Llyn Cwellyn, reservoir lake in Gwynedd, Wales
Llyn Cwellyn is a large mountain lake in North Wales formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age and shaped by two peaks called Moel Eilio and Mynydd Mawr. It serves as a reservoir supplying drinking water to communities in Gwynedd and Anglesey, with a dam at its northern end managing water flow.
The lake was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age and was historically called Llyn Quellyn. The area was once owned by the Marquis of Anglesey, who used the nearby Castell Cidwm estate as a hunting lodge.
The lake appears in older texts as Llyn Quellyn and holds significance in the local identity of North Wales. The area is shaped by local legends, including stories about Castell Cidwm, a natural rock formation that visitors encounter linked to ancient tales.
Visitors can walk around the lake or explore the surrounding mountains, with the A4085 road offering views but limited stopping spots for rest. The eastern side is protected as a nature reserve where fishing is not permitted, helping to safeguard the natural environment.
The lake is home to the rare Arctic char, a cold-water fish not commonly found in Wales, making it special for nature enthusiasts. Otters are sometimes spotted gracefully swimming along the shores.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
