A strenuous climb to a forest lake / BETWS-Y-COED

Llyn Elsi walking route

Walk from the village up through the forest to Llyn Elsi, with time beside the water before returning down to Betws-y-Coed. This is a rewarding outing for walkers who want a substantial route rather than a quick riverside pause. The climb is the main commitment; benches along the way give places to rest, not a way to remove the effort.

Water and wooded banks of Llyn Elsi seen through shore vegetation — Photo: Peter S

Before you go

Treat this as the main walk of the day. Carry lunch or allow a late meal back in the village, and leave the waterfall excursion or a timed adventure for another outing.

The practical details

Where to find it: Signed start behind St Mary’s Church, central Betws-y-Coed; lake in Gwydir Forest, Conwy
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: No ordinary walking admission charge or booking. Use the current NRW route information and local closure notices. Start early enough for a comfortable daylight return; do not turn a late-afternoon village stop into an unplanned lake hike. Food and public facilities are back in the village.
Access and getting around: NRW grades the 6.2km route strenuous, with 318m ascent. Steep forest roads and narrow unmade paths include mud, rocks and roots; some sections are under 1m wide. It is unsuitable as a level wheelchair or ordinary pushchair route. Follow the current waymarks and check daylight, weather and footwear.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Choose this only for children comfortable with several hours of steep walking. Pack water, food and layers, supervise near the lake and turn back while everyone still has energy for the descent. Coed Tan Dinas is the shorter family alternative.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 2–3 hours walking; allow longer with a picnic for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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