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.

Main image

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.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Warmer, but expect changeable weather; longer daylight for hikes.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Crisper air and good colours; fewer midges and clearer skies on some days.

Weather & Climate near Craig y Llyn#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
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