If you’re searching for the best Eryri walks and hidden lakes, you’re in for something special. Formerly known as Snowdonia National Park, Eryri is packed with dramatic mountains, glacial lakes, and quiet corners far from the crowds. Whether you want iconic views or secret wild swimming spots, this guide covers 15 of the best walks and hidden lakes in Eryri—with practical tips, parking info, and difficulty levels.
1. Llyn Idwal (Classic & Accessible)
- 📍 Location: Cwm Idwal
- 🚗 Parking: National Trust Ogwen Cottage
- ⏱️ Walk: 1.5–2 hrs | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: One of the most scenic easy walks in Eryri
- 💡 Tip: Go early—this is very popular
- 🚻 Facilities: Toilets & café nearby
2. Llyn Cau (Cadair Idris Hidden Gem)
- 📍 Location: Cadair Idris
- 🚗 Parking: Minffordd car park
- ⏱️ Walk: 5–6 hrs | Hard
- ⭐ Why go: Jaw-dropping glacial lake beneath cliffs
- 💡 Tip: Combine with summit for best experience
- 🚻 Facilities: Toilets at start
3. Llyn y Dywarchen (Peaceful & Quiet)
- 📍 Location: Near Nantlle Ridge
- 🚗 Parking: Roadside near Rhyd-Ddu
- ⏱️ Walk: 30–45 mins | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: Rarely crowded hidden gem
- 💡 Tip: Ideal sunrise spot
- 🚻 Facilities: None
4. Llyn Ogwen (Iconic Views)
- 📍 Location: Ogwen Valley
- 🚗 Parking: Lay-bys along A5
- ⏱️ Walk: 1 hr loop | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: Epic views of Tryfan
- 💡 Tip: Great photography location
- 🚻 Facilities: Limited
5. Llyn Dinas (Family-Friendly)
- 📍 Location: Near Beddgelert
- 🚗 Parking: Llyn Dinas car park
- ⏱️ Walk: 1–2 hrs | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: Flat and scenic
- 💡 Tip: Combine with Beddgelert visit
- 🚻 Facilities: Nearby in village
6. Llyn Glaslyn & Llyn Llydaw (Snowdon Classics)
- 📍 Location: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- 🚗 Parking: Pen-y-Pass (book ahead)
- ⏱️ Walk: 4–6 hrs | Moderate–Hard
- ⭐ Why go: Most famous lakes in Wales
- 💡 Tip: Start early to avoid crowds
- 🚻 Facilities: At Pen-y-Pass
7. Llyn Cwmorthin (Abandoned Quarry Lake)
- 📍 Location: Near Blaenau Ffestiniog
- 🚗 Parking: Tanygrisiau
- ⏱️ Walk: 2–3 hrs | Moderate
- ⭐ Why go: Unique industrial history
- 💡 Tip: Explore ruins carefully
- 🚻 Facilities: None
8. Llyn Geirionydd (Swim Spot)
- 📍 Location: Near Trefriw
- 🚗 Parking: Lakeside car park
- ⏱️ Walk: Minimal | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: Best for wild swimming
- 💡 Tip: Water can be cold year-round
- 🚻 Facilities: Basic
9. Llyn Elsi (Forest Escape)
- 📍 Location: Betws-y-Coed
- 🚗 Parking: Village car parks
- ⏱️ Walk: 2–3 hrs | Moderate
- ⭐ Why go: Quiet woodland setting
- 💡 Tip: Great in autumn
- 🚻 Facilities: In village
10. Llyn Bochlwyd (Hidden Below Tryfan)
- 📍 Location: Tryfan
- 🚗 Parking: Ogwen Valley lay-bys
- ⏱️ Walk: 1.5–2 hrs | Moderate
- ⭐ Why go: Mini lake with huge views
- 💡 Tip: Combine with Glyderau hike
- 🚻 Facilities: None
11. Llyn Teyrn (True Hidden Gem)
- 📍 Location: Remote Eryri
- 🚗 Parking: Limited roadside
- ⏱️ Walk: 2–4 hrs | Moderate
- ⭐ Why go: Extremely quiet
- 💡 Tip: Bring navigation tools
- 🚻 Facilities: None
12. Llyn Dulyn (Dramatic & Wild)
- 📍 Location: Carneddau
- 🚗 Parking: Abergwyngregyn
- ⏱️ Walk: 4–5 hrs | Hard
- ⭐ Why go: Moody, dramatic scenery
- 💡 Tip: Weather changes quickly here
- 🚻 Facilities: None
13. Llyn Eigiau (Remote Reservoir)
- 📍 Location: Carneddau
- 🚗 Parking: End of narrow road
- ⏱️ Walk: 2–4 hrs | Moderate
- ⭐ Why go: Vast, quiet landscapes
- 💡 Tip: Good for longer explorations
- 🚻 Facilities: None
14. Llyn Padarn (Easy with Views)
- 📍 Location: Llanberis
- 🚗 Parking: Multiple car parks
- ⏱️ Walk: 1–2 hrs | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: Stunning Snowdon views
- 💡 Tip: Great sunset location
- 🚻 Facilities: Yes
15. Llyn Gwynant (Wild Camping Favourite)
- 📍 Location: Near Nant Gwynant
- 🚗 Parking: Campsite or lay-bys
- ⏱️ Walk: Minimal | Easy
- ⭐ Why go: One of the best lake settings
- 💡 Tip: Respect wild camping rules
- 🚻 Facilities: Campsite nearby
It’s important to be prepared for walking in Eryri
Even on popular Eryri walks and at hidden lakes, weather can turn quickly. Consider carrying safety equipment such as a headtorch, spare layers of clothes, extra food, and a GPS.
- Many of the walking routes are very remote (Carneddau, Cadair Idris)
- Cloud cover comes in quickly and reduces visibility
Having these tools can make the difference between a great day and a risky one. It’s always better to be prepared for all situations.
Final Thoughts
Eryri offers everything—from easy lakeside strolls to remote mountain adventures. Whether you stick to iconic spots like Llyn Ogwen or seek out hidden gems like Llyn Teyrn, there’s always somewhere new to discover.
Take a look at some of our other location suggestions across the UK: