Llyn Conwy

Llyn Conwy is a remote moorland lake in Conwy county borough, in the middle of Eryri (Snowdonia) in north Wales. It is the starting point of the River Conwy, which runs about 43 km (27 miles) to the sea at Conwy Bay. If you want open, empty country rather than the crowds around Yr Wyddfa, this is a fitting destination.

What is Llyn Conwy?

The lake sits at roughly 450 m above sea level (about 1,488 ft) and is shallow, with a maximum depth near 5 m (16 ft). It is the largest of the lakes scattered across the Migneint. There are no trees and no buildings on its shores, only rough grass, rushes and peat. Its grid position is around 52.999 N, 3.819 W, and on a clear day Arenig Fawr shows on the horizon.

What will you see on the Migneint?

The Migneint is a broad area of blanket bog, among the largest in Wales, and one of the wettest places in the region, with about 2,600 mm of rain a year. Expect sodden ground, pools and a landscape with few landmarks. The moor forms part of the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Special Area of Conservation. The B4407 from Ffestiniog to Ysbyty Ifan crosses it.

Peatland restoration is under way around the lake, with the Ysbyty Estate involved. Healthy bog stores carbon and slows the flow of water downstream, so keeping it wet matters.

How do you get to Llyn Conwy?

No road reaches the shore. Walkers usually start from the B4407 near Llyn Cottage, or follow a public footpath that leaves a minor road close to Hafodyredwydd. That minor road can be treacherous in icy weather. For beds, food and supplies, the nearest bases are Ysbyty Ifan, Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed.

When should you go and what should you wear?

Late spring and summer give the driest conditions. Even then, wear waterproof boots, because the ground soaks up water. Off the paths it is easy to lose your bearings in mist, so carry a map or an offline navigation app. In winter the moor can hold ice and snow, and the B4407 becomes slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Llyn Conwy?

In Conwy county borough, north Wales, on the Migneint moor in central Eryri.

Is it the source of the River Conwy?

Yes. The river leaves the lake heading south, then bends round and flows mostly north for about 43 km to Conwy Bay.

How deep is the lake?

About 5 m at its deepest, which is shallow for an upland lake.

Can you drive to the lake?

Not all the way. Park beside the B4407 or the minor road near Hafodyredwydd and walk across wet moorland.