The ‘Best’ Paddlesport Lakes in Wales

Going the distance: Llyn Tegid

If you’re looking to get some miles under your buoyancy aid then Llyn Tegid is an obvious choice, as it’s the largest natural lake in Wales. Offering an 8-mile circular journey, with beautiful views and stacks of facilities, this is the perfect location for those wanting more of a paddling challenge.

Why should you visit it?

Set in the stunning mountain scenery of southern Eryri, Llyn Tegid is a haven for watersports, with a café, centre, toilets and showers. If you paddle the full circuit, you’ll soon leave the busy foreshore behind, and enjoy the tranquil waters and the resident wildlife. At the far (south) end of the lake is Llangower, with a gravel beach, grassy picnic area and toilets. The perfect place for a pitstop. You can bring your own paddlecraft or hire from Bala Watersports. One word of caution – Llyn Tegid is exposed to the wind, so check the forecast before launching and make sure the conditions are suitable for paddling. 

How do you access it?

Llyn Tegid is managed by Eryri National Park Authority and a permit must be obtained before launching. These can be purchased at the pay and display machines at Llyn Tegid foreshore car park. Access is direct from the car park, either via the paved foreshore or a concrete pontoon.

www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visit/llyn-tegid/

Paddling Trail: www.canoewales.com/paddling-trails

Family-friendly: Llys-y-Frân Lake

There are a number of contenders for this title, with many lakes offering amazing facilities; Lower Lliedi Reservoir (Swiss Valley), Llandegfedd Reservoir, Llyn Tegid, Llyn Padarn and Llangorse, however, we’ve chosen Llys-y-Frân as it has fantastic family-friendly facilities.

Why should you visit it?

With a visitor centre, activity centre, bike hub, camping, café, changing rooms and toilets, Llys-y-Frân has everything to keep you happy both on and off the water. You can bring your own paddlecraft or you can hire paddleboards, open canoes and sit-on-tops. Access to the 200 acres of water is via shoreline or pontoon and when the site is open there’s a safety boat on the water. They also offer learn-to-paddle courses. Other activities include waymarked walking and cycling trails, fishing, climbing wall, axe throwing, archery, adventure playground and Crazi Bugz. Set within beautiful woodland and grassland this is the perfect family-friendly site and is packed with great facilities.

How do you access it?

Via the visitor centre, which is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm (times change seasonally). For self-launch it’s advisable to book online beforehand or phone on the day to ensure there is space. £12 for a 2-hour slot. Buoyancy aids required (can be hired). Minimum age: 6 (if accompanied on paddlecraft by parent/guardian). Parking £3.

Contact: 01437 532273

Website: www.llys-y-fran.co.uk

Peace and tranquillity: Llyn Clywedog

There are some very popular lakes in Wales, which can be particularly busy in the summer, however, there are a few that can offer a little more solitude. In the quieter months Llyn Gwynant and Lake Vyrnwy can be surprisingly peaceful, but our vote goes to Llyn Clywedog. It’s in a scenic, remote location with restricted paddlecraft access (members of Canoe Wales are welcome!), so you’re likely to enjoy a quiet day on the water.

Why should you visit it?

This large (615 acre) reservoir is set amongst the rolling hills above Llanidloes, which is a beautiful and quiet setting. There are toilets and picnic area at the sailing club. The majority of the lake is open to paddlecraft so you can have a wonderful time relaxing and exploring on the water. A word of caution – Llyn Clywedog is exposed to the wind, so check the forecast before launching and make sure the conditions are suitable for paddling. 

How do you access it?

Launching is via Clywedog Sailing Club; with paddlecraft access only available to members of the Club or Canoe Wales / British Canoeing / BSUPA (£6 access fee). Access to the water is via shoreline, slipway or wheelchair accessible jetty.

Email clywedogsctreasurer@gmail.com for booking details 

Website: www.llanidloes.com/clywedog

Stunning scenery: Llyn Padarn

Wales is a beautiful country, so there is some stiff competition for the ‘most scenic lake’ title; Llyn Tegid, Llynnau Mymbyr … however, our pick is Llyn Padarn, with its breath-taking views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Why should you visit it?

Llyn Padarn is part of Padarn Country Park and is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales. If you circumnavigate the lake, you’ll paddle past the bustling village of Llanberis, the ancient woodland of Coed Dinorwig and the historic National Slate Museum. And for half of the trip you’ll be treated to a magnificent view down the Llanberis Pass, with Dolbadarn Castle at the end and Yr Wyddfa above. One word of caution – Llyn Padarn is exposed to the wind, so check the forecast before launching and make sure the conditions are suitable. 

How do you access it?

We’d recommend launching at the Gilfach Ddu lagoons (near the National Slate Museum), where there is a café, toilets, watersports centre (with paddlecraft hire), and a pay and display car park. Access to the water is via the shore or pontoon (accessible).

Website: www.bit.ly/3i2I72z

Paddling Trail: www.canoewales.com/paddling-trails

Wonderful wildlife: Lake Vyrnwy

A number of our beautiful Welsh lakes are set within nature reserves and offer amazing wildlife spotting opportunities, but it’s Lake Vyrnwy (Llyn Efyrnwy) that gets our vote, as it’s set within a 24,000-acre RSPB reserve!

Why should you visit it?

Nestled in the Berwyn Mountains Lake Vyrnwy is surrounded by unspoilt countryside and old growth forest. It is a haven for wildlife and is an RSPB reserve, with visitor centre, hides walks and viewpoints. You can bring your own paddlecraft or hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Bethania Adventure. Peregrines, woodpeckers, crossbills and buzzards are regularly spotted around the lake, along with otters in the north lagoon. There are 5 wildlife trails which take in some great views of the valley.

How do you access it?

Launch via Bethania Watersports boathouse, for a £5 launch fee. Some areas of the lake are restricted. Open weekends and during holiday periods from Easter to October.

01691 870615 / 07816 036358 bethania_adventure@hotmail.com 

Website: www.lake-vyrnwy.com

Paddling Trail: www.canoewales.com/paddling-trails

Other lakes in Wales

Although these are titled the ‘best in Wales’ (which we know is very subjective!) there are plenty of others that are set on stunning locations and which offer amazing facilities. For details of all the lakes in Wales that are open to paddlecraft check out: www.canoewales.com/lakes

Protect our waters and stop the spread

Our lakes and reservoirs are abundant with wildlife, however, invasive species threaten the survival of our native plants and animals. Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) are a real risk to our waters, and can be easily and unwittingly carried on paddlecraft and kit, spreading the problem to other waters. Please make sure that your paddlecraft and kit are clean and free from INNS before you get on the water wherever you are. Always be aware, Check Clean Dry.

www.canoewales.com/protecting-our-environment