Llyn Dinas Snowdonia
A stunning glacial lake in Snowdonia, offering serene walks, wild swimming, and legendary tales. Perfect for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Llyn Dinas Snowdonia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacial lake in Snowdonia, offering serene walks, wild swimming, and legendary tales. Perfect for nature lovers.
"Beautiful lake and scenery, a great place to walk and have a picnic."
Pack for all weather 🌦️
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection.
Parking strategy 🚗
Arrive early or use the Craflwyn NT car park. Smaller lay-bys fill up fast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Llyn Dinas Lake
The lake itself
A stunning glacial lake offering serene beauty, perfect for strolls, picnics, and even a refreshing dip.
Dinas Emrys Mountain
Overlooking Llyn Dinas
Hike up for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Legend says Merlin lived here!
Beddgelert Village
Near Llyn Dinas
A charming village with a rich history, offering a perfect starting or ending point for your Llyn Dinas adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weather 🌦️
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection.
Parking strategy 🚗
Arrive early or use the Craflwyn NT car park. Smaller lay-bys fill up fast.
Bring picnic essentials 🧺
Llyn Dinas is perfect for a scenic picnic. Pack food and take all rubbish with you.
Dog-friendly strolls 🐶
Many paths are suitable for dogs, but keep them on a lead where required.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weather 🌦️
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection.
Parking strategy 🚗
Arrive early or use the Craflwyn NT car park. Smaller lay-bys fill up fast.
Bring picnic essentials 🧺
Llyn Dinas is perfect for a scenic picnic. Pack food and take all rubbish with you.
Dog-friendly strolls 🐶
Many paths are suitable for dogs, but keep them on a lead where required.
Wild swimming spot 🏊
Take a dip in the lake for a refreshing experience, but be mindful of conditions. 
Respect nature 🌿
Leave no trace. Keep the beautiful landscape pristine for everyone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Llyn Dinas's serene beauty and picturesque setting, making it a perfect spot for walks and picnics. While parking can be challenging and some paths are uneven, the well-maintained southern shore trail and the option for wild swimming are highly praised. The area offers a peaceful escape with stunning natural scenery, though it can get busy during peak times.
"What a beautiful place to be, we camped on the lakeside via pitchup and it only cost us £15, the national trust have a temporary camping license for the lakeside. There’s no facilities available, but there are public toilets close, probably a ten minute walk up the road. Just make sure you take everything away with you i.e rubbish, it’s a beautiful place let’s keep it that way."
Tim Carmichael
"Came here for a nice walk with some views. All the smaller parking lots along the A498 were full, so we parked at the Craflwyn National Trust carpark. Did cost a small fee, but it's a safe spot with some shade. Also with some free toilets.
From there we walked to Llyn Dinas and then along the southern shore and back again.
From the parking lot to the lake it takes a while. And there's no shade....and it was an unusual hot summer day (maybe not so unusual in the future sadly), so it was pretty exhausting. No steep climb or anything...just the burning sun. The path to the lake gets really narrow sometimes and isn't well taken care of.
But this is only until you reach Llyn Dinas. From there the path along the southern shore is very nice, well taken care of and mostly flat. Some sections through some woods, giving a nice break from the hot sun. Nice little beach at the southwestern end, but also other options to take a dip in the lake. It doesn't offer that amazing views over the valley, but provides some nice lake views, which is also nice.
Our Bulldog isn't a big fan of heat, so we had our pet stroller with. A bit rough along the way, but it was manageable. So a baby stroller would be possible as well to bring here if you got some good wheels.
Not the greatest walk in the area, but a pleasant one. And not too busy, that was a nice change."
Alex Haas
"Beautiful lake and scenery, a great place to walk and have a picnic."
Trisha Owen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Llyn Dinas is accessible via the A498 road in Snowdonia National Park. You can drive and park in lay-bys along the road or at the Craflwyn National Trust car park. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for flexibility.
Yes, Llyn Dinas is generally considered safe for those with a fear of heights. The main paths around the lake are relatively flat and do not involve steep drops. While there are hills nearby, the lake itself offers a beautiful, grounded walking experience.
Cycling is popular in the area, with some routes passing by Llyn Dinas. Mountain biking is a significant activity in Snowdonia, and while not all paths are suitable for cycling, there are designated routes.
Parking is available in lay-bys along the A498, but these can fill up quickly. The Craflwyn National Trust car park is a good alternative, offering a safe spot with toilets and shade, though it incurs a small fee.
The path along the southern shore of Llyn Dinas is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it manageable for strollers with good wheels. However, some sections leading to the lake can be narrow and uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Llyn Dinas itself. Parking in lay-bys is free, but the National Trust car park at Craflwyn has a small fee.
Llyn Dinas is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There are no facilities directly at Llyn Dinas, but public toilets are available a short walk up the road. The Craflwyn National Trust car park also has free toilets.
Camping is available nearby, with some sites offering licenses for lakeside camping. Ensure you check availability and adhere to local regulations.
Yes, Llyn Dinas is a superb area for bird watching, with lush green surroundings and the sounds of chirping birds adding to the natural beauty.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, picnicking, wild swimming, paddleboarding, and photography. The surrounding hills offer opportunities for more challenging hikes.
A walk along the southern shore offers well-maintained paths and lovely lake views. For the best vistas, consider hiking up Dinas Emrys mountain.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and during summer. Visiting on weekdays or early mornings can offer a more peaceful experience.
Yes, wild swimming is popular at Llyn Dinas. The water can be cold, so be prepared, and always swim responsibly.
The area is rich in nature, with opportunities to see various bird species. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore the surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake offers stunning reflections, especially in calm conditions. Dinas Emrys mountain provides panoramic views, and the surrounding woodlands offer beautiful light.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues. Calm mornings can offer mirror-like reflections.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and landowner permission. Always check current rules before flying a drone in national parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water.
The southern shore offers accessible viewpoints. For elevated shots, consider the paths up Dinas Emrys or other surrounding hills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider parking at the Craflwyn National Trust car park, which offers facilities and a safe starting point. While the lake itself is calm, always supervise children closely, especially if they are tempted to swim. The nearby village of Beddgelert also offers charming attractions for a family day out.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1 If you're looking for more of a challenge, the surrounding hills, including Dinas Emrys, offer rewarding hikes with stunning views. Solo hikers can also use Llyn Dinas as a starting or stopping point for longer treks, such as sections of the Snowdonia Way.
Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans and check weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. 🐶 Dog Owners
+1 Remember to keep your dog on a lead where necessary, especially in areas with livestock or where paths are narrow. Ensure you bring water for your dog, particularly on warmer days. The varied terrain means some paths might be a bit rough for dogs with sensitive paws, but the main routes are generally manageable. Always clean up after your pet to keep the area pristine.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails Around Llyn Dinas
For those seeking more adventure, the area connects to longer trails. The walk from Beddgelert to Llyn Dinas is a scenic route, and from there, you can continue towards the famous Watkin Path, which leads to impressive waterfall pools.
When planning your hike, remember that some paths can become narrow and less maintained, especially those not on the main southern shore route. Always wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Snowdonia is known for its rapid weather shifts.
Wild Swimming and Water Activities
+3 The water can be cold, so it's advisable to be prepared for chilly temperatures, especially outside of peak summer. Always prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings when swimming in natural bodies of water. Beyond swimming, Llyn Dinas is also a great location for other water activities. It's considered an excellent spot for lake paddling, with some visitors enjoying day adventures with paddleboards.
The lake's size and relatively calm waters make it suitable for canoeing and paddleboarding, offering a different perspective of the surrounding landscape. When engaging in water activities, remember to respect the environment. Pack out everything you pack in, and be mindful of other users of the lake. The beauty of Llyn Dinas is its natural state, and preserving it is key to everyone's enjoyment.
The Legend of Dinas Emrys
This historical and mythical significance adds an extra layer of intrigue to a visit to the area.Climbing Dinas Emrys offers not only a connection to these ancient tales but also rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. From its summit, you can survey the entirety of Llyn Dinas and the surrounding Snowdonia National Park.
The legend of Dinas Emrys is a fascinating aspect of Welsh folklore, and standing on the mountain where these prophecies were supposedly made can be a powerful experience. It's a reminder of the rich cultural heritage embedded within the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia.
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