Glacial lake nestled in the mountains of Snowdonia
Llyn Padarn is a spectacular glacially formed lake nestled in the mountains of Snowdonia. On its southern banks is the busy village of Llanberis and towards its south-eastern end is the Padarn Country Park, which covers an area of 800 acres and includes Coed Dinorwig, a rare and ancient oak woodland as well as the awe-inspiring Vivian Quarry, once one of the world’s biggest sources of slate.
Lying alongside Llyn Peris and located at the foot of Mount Snowdon, Llyn Padarn reaches depths of up to 30m (100ft) and is recognised as the sixth deepest lake in Wales.
It is one of only three remaining natural localities in Wales to support the rare alpine fish, Arctic Charr, a living relic of the lakes glacial origins.
Coed Dinorwig stands as a prominent feature on the steep slopes overlooking Llyn Padarn. The canopy of this nationally important ancient woodland is dominated by sessile oak with some scattered birch.
The ground flora comprises communities of heather, bilberry and bramble, along with bluebells in spring and seemingly evergreen ferns, lichens and mosses.
Attractions within the vast Padarn Country Park are not just limited to the delights of Llyn Padarn, Coed Dinorwig and the Vivian Quarry but also include the old Quarry Hospital Museum, the Welsh Slate Museum, a number of lakeside picnic areas and various crafts and adventure activities.
There are five themed woodland, lakeside and industrial heritage trails to explore, as well as extreme sports including rock climbing, orienteering, scuba diving, rowing, canoeing and sailing.
There is also the Llanberis Lake Railway, which runs along Llyn Padarn’s northern bank. The park grounds are open all year round and ample car parking facilities are available on site.
