Nant Gwynant, near Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Llyn Dinas and Llyndy Isaf Circular

route · Waterside walk

Source image

7.5

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

LakesideValleyHillsWoodlandRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.5

A circuit from the shore of Llyn Dinas into the hills and woodland around Llyndy Isaf, where a landscape saved for the nation after a major public appeal meets Welsh dragon legend.

This is more than a lakeside stroll: the route links Llyn Dinas’s mountain-backed shore with farm country and woodland, while the story of Llyndy Isaf’s rescue gives the landscape a human dimension. The loop is rewarding but includes stiles, rough ground and potentially slippery sections.

Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric

Find your way

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Nant Gwynant, near Beddgelert, Gwynedd

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The experience

Walk the circular route from the A498 lay-by, tracing Llyn Dinas before turning inland past Llyndy Isaf and through woodland and hills. Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the 4.7 km AllTrails circuit; expect stiles and take care on wet or rocky sections.

Things to do

Walk the Llyn Dinas and Llyndy Isaf circular

Follow a 4.7 km loop from an A498 lay-by along the lake’s southern banks, past Llyndy Isaf and into nearby hills and woodland. The route has stiles and may be slippery or rocky.

1–1.5 hours

Take the longer Craflwyn–Hafod y Llan–Llyn Dinas walk

A 10.4 km, moderate National Trust route from Craflwyn that explores more of Nant Gwynant, including heath and ffridd beneath Yr Aran, Afon Cwm Llan’s waterfalls and Llyn Dinas. Only part is waymarked.

3–4 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–1.5 hours

Quick Escape: the Llyn Dinas loop

01
Start from the lay-by on the A498 between Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant, as described by AllTrails; confirm parking before travelling.
02
Follow the 4.7 km circular route along Llyn Dinas, then continue past Llyndy Isaf and through the nearby hills and woodland.
03
Allow for 97 m of elevation gain, stiles and potentially slippery or rocky sections.

Half day · 3–4 hours

Make a Half Day of It: lake, farm and mountain-valley walk

01
Use the National Trust’s longer Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk to explore more of Nant Gwynant; it starts and finishes at Craflwyn National Trust car park.
02
Take in the heath and ffridd beneath Yr Aran, Afon Cwm Llan’s waterfalls and Llyn Dinas.
03
Bring a map and compass: only part of this route is waymarked. Check the weather and be prepared for a steady climb over rough ground.

Verified history

In 2011, the National Trust raised £1 million in seven months to buy Llyndy Isaf and secure the surrounding landscape. The Guardian reported that about 20,000 people donated; the appeal followed concern that Llyn Dinas and its shoreline might become a watersports centre. The source describes the farm as 250 hectares.

Folklore & legend

Local Arthurian legend associates Llyn Dinas with a battle between Arthur’s warrior Owein and a giant, and with treasure hidden around the lake. A separate Welsh legend says a red and a white dragon fought here; the red dragon’s victory is linked in the tale to Wales’s national symbol. These are legends, not verified historical events.

Hidden details

The landscape was saved by a public appeal — The National Trust appeal raised £1 million in seven months, supported by around 20,000 donations. The purchase helped prevent the lake and shoreline from potentially becoming a watersports centre.

Dragon stories belong to the lake’s folklore — The Guardian records the local tale of a red and a white dragon fighting at Llyn Dinas; AllTrails also recounts Arthurian stories associated with the lake and surrounding hills.

When to go

· Choose a clear, settled period for views; no sourced time-of-day recommendation is available.

Sources describe the route and its terrain but do not establish a best season or wildlife-viewing window. Weather and ground conditions matter because sections can be rough or slippery.

Check the forecast before setting out. The National Trust advises mountain-day preparation, and AllTrails notes rocky or slippery sections.

The route

ascent: 97 m elevation gain
stiles: Stiles; number not specified
surface: Uneven; rocky and potentially slippery sections reported
distance: 4.7 km
duration: 1–1.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate
waymarking: Check route information; the AllTrails excerpt does not specify waymarking. The separate National Trust route is only partly waymarked.
route shape: Circular
start point: Lay-by on the A498 between Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant (AllTrails route)
parking start: Route description gives an A498 lay-by as the start; availability and restrictions need checking.

Llyn Dinas shoreline and views across the lake
Llyndy Isaf farm
Nearby hills, woodland and streams
Views towards the Snowdon range, according to AllTrails

Worth pairing with

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk

A sourced longer walking option in the same Nant Gwynant landscape, starting and finishing at Craflwyn National Trust car park.

What to look for

Look across Llyn Dinas towards the surrounding hills and the Snowdon range. The route also passes farm country, woodland and streams. The dragon battle belongs to local legend, not verified history.

The story

Conservation; Welsh dragon legend

Best time to go

Spring to autumn for longer days and easier conditions; check the forecast before walking in any season.

Choose a clear, settled day for the lake and mountain views. Check the weather and route conditions before leaving; wet ground can make sections slippery.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours

Terrain

Lakeside, Valley

Parking / start

AllTrails describes a lay-by on the A498 as the route start. Confirm parking availability and restrictions before travelling.

Practical information

Opening & access

The circular route is described as starting from a lay-by on the A498 between Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant. It crosses farmland; expect livestock and stiles. Check current access and conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

AllTrails describes a lay-by on the A498 as the route start. Confirm parking availability and restrictions before travelling.

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are reported welcome; expect livestock and stiles. The National Trust advises dogs on leads on its separate Craflwyn route. Check current local guidance and signage.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Not suitable to assume accessible: the route includes stiles, uneven or rough ground and slippery sections. The National Trust’s separate, longer walk notes uneven surfaces and steps throughout.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lake, streams and waterfalls are described along the wider landscape and National Trust route. Swimming or paddling permission is not evidenced; do not assume it is allowed.