Wild Swim in Llyn Glaslyn

Overview

Llyn Glaslyn is a beautiful, blue-coloured lake on the eastern slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), a mountain in the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). The lake is the source of the river Glaslyn and can be reached via the Miners’ Track, one of the routes up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.

Wild swimming in Llyn Glaslyn is completely free to do and is suitable for adventurous couples, groups of friends, and keen swimmers. There’s a shingly shoreline on one side of the lake, resembling a beach, making the water easily accessible.

As Llyn Glaslyn is on the path to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, you can combine a wild swim here with a hike up Snowdon, if you’re in the mood to explore.

Can you swim in Llyn Glaslyn?

Yes, Llyn Glaslyn is one of the most popular and best places to swim on Yr Wyddfa. As the lake is beneath the mountain’s summit, it provides an atmospheric and dramatic place to take a dip, surrounded by spectacular scenery. You can see Yr Wyddfa towering above you as you swim in the crystal clear waters.

The lake is located at around 1,969 feet (600 metres) above sea level and is a glacial lake. It is roughly heart-shaped, making it the perfect romantic spot for couples to enjoy a swim together, and it is steeped in folklore and local legend.

If you don’t fancy a swim, you could prepare a picnic in the well-equipped self-catering kitchen at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass and enjoy this on the shore while you take in the stunning natural beauty of the lake.

Is swimming in Llyn Glaslyn safe?

Swimming in Llyn Glaslyn is relatively safe. Be sure to take all the usual precautions as you would when swimming anywhere. Take local advice on the weather and water conditions. Always swim with a buddy and ideally bring a flotation device with you.

There are shallower areas around the edges of the lake, which may be suitable for children to paddle in or splash around, but they should be supervised at all times, as the water deepens quickly.

Be aware that the water is very cold all year round. Make sure to bring extra layers of clothing to put on afterwards and a hot drink to warm up.

What does Glaslyn mean in Welsh?

Glaslyn is Welsh for “blue lake.”

What is the origin of the name Glaslyn?

The lake takes its name from the river of the same name. The lake is the source of the river Glaslyn, which flows to the sea.

How deep is Llyn Glaslyn?

The maximum depth of Llyn Glaslyn is about 127 feet (39 metres).

Llyn Glaslyn is the second largest lake on Yr Wyddfa after Llyn Llydaw, which is lower down on the Miners’ Track.

When is the best time to swim in Llyn Glaslyn?

Although the water is cold all year round, the summer months are the best time for swimming in Llyn Glaslyn, when it will be slightly warmer. The milder weather will also make it easier for you to warm up after your swim.

Be sure to check the local weather conditions at the reception of YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass before you set off. Also, be aware that the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Only swim if you feel comfortable to do so.

Llyn Glaslyn folklore

In Welsh folklore, King Arthur got Sir Bedivere, one of the Knights of the Round Table, to throw his sword Excalibur into Llyn Glaslyn. Later, King Arthur’s body was placed in a boat here to be carried away to Afallon.

Llyn Glaslyn is also known as the final resting place for the afanc, a water monster from Welsh mythology which had terrorised the people living in the Conwy valley.

Walking along the Miners’ Track

The Miners’ Track is one of the six routes that take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. The Miners’ Track starts from the car park at Pen-y-Pass, just outside the hostel. The track is a popular route of moderate difficulty.

The Miners’ Track follows a gravel path that becomes more rugged and rocky further up. The second half of the route is more challenging and steeper.

The path passes by Llyn Llydaw before arriving at Llyn Glaslyn.

Can you get to Llyn Glaslyn from the Pyg Track?

The Pyg Track passes above Llyn Glaslyn. One option would be to take the Pyg Track to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and then descend via the Miners’ Track. This is a well-known circular route which is popular amongst hikers.

There is also a section near to the summit where the Miners’ Track and the Pyg Track merge.

How to get to Llyn Glaslyn from YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

If you’re staying at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, then the Miners’ Track starts almost right from the door. The path starts at the far left-hand corner of the Pen-y-Pass car park, just opposite the entrance. The Pyg Track also starts from here.

Llyn Glaslyn is situated along the Miners’ Track.