Llyn Elsi
OS grid ref:- SH7855
Beautiful Llyn Elsi is situated above the village of Betws-y-coed in the Gwydir Forest and serves as a reservoir providing water for the village.
Surrounded by coniferous woodland, the lake, which covers 30 acres, has a number of small islets which provide a breeding ground for black headed gulls.
The 20 feet dam was constructed in 1914. A memorial located at the northern end of the lake commemorates the fact that Lord Ancaster permitted the building of the dam and the use of the lake as a water supply. Before it became a reservoir, the site of the lake was a marshy hollow containing two small lakes.
A path circumnavigates Llyn Elsi, situated at a height of over 700 feet, it provides excellent views of the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges and Moel Siabod.
There are various paths leading up to Llyn Elsi, the most direct is the one which up from behind St. Mary's church in Betws-y-Coed.
Image copyright M Cleary
A walk to Llyn Elsi from Betws-y-Coed
Distance:- around 4 miles
*Commencing from behind St. Mary's Church in Betws-y-Coed, turn up by the post office and follow the the forestry road waymarked Llyn Elsi. Ascend the path until reaching a bench and a standing stone on the right beside a stream, at this point turn right and follow the path through the woods.
* Cross over a slab bridge and climb up the footpath to emerge beside the ruins of Gartheryr. Continue beside the wall on the right, until arriving at a forestry road; cross the road, and at the next road go straight across again.
*The path then continues to the Ancaster Memorial above Llyn Elsi. Turn left from the Memorial along a path that leads to the lake. After circumnavigating the lake, retrace your steps to return to Betws-y-Coed