Llyn Teifi

Llyn Teifi is the biggest of the Teifi Pools, a cluster of upland lakes in the Elenydd area of the Cambrian Mountains, in Ceredigion, Wales, not far from Strata Florida. Sitting at roughly 455 m above sea level, it is where the River Teifi begins its journey of more than a hundred kilometres to the coast near Cardigan.

What is this place?

The Teifi Pools are six lakes and reservoirs in eastern Ceredigion. Llyn Teifi is the largest and is regarded as the official source of the river. The setting is open moorland: rounded hills, peat and water, with very little shelter. Welsh Water looks after some of the pools. Other, separate lakes lie close by, including Llyn Hir, Llyn Egnant, Llyn Gorlan and Llyn Gynon, so check the map carefully to avoid mixing them up.

How do you get there?

The nearest village is Pontrhydfendigaid, a few kilometres from the ruins of Strata Florida, a Cistercian abbey. A narrow single-track road leads up to the lakes, so drive slowly and be ready to use passing places. There is no public transport nearby, which makes a car the practical choice.

What can you do here?

Walking is the main reason to come. A well-known loop covers about 6 miles (around 10 km) and can begin from the north, along the narrow road that runs closest to the pools, or from the south. Another route starts near Tyn Cwm by Strata Florida, climbs past Llyn Egnant and then drops beside Llyn Teifi and down the valley of the young river. A shorter option of roughly 2.5 miles goes around all the pools, though much of it is cross-country. The footpath at the start of one route was officially diverted not long ago, so check a current description before you set off.

From the lake the river heads west, passes Strata Florida and only then turns southwest. Pairing a lakeside walk with a visit to the abbey lets you see both the source and the river's first historic stop.

When should you visit?

Late spring, summer and early autumn give the driest paths. Weather on the exposed plateau changes quickly, so bring a warm layer, waterproof footwear and a map; phone signal can be patchy and waymarking is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is Llyn Teifi the source of the River Teifi?

Yes. The river rises in this lake and then crosses Ceredigion to reach the sea near Cardigan.

Is Llyn Teifi the same as Llyn Gorlan?

No. Llyn Gorlan is a different lake in the same group, visible from some points along the walking routes.

How long is the walk around the lakes?

The short, mostly off-path circuit around all the pools is about 2.5 miles, while the classic route from the Strata Florida area is around 6 miles.

Can I get there by bus?

The road to the lakes is narrow and single-track with no public transport on it, so the best option is to drive from Pontrhydfendigaid.