Llynnau Mymbyr

Llynnau Mymbyr are two lakes lying side by side at the eastern end of the Nantgwynant valley near Capel Curig. Seen from the A4086 on a still morning with the Snowdon Horseshoe reflected in the water, they present what is probably the most reproduced mountain view in Wales — a combination of still foreground water and soaring distant skyline that calendar photographers and landscape painters have been returning to for two centuries.

The Lake

The two lakes are separated by a narrow strip of boggy ground and connected by a small channel. Together they stretch for about 1.5 kilometres, the western lake slightly larger and the more photographed. Plas y Brenin, the national mountain centre, stands on a promontory above the western lake and has overlooked this view since the 19th century when it was a staging inn on the mail route from London to Holyhead.

The lakes occupy a glacially widened section of the valley floor, the surrounding hillsides rising steeply to Moel Siabod on the south side and the lower ridges of the Carneddau to the north. The combination of elevation, sheltered position, and alignment with the Snowdon massif creates the conditions for the famous reflection view — though it requires calm weather, adequate light, and some patience to catch at its best.

Getting There

The lakes are directly accessible from the A4086, which runs along the northern shore. A small layby near the western end provides the classic photograph viewpoint. Capel Curig village, a 10-minute walk east, has a cafe, outdoor gear shop, and public toilets. Plas y Brenin offers courses in mountaineering, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits and its car park can be used by visitors to the lake by arrangement.

What You Will See

The dawn reflection of the Snowdon Horseshoe is the primary draw for photographers — calm conditions are most likely in the hour after sunrise on autumn mornings. The lakes hold good brown trout and are managed as a private fly fishery; day permits are available from Plas y Brenin. Goosanders and dippers are regular on the water, and red kites are frequently seen quartering the valley. In winter, when snow covers the Horseshoe, the reflection view takes on an entirely different quality and the walk along the southern shore of the lakes in fresh snow is one of the quieter pleasures of the Eryri winter.