Llyn Llydaw
Lake Glacial lake on Snowdon's slopes in Wales
Mountain lake on Snowdon’s eastern shoulder reached from Llanberis; hikers pass its dark waters en route to the summit, and anglers sometimes fish for brown trout.
Llyn Llydaw is a glacial mountain lake on the slopes of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, known as a scenic mountain tarn on several popular ascent routes. The lake lies beneath steep mountain crags and is a prominent landscape feature on the eastern approaches to the summit.
Hikers encounter the lake on routes such as the Llanberis Path and other eastern approaches, where it serves as a common rest point and viewpoint for the mountain and surrounding peaks. The lake’s shoreline and immediate surroundings are natural terrain with limited facilities.
Formed by glacial action, the lake sits within the upland mountain landscape of Snowdonia and is part of the area commonly visited by walkers and climbers ascending Snowdon. It lies within the county of Gwynedd and is accessible from the nearby village of Llanberis and mountain trailheads.
- Hiking waypoint and viewpoints: The lake is a common stop on popular routes up Snowdon and provides open-water reflections and viewpoint opportunities for climbers and walkers on the eastern flank.
How to Get to Llyn Llydaw #
The lake is reached from Llanberis in Snowdonia National Park. From the village, follow the signed Llanberis Path or Miner’s Track towards Snowdon; parking in Llanberis is available but can fill on summer weekends. The nearest road access points are along the A4086 between Llanberis and Pen-y-pass.
Tips for Visiting Llyn Llydaw #
- Combine the Llanberis Path or Miners' Track with a detour to the lake for a quieter vantage than the summit crowds.
- Early morning yields the calmest water and the clearest reflections of Snowdon's cliffs.
- There is little shelter; expect sudden weather changes and bring a warm layer.
Best Time to Visit Llyn Llydaw #
Summer for ease of access and long days; spring and autumn for quieter visits and better light for photography.
Weather & Climate near Llyn Llydaw #
Llyn Llydaw's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1703 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
