Llyn Cowlyd, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Llyn Cowlyd is a reservoir in Conwy County Borough, situated high in the mountains of the Snowdonia area. The water body is long and narrow, stretching over three kilometers with steep rocky slopes on all sides and a dark gray surface, especially on overcast days.
The lake was built as a reservoir in the late 1800s to supply water to surrounding towns, and a larger dam was constructed in 1921 to increase storage capacity. The dam and hydroelectric power played a key role in operating a nearby factory and contributed to the region's development.
The name Llyn Cowlyd may come from ancient Welsh words connected to local legends, particularly references to a mythical owl and other legendary creatures. The lake appears in poetry and old stories, where it is portrayed as part of a land once more wooded with greater animal life.
The lake can be reached by car from Trefriw, but the road ends at a gate about a mile away, requiring visitors to walk the final stretch. Popular walking routes start from Capel Curig or the slopes above Dolgarrog, offering different ways to explore the valley and mountain tops.
The lake is home to Arctic char, a fish species that is a survivor from the Ice Age originally introduced from another lake in the region. These rare fish are a living link to an ancient ecosystem and can be caught today with a proper permit.
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