Marchlyn Mawr, reservoir in Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Marchlyn Mawr is a reservoir in Snowdonia, Wales, positioned at nearly 640 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level and backed by the mountain Elidir Fawr. The lake was constructed in the mid-to-late 1970s and holds approximately 9.2 million cubic meters of water for hydroelectric power generation.
The lake was constructed from the mid-to-late 1970s as part of a hydroelectric system in Snowdonia. An underground tunnel over 1.6 kilometers long links it to the Dinorwig power station, representing the engineering approach of that era.
Access is via a steep road climbing from the base to the reservoir, though vehicles cannot pass the gate at the bottom and the route becomes a footpath. The walk appeals to hikers and cyclists for its demanding climb and views of the surrounding peaks.
A local legend claims a cave near the lake holds the treasure of King Arthur, adding a layer of mystery to this industrial site. The story ties together the modern engineering of the location with the ancient mythology of Wales.
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