Pen-y-Pass; check current facilities before travelling.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current access guidance and local signage before visiting; dog rules are not verified by the supplied sources.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible according to the source row. The lake route involves uneven terrain and inclines; the lakeside continuation can be boggy and uneven.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lake