Llyn Gynon

Llyn Gynon is a natural mountain lake high in the Cambrian Mountains of Ceredigion, Wales, reached from the Strata Florida side. It covers roughly 70 acres (about 28 hectares), which makes it a large lake by upland Welsh standards, set among moorland and boggy plateau with no road anywhere near the shore.

Where is Llyn Gynon?

The lake lies in the empty hill country of eastern Ceredigion, at about 52.27° N, 3.76° W. The nearest village is Pontrhydfendigaid, beside the ruins of Strata Florida Abbey. The Teifi Pools, a cluster of small lakes traditionally linked with the source of the River Teifi, are the usual landmark on the way. Walkers can also approach from the opposite side, starting at Claerwen reservoir in the Elan Valley.

How do you get there?

Only on foot, and usually over rough, wet ground. From the Teifi Pools and Pontrhydfendigaid direction the walk takes around an hour. From Claerwen reservoir count on about two hours. There is no car park at the water, no signage and no facilities, so carry a map or GPS, waterproof boots and warm layers. Weather over the plateau changes fast, and mobile signal should not be expected.

What will you see?

Mostly space and quiet: open upland, a wide sheet of water and no buildings. The margins are very shallow, so the water is easy to approach. Many visitors treat the lake as a goal in its own right, others fold it into a longer Cambrian Mountains day that also takes in the Teifi Pools.

Can you fish here?

Yes, and fishing is what the lake is best known for. It holds wild brown trout that average about 8 oz, with fish up to a pound and occasionally bigger. Fly fishing is the only permitted method. The lake falls under the Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association day ticket, which also covers Claerwen and other natural lakes, so check the current rules before you go. Anglers can wade the shallows safely and fish "walk and cast" with traditional wet flies. In June the lake sees one of the best hatches of coch-y-bonddu beetles in Wales, enough to bring hundreds of trout to the surface.

When should you go?

Late spring and summer give the driest ground, and June is the peak for anglers because of the beetle hatch. After heavy rain the approach becomes much boggier. Plan to be back before dark: help is far away.

What else is nearby?

Strata Florida Abbey, a Cistercian foundation dating from 1164, is the natural starting point. The Teifi Pools, where Llyn Teifi, the largest, is regarded as the source of the River Teifi, make a good companion walk, and Pontrhydfendigaid has the nearest services.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to Llyn Gynon? No. Access is on foot only, mostly across rough and boggy terrain.

How long is the walk from the Teifi Pools? About an hour each way. From Claerwen reservoir in the Elan Valley it takes about two hours.

What fish live in the lake? Wild brown trout averaging around 8 oz, with some reaching a pound or more.

What fishing method is allowed? Fly fishing only, under the Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association day ticket.