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Gwydir Forest Park - Llyn Sarnau, near Llanrwst

What's here

Parking (free)
Walking trail

Welcome

Llyn Sarnau means “lake of the old tracks” in Welsh and it is a lovely place for a picnic at one of the tables around the car park.

The lake is fairly shallow and so it often dries out in summer - even though it may not be much to look at during warmer months, it's a valuable home for wetland loving wildlife.

Discover beautiful mountain and valley views, scenic lakes and old disused lead mines on the walking trail.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Forest Lakes Walk

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 2¾ miles/4.3 kilometres
Time: 1-2½ hours
Trail information: Most of this trail is on forest roads connected by rough narrow paths less than 50 cm wide in some places, on unmade and uneven surfaces, where you can expect mud, rocks and tree roots. There are three benches on the trail, and a wheelchair accessible picnic table in the car park.

Head out from the car park and take your time to appreciate the view from the benches.

Reach a path that goes around then down the middle of a small lake.

Meander through the old High Hafna Mine, once a hive of industry, then continue along an undulating path through the woods, taking in a viewpoint on top of a cliff edge.

Accessibility information

Facilities for visitors with disabilities at Llyn Sarnau include:

car parking spaces for Blue Badge holders
dusted paths lead from the Blue Badge car parking spaces to wheelchair accessible picnic tables with beautiful views

Gwydir Forest Park

Llyn Sarnau is in Gwydir Forest Park.

Gwydir Forest Park lies in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and encircles the village of Betws-y-coed.

Lead and zinc mining once dominated the area and the legacy of old engine-houses, waste tips and reservoirs are characteristic features of the forest landscape today.

Several of the most important mines have been partially restored and made safe for visitors.

Waymarked trails start from Betws-y-coed and several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Gwydir Forest Park:

Betws-y-coed - peaceful forest walks away from the tourist bustle
Cae'n y Coed - easy-to-find picnic area and walk with panoramic mountain views
Cyffty Mine - short trail around abandoned lead mine
Dolwyddelan - views of Snowdonia’s peaks on walking trail along Roman road
Hafna - walking trail through lead mine ruins and red-graded mountain bike trail
Llyn Crafnant - walking trails around the lake and accessible riverside trail
Llyn Geirionydd - picnic site with walking trail around two beautiful lakes
Sawbench - two red-graded mountain bike trails and historical walk
Ty’n Llwyn – walking trail to the famous Swallow Falls waterfall

National Forest for Wales

Gwydir Forest Park forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

create areas of new woodland
enhance existing woodlands
restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands.

In time it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

For more information about the National Forest for Wales go to the Welsh Government website.

Closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.