Llyn y Dywarchen: The Unexpected Mirror Lake Stop That Became One of Our Favourite Snowdonia Memories

There are planned stops on every road trip, and then there are the ones you never expected. After spending an unforgettable day exploring Anglesey, we headed in the opposite direction the following morning, towards the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).

We had started the day at a leisurely pace, and by the time we reached the B4418 it was almost 10 o’clock.

Then after coming off a winding road with majestic views of the hills on both sides, we spotted a small car park beside a tranquil lake.

It looked too beautiful to drive past.

We pulled over for what we thought would be a five-minute break.

Instead, it became one of our favourite stops of the entire holiday.

An Unexpected Discovery

At the time, we had no idea what the lake was called.

Only later did we discover it was Llyn y Dywarchen, a peaceful upland lake tucked beside the B4418 between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu.

Do not confuse it with the lake of the same name near Betws-y-Coed. This Llyn y Dywarchen sits quietly beside the road leading into Eryri National Park, and many visitors probably drive straight past without ever knowing what they are missing.

We were fortunate enough to arrive on one of those perfect spring mornings.

The sky was cloudless.

There was barely a breath of wind.

The water was completely still.

The entire lake reflected the blue sky like polished glass.

It was one of those rare moments where nature looked almost too perfect to be real.

A Photographer’s Dream

Within moments we were reaching for our cameras.

Every direction offered another composition.

The little boathouse sitting peacefully beside the shore.

An old rowing boat resting near the water’s edge.

A simple boat launching pier stretching into the lake.

Wild birds circling overhead.

Ducks gliding effortlessly across the mirror-like water.

A small boat carrying anglers quietly across the lake.

Looking back towards the road revealed another beautiful scene. The winding B4418 disappeared into the landscape while the surrounding hills framed the lake perfectly.

Even the hill opposite the car park deserved a photograph.

Some places simply make photography easy.

Llyn y Dywarchen is one of them.

A Lake for Fly Fishing

After passing through the swing gate, we noticed an information board explaining that the lake is managed for fly fishing.

Day permits are available from the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu, allowing anglers to enjoy one of Snowdonia’s peaceful upland fishing lakes.

The lake forms part of the SGLL Fishing Society waters and participates in The Fishing Passport, making it accessible to visiting anglers looking to experience fly fishing in the heart of Eryri.

Even if fishing isn’t your hobby, watching the boats drift silently across the lake adds to its peaceful atmosphere.

More Than Just a Fishing Lake

You don’t need to cast a line to enjoy Llyn y Dywarchen.

It is the sort of place where time seems to slow down.

A bench, a flask of coffee and a few sandwiches would easily turn a quick stop into a relaxing picnic.

There is plenty of space to stretch your legs, admire the reflections on the water and simply enjoy the silence before continuing your journey into the mountains.

We found ourselves standing quietly for several minutes, taking everything in.

Sometimes there is nothing more enjoyable than doing absolutely nothing.

The Perfect Introduction to Snowdonia

As roadside stops go, this one sets the tone perfectly for the adventures ahead.

The peaceful lake, surrounding hills and fresh mountain air remind you that you have arrived somewhere special.

Our route would eventually take us deeper into Eryri, where dramatic mountain scenery awaited.

Yet this little lake remains one of the places we remember most vividly.

Perhaps because we weren’t expecting it.

Planning Your Own Stop

If you’re travelling along the B4418 between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu, allow yourself a little extra time.

There is a small parking area beside the lake where you can safely pull over.

Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens and, if possible, visit on a calm morning when the reflections are at their best.

Anglers can purchase day permits for fly fishing from the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu before heading to the lake.

If you’re simply passing through, stop for ten minutes.

Walk through the gate.

Stand quietly by the water.

Take a deep breath.

You may find, just as we did, that one of the simplest stops becomes one of the most memorable moments of your journey through Snowdonia.

If you want the feeling of being surrounded by water, take a short walk to the edge of the jetty. Don’t worry about falling over, there is a barrier at the end. There you can looking around you and enjoy the glorious vista of the lake.

Wish We Knew Before Visiting

If we had known about Llyn y Dywarchen before our trip, we would have planned to spend much longer here.

Here are a few tips for your own visit:

Arrive early on a calm day for the best reflections and photography.
Bring a picnic. The peaceful surroundings make this an ideal place for a quiet break before exploring Eryri.
Fly fishing only is permitted. Day permits are available from the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu.
Keep your camera ready. Wildlife regularly seen around the lake includes ducks, geese, buzzards and other upland birds.
Continue along the B4418 towards Rhyd Ddu for spectacular mountain scenery and easy access to the Rhyd Ddu Path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Nearby attractions include Llyn Cwellyn, the Welsh Highland Railway, Beddgelert, Caernarfon Castle, and the National Slate Museum at Llanberis, making this an excellent stop on a full day exploring North Wales.

Next time we visit, this won’t just be a quick roadside stop.

We’ll be packing lunch, bringing a flask of coffee and allowing ourselves an hour or two to simply enjoy one of the most peaceful lakes we’ve discovered in North Wales.