Near Bala, Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

Llyn Tryweryn

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

RiversideRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

The Tryweryn is a landscape where a quiet riverside walk meets a difficult chapter in Welsh history. A nearby trail follows the river towards Frongoch, with the story of the drowned village of Capel Celyn and the building of Llyn Celyn reservoir close at hand.

The appeal here is the contrast: a short, easy riverside trail through Eryri’s landscape, with the memory of Capel Celyn and the controversy surrounding the reservoir giving the surrounding waters a weight beyond their scenery.

Peaceful · Atmospheric

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Near Bala, Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd

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The experience

Use the nearby Afon Tryweryn route for a short riverside walk, or extend the outing towards Llyn Celyn Dam. The supplied sources do not establish swimming or paddling permission at Llyn Tryweryn.

Things to do

Follow the Afon Tryweryn riverside trail

Walk the easy out-and-back trail described as following the river from near Llyn Celyn Power Station towards Frongoch and back.

0.5–1 hour

Learn about the flooding of Capel Celyn

The route source describes Llyn Celyn reservoir as having been built in the 1960s to supply water to Liverpool, flooding Capel Celyn and surrounding farmland and causing controversy.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 0.5–1 hour

A short riverside out-and-back

01
Start from the car park near Llyn Celyn Power Station, if access and parking are available.
02
Follow the Afon Tryweryn riverside trail towards Frongoch, then return the same way.

Half day · Allow extra time beyond the 0.5–1 hour trail

Walk, then take in the reservoir story

01
Walk the short Afon Tryweryn riverside route.
02
If access permits, extend the visit to Llyn Celyn Dam.
03
Read up on the flooding of Capel Celyn and surrounding farmland before or after the walk.

Verified history

The route source says Llyn Celyn reservoir was constructed in the 1960s to supply water to Liverpool, flooding Capel Celyn and surrounding farmland. It describes the decision as highly controversial and reports that the “Cofiwch Dryweryn” slogan was painted in protest in 1959 by poet Meic Stephen. The source places the graffitied wall in Llanrhystud, not at this listing.

Hidden details

The place-name carries a contested history — The nearby reservoir’s creation flooded the village of Capel Celyn and surrounding farmland. The source also describes “Cofiwch Dryweryn” as a protest slogan; it locates the graffitied wall in Llanrhystud, elsewhere in Wales.

When to go

April · May · June · July · August · No time of day is verified; check weather and local access before setting out.

The source row recommends spring and summer for pleasant weather and greener surroundings, but gives no specific wildlife or seasonal highlights.

Conditions and trail surface details are not supplied. Check the forecast and current local conditions before travelling.

The route

ascent: 59 ft
distance: 1.3 miles
duration: 0.5–1 hour
difficulty: Easy
route shape: Out and back
start point: Car park near Llyn Celyn Power Station, according to the route source; verify the precise start before travelling.
parking start: The route source describes a car park near Llyn Celyn Power Station. The source row also mentions a small car park; availability is not confirmed.

Riverside walking along the Afon Tryweryn
The trail source describes the river route as being near Llyn Celyn
The source suggests a possible extension to Llyn Celyn Dam

Worth pairing with

Llyn Celyn Dam

The Afon Tryweryn trail source suggests extending the route to visit the dam. Confirm access and practical details before making it part of your plan.

What to look for

Notice how the river corridor and reservoir landscape sit alongside the history of Capel Celyn. The supplied sources do not verify specific surviving village remains at this location.

The story

Lost village, Archaeology

Best time to go

Spring and summer for greener surroundings; the source gives no more precise seasonal wildlife or conditions guidance.

Spring or summer is suggested in the source row for greener surroundings. No best time of day is verified.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A nearby short riverside trail is described as starting from a car park near Llyn Celyn Power Station. The supplied information does not confirm access arrangements for every part of Llyn Tryweryn; check before visiting and follow local signs. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

The source row mentions a small car park, while the route source describes a car park near Llyn Celyn Power Station. Confirm its location and availability before travelling.

Toilets

The source row reports basic toilet facilities; check availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No food or drink services are reported on site. Bring provisions or check nearby options before travelling.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dog access is not confirmed for this listing. Check local rules before bringing a dog.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The nearby Afon Tryweryn trail is described as easy, with a short out-and-back route. Surface and step-free access details are not supplied; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

River; a separate nearby trail source refers to Llyn Celyn reservoir.