Gwydyr Forest, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy County, Wales,
Llyn Elsi is a lake and reservoir located at some 700 feet, 230m, in the hills of the Gwydyr Forest, above the village of Betws-y-coed in Conwy County, North Wales.
Formerly two smaller lakes, Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc, the 20 ft dam was built in 1914 to form the reservoir to supply the village with water.
A memorial at the north east of the lake commemorates the fact that Lord Ancaster permitted the building of the dam and the use of the lake as a water supply.
The Llyn Elsi trail is one of many popular walks in the Snowdonia National Park and there are fine views from the memorial monument of both the beautiful lake itself and of Moel Siabod to the West.
The lake can be reached on foot by various paths, the most direct, and probably the most steep, being that which starts behind St. Mary's church in the village. Other paths include trails from the Ledr Valley at Pont Gethin, and Pont-y-Pant. The last of which follows the Sarn Helen Roman Road....take a walk in the footsteps of Roman Legions to a beautiful lake in the Welsh hills!
The lakeside path is part of the Llyn Elsi Fell Race which takes place each year and starts from the village green next to the Betws-y-coed railway station. I once finished third overall in the Llyn Elsi Race and was cheated out of my place and placed fourth by the race officials. A lad called Kelvin was awarded third place although it was really a photo finish - and to make it worse I had initially stopped at the bottom of the hill some hundred yards from the finish, not knowing that they had moved the finish line from the previous year! Bastards !
Now I have got that out of my system ..I will continue.
The lake is fished by the Betws y Coed Anglers Club and is kept stocked principally with American Brook Trout, varying in size from 8 to 14 inches, with fish of 2lbs + being introduced at various times each season. Native brown trout are also stocked in sizes from 8 to 14 inches. Only bank fishing is allowed, no boats or float tubes. There is excellent Car Parking and access to the lake on foot has been improved tremendously by hard stone paths. Access via road is from the Forest Road at Maes Newyddion off the A5 before reaching the Swallow Falls.
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