Llyn Dinas
Grade
Fresh Water Lake
Water Type
2.4 KM / 1.4 Miles
Distance
Circular
Located within the breathtaking scenery of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), North Wales, Llyn Dinas is a picturesque mountain lake steeped in myth and legend that offers a tranquil escape. On a calm day its crystal clear waters mirror the surrounding peaks creating a stunning paddle board location while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The lake is fairly shallow with a maximum depth of 10m and care needs to be taken at both ends of the lake as to not run aground by getting to close to the shoreline.
Llyn Dinas is formed by the Afon Glaslyn and named after Dinas Emrys, a nearby rocky and wooded hill where the remains of medieval and older fortifications have been found. The area is steeped in myth and legend with stories of Merlin (Emrys) who was said to have discovered two dragons under the hill which thought each other. The legend says Merlin watch as the Red Dragon (the symbol of Wales) defeated the White Dragon of the saxons, foretelling the coming of King Arthur.
You can launch from the beach which is a little walk of around 60m across a footbridge crossing the Afon Glaslyn. This is the easiest place to launch from where the water is shallow making it also an ideal wild swimming spot.
The second spot to launch from and our favourite is if you walk to the end of the car park area and enter down towards the lake and two boat houses. There are a couple of picnic benches here covered by majestic trees. There are a couple of launch spots here but please be careful entering the water as access is tricky.
Once on the water explore this beautiful lake passing the two stone built boat houses and wooded shoreline where there are a number of spots to stop off to take it all in and have a picnic. There are wonderful views out on the water of the soaring slopes of Yr Aran and the distant peaks of the Carneddau to make your day out on the water truly memorable.
There is also a wonderful walk around the perimeter of the lake to go and explore to make a full day of the location.
We absolutely love this place and highly recommend early misty mornings or on those beautiful calm days when the water is like paddling on glass.
Location:
Access:
No Charges / No permit required
Parking:
Lay-by off the A498 on right hand side if approaching from Bedgelert. There is also a lay-by on the left hand side just before but will mean crossing the road. There are two smaller parking places for a single vehicle further down the lake with secluded beaches for launching.
Paddle Grade:
Grade 2 : Large lake that can be exposed to wind and chop. Perfect for beginners and families on calm still days but more experience advised on windier days.
