Llyn Llydaw, Natural lake in Snowdonia National Park, United Kingdom
Llyn Llydaw is a natural mountain lake in Snowdonia, Wales, sitting at around 1,430 feet (436 meters) above sea level and ringed by rocky shores and steep ridges. A stone causeway crosses the narrowest part of the lake, dividing it into two distinct sections and offering a close view of the water from above.
In the 1800s the lake became central to copper mining in the area, and in 1853 workers built a causeway across it to move ore more easily down the mountain. That same causeway is still standing and is now part of the walking route that crosses the lake.
The name Llyn Llydaw comes from Welsh and is thought to mean "Lake of Brittany," pointing to old ties between Wales and the Breton people. Today the shore is a natural resting point for walkers on their way up or down Snowdon, and many stop here to take in the view of the surrounding ridges.
The most common way to reach the lake is along the Miners Track starting from the Pen-y-Pass car park, a clearly signed and easy-to-follow path. The terrain around the lake can be wet and uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea regardless of the season.
Beneath the surface, a pipeline carries water from the lake down to Cwm Dyli power station, one of the oldest hydroelectric stations still running in Wales. The whole system has been operating for over a century and is completely invisible to walkers passing by on the trail.
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