Llyn y Dywarchen, Rhyd Ddu, Eryri

SUMMARY:

Best at / for: sunset for projected light on Snowdon.

Best avoided: during fishing competitions!

Parking: free parking with close access to the location.

Access: minimal walking required if mobility is a problem.

Notes: good hiking / wild camping opportunities nearby.

Details:

I love Llyn y Dywarchen. But then I’m also a fly fisherman. Leaving that aside, though, let’s consider this location from a landscape photographer’s perspective …

Parking up right alongside the lake is very handy, and puts you across the valley from the southern slopes of Snowdon, with a good line of sight to the summit. This is a good angle for dramatic winter shots when the crisp daylight from over your shoulder catches the snow-tipped peaks.

In warmer months the lake offers a good variety of subjects and compositions. There’s a nice little steep-sided island to work with, derelict cottages, lone trees. It’s cliché heaven!

All within about 3 minutes walk of the car and often with nobody else for miles around.

And just a very short walk north-eastwards along the valley towards Mynydd Mawr, are some great wild-camping options tucked away from prying eyes!

I guess you’ll see now why I like this spot so much 🙂