Near Tan-y-Bwlch and Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3AQ

Llyn Mair

Lake

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandLakesideRiversideWalkersFamiliesPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

Created in the late 19th century by William Edward Oakeley as a birthday present for his daughter, Llyn Mair sits within a wooded landscape crossed by the Ffestiniog Railway.

This is more than a lakeside picnic stop: a short woodland loop brings together the lake, oak and beech woodland, railway history and a personal story behind the water. The nearby Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens offer a worthwhile spring extension.

Peaceful · Atmospheric

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Near Tan-y-Bwlch and Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3AQ

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The experience

Allow about an hour for the short woodland-and-lakeside loop, or take longer for a picnic and an extension to Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens. The lake’s story and the Ffestiniog Railway give this wooded corner of Eryri more character than a simple waterside stroll.

Things to do

Walk the Dyffryn Maentwrog woods and Llyn Mair loop

Take the short loop from near Tan-y-Bwlch through oak and beech woodland to the lake and along the lakeside. AllTrails lists a 2-mile loop taking about 30–60 minutes.

30–60 minutes

Look for the Ffestiniog Railway in the woods

The railway runs through the surrounding woodland; notice where the tracks cross the southern and eastern parts of the wider walking area.

Add Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens

Extend the outing to the gardens, noted for Victorian-era trees and spring rhododendrons and azaleas. Check visitor arrangements before going.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour

Quick escape: lake and woodland loop

01
Start near Tan-y-Bwlch and follow the short loop through Dyffryn Maentwrog woods to Llyn Mair.
02
Pause beside the lake, then return on the loop.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: woods, lake and gardens

01
Walk the woodland loop to Llyn Mair and take time along the lakeside.
02
Extend the visit to the gardens at Plas Tan y Bwlch; spring is noted for rhododendrons and azaleas.
03
Check current opening and access arrangements for the gardens before travelling.

Verified history

Llyn Mair was created in the late 19th century by William Edward Oakeley of Plas Tan y Bwlch as a birthday present for his daughter. A millpond south of the lake was once used to power the plas and the village of Maentwrog. Plas Tan y Bwlch was home to the Oakley family in the 19th century.

Hidden details

A lake made as a birthday gift — The lake is not simply a natural feature: it was created in the late 19th century as a birthday present from William Edward Oakeley to his daughter.

The old millpond — The millpond south of Llyn Mair was once used to power Plas Tan y Bwlch and Maentwrog.

When to go

· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

Spring is highlighted for the rhododendrons and azaleas in the Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens. Woodland shade is noted as useful on warm days.

Check local conditions before setting out; the supplied sources do not establish current path conditions.

The route

ascent: 239 ft
distance: 2 miles
duration: 30–60 minutes
difficulty: Easy
route shape: Loop
start point: Near Tan-y-Bwlch
parking start: Parking is mentioned beside the lake and at the Oakeley Arms area by a supplied route source; verify current availability and conditions.

Dyffryn Maentwrog woodland
Llyn Mair and its wooded lakeside
Ffestiniog Railway through the woods

Worth pairing with

Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens

A natural extension to the woodland-and-lake visit; the gardens are noted for Victorian-era trees and spring rhododendrons and azaleas. Check visitor arrangements before travelling.

Maentwrog

The walking source describes the lake as a short walk from the village; it may make a useful extension to the outing.

What to look for

Look for the Ffestiniog Railway as it passes through the woods, and notice how the lakeside walk moves between woodland and water. The lake was created as a birthday present for Oakeley’s daughter.

The story

Victorian estate history; the lake was created as a birthday gift by William Edward Oakeley for his daughter.

Best time to go

Spring for the gardens’ rhododendrons and azaleas; woodland shade makes the walk appealing on warmer days too.

Spring is a good time to add the Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens, when rhododendrons and azaleas are reported to be in bloom. On warm days, woodland canopy offers shade.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Families · Photographers · Wildlife lovers