Llyn Barfog

Llyn Barfog, the "Bearded Lake", is a small upland tarn in Gwynedd, Wales, set in the hills above the Dyfi estuary near the seaside town of Aberdyfi (Aberdovey). It sits in quiet, remote country and is best known for its link to King Arthur.

Why is it called the Bearded Lake?

In Welsh, "barfog" means bearded. The name refers to the reeds fringing the shore, which look like a beard around the water. In summer, water lilies float on the surface, which makes the tarn especially photogenic.

What is the legend of Llyn Barfog?

The best-known tale says an afanc, a water monster, once terrorised people living nearby. Arthur dragged the creature out of the lake with the help of his magical mare Llamrei. The effort was so great that the horse left a hoofprint in the rock. The marks are shown close by at Carn March Arthur, a spot identified by a slate slab.

A second tradition, quoted in a local walking leaflet, names the lake as the home of Gwyn ap Nudd, king of the Welsh fairies. Llyn Barfog also features in Susan Cooper's novel The Dark Is Rising.

How do you get to Llyn Barfog?

The usual walk starts in Aberdyfi at Chapel Square. Climb Copper Hill Street, pass the houses of Mynydd Isaf, then follow the ridge to the lake along the Ordnance Survey "Panorama" walk. A longer variant goes through Happy Valley.

The final stretch takes about ten minutes. The turn-off is easy to miss because it is marked only by a wooden stake rather than a signpost, so carry an OS map or a phone with offline navigation.

What will you see?

• a still, reed-edged tarn,
• water lilies in summer,
• views over the Dyfi estuary and surrounding hills on the climb,
• the rock with Llamrei's "hoofprint" nearby.

There are no cafes or toilets at the lake, so bring water and snacks from Aberdyfi.

When should you go?

Late spring and summer are best: paths are drier and the lilies are out. After rain the ground gets boggy, so wear waterproof boots. Combine the walk with time in Aberdyfi, which has a beach and places to eat.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk to Llyn Barfog from Aberdyfi? Yes, it is the most popular route, running uphill from the town and along the ridge.

What does Llyn Barfog mean? "Bearded Lake", after the reeds along its edge.

Is the path waymarked? Only partly. A wooden stake marks the turn, so a map helps.

Which legends belong to the lake? Arthur's victory over the afanc monster, and Gwyn ap Nudd, king of the fairies.