North Wales offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and serene waters, perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Imagine waking up in a comfortable cottage, lacing up your boots, and setting off on a hike that ends with a refreshing swim in a secluded lake.
To inspire your next trip, Emma Marshall, local insider and author of ‘Wild Swimming Walks Eryri / Snowdonia’, has paired up some of her favourite boltholes with nearby swim-walk routes to spark your imagination.
Tal y Bont Uchaf - Swim-Walk: Llyn Caseg Fraith, Llyn Bochlwyd & Llyn Ogwen Circular
This is a strenuous five-mile mountain walk through the gnarly Glyderau with swims in mysterious and peaty Llyn Caseg Fraith; the legend sprinkled Llyn Bochlwyd; and the magnificent Llyn Ogwen. Although this part of Eryri can get very busy, our route takes us up the quiet, and lesser-known, Cwm Tryfan, and onwards up to the twinkling Llyn Caseg Fraith (which means, ‘Lake of the Speckled Mare’). Swimming in this heavenly, mountain-top pool at sunrise in the pink glow of Tryfan is perhaps the ultimate Eryri swimming experience!
Where to stay: A charming, traditional farmhouse with modern comforts, Tal y Bont Uchaf sleeps from 2-24 and is an incredible space for a celebration, or a base for a group of friends heading out into the hills.
Bryn Afon, Betws y Coed - Swim-Walk: Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionydd Circular
A picturesque and gentle six-mile walk, high in the huge forests of the Conwy Valley and over Mynydd Deulyn (‘mountain of the two lakes’). The view from the head of lovely Llyn Crafnant, looking up over its waters to the craggy hills of Crimpiau and Craig Wen, is breathtaking and one of the prettiest in Eryri. A single-track path edging Llyn Geirionydd leads to a perfect swim spot, hidden in a wooded inlet. Swimming here on a hot summer’s day is such sweet relief as you chase the ripples across the dimpled surface of the sparkling lake.
Where to stay: Perched by Afon Llugwy in Betws y Coed, Bryn Afon is a spacious hideaway offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. It's an iconic and picturesque sight in the local area, and an ideal base for exploring forests and lakes in equal measure.
Cuddfan, Llanberis - Swim-Walk: Moel Eilio & Llyn Dwythwch Circular
Take in grandstand views of Eryri on this classic, seven and a half mile, mountain circuit, which passes the door itself of the enchanting cottage, Cuddfan! Three beautiful mountains, Moel Eilio, Foel Gron and Foel Goch provide a magnificent roller-coaster ridge walk, encircling a silky hidden gem of a lake. Drifting in the deep, peaty black waters of Llyn Dwythwch, you’ll gaze up at the emerald mountains you have just conquered with satisfaction. Then it’s all downhill back to the village of Llanberis and your welcoming cottage.
Where to stay: Cuddfan, meaning 'hideaway,' is a delightful cottage located in the heart of Llanberis. It’s a lovely retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Eryri, with easy access to both the village and the mountains.
Mount Pleasant, Llanberis - Swim-Walk: Llyn Padarn Circular
Swim in the iconic Llyn Padarn while gazing across the blue expanse to Yr Wyddfa. A flat and easy five-mile circumnavigation of this lovely lake, along lanes, lakeside paths and the famous Llanberis Lake Railway. This walk-swim is best done at sunset, when the mountains blush pink and the rosy colour seeps onto the surface of the lake. Launching into the silky water, the lake arcing ahead, you will marvel at the spectacular view; the majestic Wyddfa (Snowdon) massif towers at the head of the lake, dwarfing the medieval tower of Castell Dolbadarn.
Where to stay: A bright and spacious home, Mount Pleasant is a hideaway for the explorers among us. It’s a beautiful destination for a getaway, with ample space and a prime location near the lake. Settled in the mountain village of Llanberis, Mount Pleasant is the perfect base for a swim-walk adventure.
Bodfan Bach, Llandwrog - Swim-Walk: Craig Cwm Silyn & Llynnau Cwm Silyn Circular
A few miles inland from Bodfan Bach is a wonderful six-and-a-half-mile circular mountain walk which takes in the beautiful twin lakes of Llynnau Cwm Silyn, shimmering with their one hundred tones of tropical turquoise. These lakes are much loved by local adventurous outdoor swimming connoisseurs. The path circles the rim of Craig Cwm Silyn where you will be treated to enchanting views of the lakes you have swum in far below.
Where to stay: Bodfan Bach is a stunning, dog-friendly cottage near the charming village of Llandwrog. Its location and private path makes it an ideal base for exploring the nearby beach, as well as the twin lakes of Llynnau Cwm Silyn.
Capel Bach, Llanystumdwy- Swim-Walk: Llyn Hafod y Llyn & Llyn Mair Circular
A gentle and easy three mile walk through gnarled, ancient woodland, with a swim in an amphitheatre of rhododendron with only woodpeckers and steam-train hoots for company. This walk teems with ferns, mosses, liverwort, lichens, and, in autumn, a great number of wonderful fungi (“Ffwng” (fungus) must be one of the best Welsh words ever!). There are two idyllic, sheltered lakes on this walk and there’s something very calming about floating on your back in the water listening to the hoots of the Ffestiniog Railways trains that pass through this delightful part of Eryri.
Where to stay: Capel Bach is a beautifully converted chapel offering a unique stay with plenty of character. Located in the village of Llanystumdwy, it’s a haven for explorers and wanderers alike.
Tan y Bryn Bach - Swim-Walk: Nant Ffrancon & Afon Ogwen Circular
Explore one of Wales’ most dramatic valleys and swim in a deep and velvety river under the towering Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges. This five-and-a-half-mile walk begins by following an old path up through lush green, rock-strewn woodland. The way ahead opens out dramatically onto the hillside with spectacular views down into the Nant Ffrancon valley. The path then drops us back down to the valley floor for a swim in a deep and slow-moving section of the Afon Ogwen. Swimming upstream towards the magnificent Glyderau is a thrilling experience.
Where to stay: Tan y Bryn Bach is a charming, traditional Welsh cottage set in a peaceful location, ideal for nature lovers. The property offers stunning views and access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Eryri.
For more on wild swimming adventures, readers can buy Emma’s book, ‘Wild Swimming Walks Eryri / Snowdonia’, at many gift and book shops across Eryri, as well as online at https://wildthingspublishing.com/
