Craig y Llyn Cliff
Welsh mountain with twin glacial lakes
A crag and upland lake area in South Wales offering walking routes, geological interest and birdwatching; visitors come for hillwalking and broad views across valleys toward Swansea Bay on clear days.
Craig y Llyn at a Glance#
Address: Craig y Llyn, Wales, United Kingdom (in the Neath Port Talbot area)
About Craig y Llyn#
Craig y Llyn is an upland ridge and mountain area in south Wales notable for its glacial lakes and moorland. It forms a compact upland feature within the surrounding lowlands.
The landforms were shaped during the last glacial period, which left corrie basins now occupied by the lakes. Human use has been primarily agricultural and recreational rather than industrial.
It lies in southern Wales within the local authority area of Neath Port Talbot and is accessible from nearby valleys and towns in the region. The feature stands above surrounding lowlands and is a local high point in the landscape.
- Glacial lakes: The site contains two glacially-formed lakes that are notable features in an otherwise upland moorland setting.
- Conservation interest: The area has protected conservation status for its upland habitats and is known locally for walking and birdwatching opportunities.
What to See#
- Upper and lower glacial lakes: Two small upland lakes of glacial origin located near the summit area and occupying corries on the mountain’s eastern slopes, commonly known locally by their Welsh names.
- Summit plateau and moorland: The mountain summit and surrounding moorland form a compact upland massif with heather moor and exposed rock, designated for conservation interest.
How to Get to Craig y Llyn#
Craig y Llyn lies in the Neath Port Talbot area of Wales. Access is by minor roads from nearby villages; parking is typically roadside or in small lay-bys. Consult local OS maps for precise approaches and public footpaths.
Tips for Visiting Craig y Llyn#
- Wear sturdy shoes - the terrain can be rocky and steep in places.
- Start early for clearer views; cloud and low mist can arrive quickly in this area of Wales.
Best Time to Visit Craig y Llyn#
Late spring to autumn offers the best conditions for hillwalking; always check mountain weather forecasts.
Weather & Climate near Craig y Llyn#
Craig y Llyn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1780 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 205 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 4° | -2° | 145 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 154 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 110 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 103 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 105 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 101 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 18° | 14° | 127 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 147 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 11° | 6° | 174 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 200 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 209 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |