LLYN DINAS
Easy walk on the shores of Llyn Dinas
Situated just a couple of miles northeast of Beddgelert, Llyn Dinas is a serene mountain lake affording wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. Managed by the National Trust, the lake is right next to the A498 and so is a great place to stop off for a picnic when you are exploring the area. But if you have the time, there’s a trail around the south shore of the lake which is worth exploring.
This is an easy walk on a gravel footpath and when you reach the end of the lake, you can return via the way you came, walk back along the road or continue to Llyn Gwynant.
Duration: 1 hour from the car park to the top of the lake and back.
Terrain: Gravel pathway
Starting Out
There are parking areas on both sides the A486 adjacent to the lake. Walk through the gate and onto the footpath which soon bears right, following the lake shore. Cross the wooden bridge over the river and continue on the path towards the lake. Pass through the gate and continue on the footpath, next to the water. You will cross a small bridge over a pretty stream tumbling down the hillside and this is a nice spot to linger or to let your dogs paddle.
The path continues along the lake shore and there are several points where you or your dogs can access the water. You can take advantage of the many benches which feature on the trail if you would like to soak up the views or rest. Towards the far end of the lake, the footpath starts to turn away from the water and into open countryside.
You will arrive at a gate shortly before farm buildings where there is a warning to put dogs on leads as there may be livestock grazing. At this point you can decide to retrace your steps, continue to the road or walk to Llyn Gwynant.
Wonderful Views
There are fabulous views across the water to the mountains from the far side of the lake. If there is no wind, the lake becomes a huge mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks. Close to the farm buildings at the far end, which are earmarked for a small hydroelectric project, there is a pretty stream which is the perfect place to linger or to enjoy a picnic.
When I took this walk, I retraced my steps around the lake after stopping for a snack by the stream, as I didn’t have the time to continue to Llyn Gwynant. The gorgeous sunshine ensured that I was treated to amazing views throughout the walk and the colours of the mountains change gradually as the sun moved across the sky. The dogs loved exploring the streams and taking the occasional paddle in the lake. In spite of the glorious weather, I encountered only a handful of people along the trail.
The Beach
Just before you arrive back at the bridge over the river, there are a couple of small beaches which are lovely places to relax or to let the dogs to take a swim in the lake. If you still have time on your side, you could take the trail up to Cwm Bychan or stroll down to Beddgelert. The path up the mountain branches off from the trail around the lake near the beaches. To reach the village, walk straight on instead of crossing the bridge over the river. This route is signposted.
The area around Llyn Dinas is truly beautiful but does not attract as many visitors as you might think and is very quiet in the winter months. This is a good place to walk the dogs and ideal if you don’t enjoy strenuous climbs up the mountains. When you have walked around the lake, you are only a couple of minutes by car from Beddgelert where you can visit one of the restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, Drive to Penygroes and then turn right at the COOP store. Turn right at the next T Junction and then right again at the next T Junction. Follow this road past Nantlle and up into the mountains. You will eventually arrive at the Village of Rhyd DDu where you should turn right towards Beddgelert. When you arrive in Beddgelert, drive straight on and not over the stone bridge. After passing the Sygun Copper mine, drive for roughly one mile and look out for the parking areas on the side of the road just as the lake comes into view.
