Glaslyn

Glaslyn is a high, exposed lake in the Cambrian Mountains of Powys, mid Wales, close to the village of Aberhosan. It sits at the northern edge of the Plynlimon massif and forms the heart of a nature reserve run by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. Do not confuse it with the Glaslyn beneath Snowdon in Eryri or with the river Afon Glaslyn: the Welsh name roughly means "blue lake" and it turns up in several places across Wales.

What will you see at Glaslyn?

The lake lies in open, windswept country of heather moorland and boggy ground. It is the Trust's largest reserve and a key piece of the Cambrian Mountains landscape. The water is acidic and holds very few nutrients, a combination that suits specialised plants. The best known is quillwort, which often ends up washed onto the shore after rough weather.

There are no buildings or visitor facilities. What you get is quiet, long views and a raw upland atmosphere.

How do you get there?

Public vehicle access along the track was withdrawn after illegal activity. Park in the small layby by the gate and walk in, roughly a mile to the reserve. Trust members can drive to the reserve car park if they obtain the gate code from the office. The grid reference is SN826941. A circular path of about 2 km runs around the lake, though parts of it are boggy and waterproof boots are a must. Experienced walkers can continue towards Plynlimon along the Cambrian Way.

When is the best time to visit?

June to August is the peak, when cottongrass and then heather are in flower and the moor is at its most colourful. Mountain weather changes fast, so bring warm waterproofs even in summer.

What are the rules?

This is a wildlife reserve, so a few restrictions apply. Keep dogs on a lead and out of the water. Swimming and water sports are not allowed. Stay on the path and out of the wet ground.

What else can you combine with a visit?

Aberhosan and nearby Machynlleth make a handy base for day trips in the Cambrian Mountains. Glaslyn suits a quiet walking day in a less-visited corner of Wales, far from the crowds of Eryri.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the lake below Snowdon? No. This Glaslyn is in Powys, in the Cambrian Mountains near Plynlimon. The lake beneath Snowdon shares the name but is a different place.

Can I drive to the shore? No. Public vehicle access to the track is closed. Park in the layby by the gate and walk.

Can I swim there? No. Swimming and water sports are not permitted in the reserve.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on a lead and kept out of the water.