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Llyn Cau

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Mountain, Lakeside, Cliffs

Walking, Swimming

Spring to Autumn

Gareth James / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Llyn Cau is a lake sitting in a deep rock hollow beneath the summit of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia, ringed on three sides by the high walls of Craig Cau. It is a classic glacial corrie lake, its water dark and clear. The Minffordd Path climbs to it from the car park to the south, a good pull uphill pa...

9

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

5 day, 4 overnight

The Tyn-y-Cornel Hotel – Tal-y-llyn, Popty'R Dref​, The Cross Keys Inn, Dolgellau​

Snowdonia Snug, The Finest Retreats, Abergwynant Farm

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Llyn Cau?
Wales welcomes you to this mountain area in the southern part of the national park. Hikers usually find the spot by climbing the steep Minffordd Path from the valley floor.

What type of place is Llyn Cau?
Llyn Cau is a wild swimming spot in the Cadair Idris mountain range in Wales.

When is the best time to visit Llyn Cau?
Spring to autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for a hike and a dip. Clear days bring the absolute finest views of the towering cliffs.

What can you do at Llyn Cau?
Swimming across the freezing mountain water rewards anyone brave enough to plunge in. Walkers also love relaxing along the southern shore, which features a surprisingly sandy bottom.

How long should I spend at Llyn Cau?
Allowing a couple of hours ensures you have enough time to rest and enjoy the water. A longer stay makes sense if you combine the dip with a full mountain trek.

Where do I park at Llyn Cau?
Motorists can use nine spaces nearby, which include five day and four overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Llyn Cau?
The Tyn-y-Cornel Hotel – Tal-y-llyn, Popty'R Dref, and The Cross Keys Inn, Dolgellau provide three spots to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Llyn Cau?
Snowdonia Snug, The Finest Retreats, and Abergwynant Farm provide three options for an overnight stay in the region. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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