Llyn Gwynant fills the floor of Nantgwynant — the beautiful valley south of Yr Wyddfa — with the mountain and the surrounding oak woodland reflected in its still surface at dusk. In autumn, when the sessile oaks turn copper and gold and the low sun lights the western face of Yr Wyddfa, this is one of the most beautiful landscape experiences in Wales. This is Experience #28 of the Snowdonia 100.
The Setting
Nantgwynant is one of the great glacial valleys of Eryri — its U-shaped profile and flat floor the work of ice, the lake occupying the lowest point where drainage is impeded by a moraine ridge. The oak woodland on the valley sides is ancient semi-natural woodland, remnant of the forest that once covered much of Eryri before the mountains were cleared for grazing. In late October, the colour change is complete and the reflections in the lake, on a still evening, are extraordinary.
| Location | A498, Nantgwynant, 5km east of Beddgelert |
| Best time | October–November for autumn colour; late afternoon |
| Parking | Nantgwynant National Trust car park (Craflwyn) |
| Walking | Lakeshore path accessible from car park |
The View
From the eastern end of the lake, looking southwest, the Watkin Path can be seen climbing through the valley behind. From the western end, the view north takes in the southern flank of Yr Wyddfa above the valley head. The classic evening photograph is taken from the A498 layby on the northern shore, looking south, with the oaks in autumn colour and the lake perfectly still — the mountains compressed into reflection below.
Experience #28 of 100 — Water and Light category.
Independently written — Snowdon.com