The Most Spectacular Lakes in Wales

Together these twin bodies of water are the most beautiful lakes in North Wales. Famously tricky to access, those travelling the small road by car will pass through no less than four farm gates. Once at the lakes you'll see why it was worth the journey. Park in the small car park and take the popular 5.7km looped, waymarked trail, to experience breathtaking views of the immense Cadir Idris massif in one direction and across the Mawddach Estuary all the way to Barmouth in the other.

Located in the glacial Cwm Idyll Valley you'll find one of the most scenic and geologically interesting lakes in all of Wales. The only way to reach the shores of Idwal Lake is on foot. A scenic walking trail begins at the National Trust Ogwen Cottage Ranger Site. From here, simply follow the looped 4.8 km trail, which takes you all around the lake. Formed by a glacier some 10 -13,000 years ago, the valley is made up of amazing rock formations and the crystal clear Lake Idwal, which lies in a bowl-shaped space at the centre. The valley is a protected nature reserve, but it is possible to swim here. The best spot for swimming is at the pebble beach on the northern shore.

Enjoying an immeasurably scenic setting, Llyn y Fan Fach is probably one of the best lakes in South Wales. The easiest way to reach it is by foot from Llanddeusant. Llyn y Fan Fach is very popular with wild swimmers thanks to its stunningly clean water and remoteness. The lake is located within the Black Mountains in Carmarthenshire, along the Brecons Way Footpath, which means it can easily be included during a Brecon walking holiday. Legend has it that a local woman, now known as the nymphic 'Lady of the Lake', was lost to the water in the 1200s and haunts it to this day.

Bala Lake is the largest natural lake in North Wales. It is located in the east of Snowdonia National Park, just west of the town of Bala. Three and half miles across at its longest length and up to 140 foot at its deepest, local legend tells of 'Teggie' a large fish-monster that lives below the surface. The actual star of Bala Lake Wales is the Gwyniad fish which has swam exclusively in these waters since the ice age. This vast lake is an excellent choice for watersports, popular as it is with windsurfers, canoeists, kayakers, paddleboarders and sailors. Head to Bala Adventure & Watersports to hire craft and safety equipment or take advantage of their water-based activity sessions which include white water rafting in the rapids of nearby Tryweryn River.

One of the largest lakes in Wales, this man-made body of water might look like it has been here forever, but it was actually only created in the late 19th century as a reservoir for Liverpool. Surrounded by mountain scenery and just a couple of miles from the eastern edge of Snowdonia, it's a haven for local wildlife, especially birds. Although walking trails are in abundance, visitors should specifically attempt the 12-mile circular walk around the lake, which offers the very best views.

A beautiful lake close to the Black Mountains, Llangorse offers the perfect balance of natural scenery, fishing opportunities and watersports. It's the largest natural lake in South Wales. The boat hire centre at Llangorse Common rents out dinghies, canoes, pedalos, kayaks and paddleboards, but numbers on the water are restricted in order to protect the diverse wildlife. Don't miss paddling or rowing to the small, man-made island of Crannog, supposedly once the home of an ancient castle. Considered one of Wale's best fishing lakes, angling is only permitted from a boat on a catch-and-release basis.