Llyn Padarn
Grade
Fresh Water Lake
Water Type
8.0 KM / 5 Miles
Distance
Circular
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), North Wales, Llyn Padarn is a spectacular large glacially formed lake with hidden lagoons to explore while taking in the breathtaking mountain landscape. When the water is still and calm the reflections of the mountains and the tree lined shoreline is truly magical. It is one of those places where you can lose yourself admiring the reflections and very easily forget your standing on a paddle board and lose balance.
Llyn Padarn is one of our favourite lakes to visit in Wales and although it can get busy during summer months the lake is large enough to get away from the crowds and feel like you have the place to yourself.
There are plenty of safe beach areas to launch from at all the carparks with only a short walk to the waters edge from the car. At the Maes Parcio Padarn carpark (first Car park) there is also a pontoon to launch from if you prefer.
Upon entering the water you can explore the secluded bays near the beach to gather your sea legs visit the lone tree before you head off round the lake. Our preferred route is to initially head south towards Llanberis taking in the magical Llanberis Pass and Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in the national park and undoubtably Eryri’s most popular summit.
Heading towards the bottom the lake you will pass the Cae’r Idol watermedows which comes to life with wildflowers during the summer months and then cross the Afon y Bala which is the main water feed to the lake from the Llyn Peris Reservoir. Round the bottom of the lake and you will begin to meet-up and follow the Llanberis lake railway. There is a nice small beach here to take a break and watch the small steam train pass by.
After a short stop follow the shoreline and the Llanberis Railway passing the steep slate slopes of Dinorwig Quarry and ancient oak woodland. We highly recommend if you have the energy to visit the Quarry after your paddle or spending a few days in the area if you haven’t done so before! You will pass Cei Lydian station and eventually reach a large smooth rock outcrop, Llech y Fulfran usually covered in seagulls. On route there are a number of little bays to park up for a quick drink amongst the trees.
From here you can continue down the lake a little further or head back across the lake and explore the lagoons close to the car park. Llyn Pardarn makes for a wonderful days paddling and once you have visited you will know why it one of our favourite lake to Stand Up Paddle board in Wales.
SUP Paddle Boarding at Llyn Padarn
Location:
Access:
No Charges / No permit required
Parking:
Padarn Country Park off the A4086 in Llanberis. Plenty of parking but charges do apply. At time of writing £6 for 8 hours with both cash and card payments accepted. There are a further 2 car parks further along the road all with good beaches to launch from.
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.
