Wales is home to hundreds of lakes and reservoirs, so you're never far from the waterfront. Many of the lakes have paths around them for walking, running, and sometimes even cycling.
In this guide, I've curated a list of my 6 best lake walks in North Wales along with links to find the full route.
Most of these walks are quite easy and follow a well-trodden trail, but things may have changed since I have visited so do your research first.
Map
1. Bala Circular (Easy)
This 4.3 mile (7km) loop around Bala takes around 2 hours to complete. The first half of the route is mostly paved paths, but the second half involves going over open farmland where you'll have to cross over several stiles. This can get muddy after rainfall.
The walk doesn't go completely around Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), but passes alongside parts of the lake towards the end. You'll also walk alongside parts of the River Dee and the Afon Treweryn River.
Towards the end of the walk, you'll pass by something known as 'the caves'. This isn't a natural cave but a cavern that was dug out to provide stone for many buildings in the town.
2. Llyn Idwal (Easy)
For this lake walk, first, head to the Ogwen Visitor Centre where you'll find plenty of places to park and some information about the valley. From here, you can head up the well-trodden path where you'll find Llyn Idwal which sits at the centre of the Glyderau Mountains.
The walk is very easy and you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountains in every direction. It's also steeped in history as, according to folklore, it's where Bedwyr Bedrynant (one of King Arthur's knights) threw the legendary Excalibur sword into the lake and where it still lies today.
If you fancy something a little more strenuous, you can head up the path known as the Devil’s Kitchen and through a gap of impressive stone boulders. It got the name Devils Kitchen because it was regularly swallowed in swirling clouds of mist, looking like a devils kitchen from afar
3. Lake Vyrnwy Circular (Moderate)
The circular walk around Lake Vrynwy will take you on a journey of discovery. The 19km loop around the Lake takes 4-5 hours to complete (it's also a great cycling route!).
Every time I visit the lake, I’m blown away by the impressive dam that creates the reservoir Vrynwy. The story of the submerged village of Llanwddyn has always been of interest to me and brings an element of mystery to the enchanting lake.
In 2000, Lake Vrynwy was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its variety of birds and wildlife along with breathtaking scenery. The lake is dog-friendly and has easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs with a large car park on entry.
I especially love to visit Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa for a drink and snack after walking here, with excellent views overlooking the lake (where the above photo was taken).
4. Cefni Reservoir (Easy)
The largest manmade lake on Anglesey, Llyn Cefni takes 1-2 hours to walk around at 6.3km. The dam, which was built in the 1940s, is a spectacular site with fantastic views across the lake.
The area is a designated nature reserve with a wide variety of wildlife and birds. Entirely on flat ground, this is the perfect track for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs. Enjoy reconnecting with nature in this peaceful environment where dogs are also welcome to roam freely.
The walk begins from the reservoir car park located North of the lake and is free for 2 hours which should be just enough time for your walk.
5. Llyn Padarn (Moderate)
This 5 mile (8km) loop trail circles around Llyn Padarn lake next to Llanberis in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. This glacial lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales and a popular spot for kayakers and canoers who you'll spot during the walk.
The trail around the lake is mostly flat except for one steep section on the far side (although this does give good views). It's best to do the route clockwise.
The trail takes about 2 hours if you complete it in one go, but there are plenty of landmarks to look out for along the way including the Blade of Giants, the famous Lonely Tree (pictured above), and Pont Pen y Llyn bridge at the far end of the lake.
Whilst at the far end, you can stop off in the small village of Brynrefail and enjoy a coffee or light lunch at Caffi Caban Cafe.
If there are people in your group who don't want to walk the entire circuit, the Llanberis Lake Railway also runs along one side of the lake. You could time it so that you meet them at Cei Llydan and enjoy a picnic together.
6. Rhosneigr Circular (Easy)
A pleasant walk around Llyn Maelog Lake, this 3.5km loop takes up to an hour to complete. Although the area is mostly flat, rocky outcrops make it an unsuitable path for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
On the trail, you will pass by Traeth Lldan Beach with fantastic views across the ocean. A variety of birds and plants can be seen here as well as an opportunity for some beach combing. At Llyn Maelog, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do such as fishing and paddleboarding.
The trail is dog-friendly and they are free to roam off the lead.
Published: 8 September 2022 · Last updated: 28 January 2024