Llyn Llydaw (Welsh for 'Brittany lake') is a natural lake in Snowdonia National Park on the flanks of Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain. This long thin lake has formed in a cwm about one-third of the way up the mountain. It is one of the most visited lakes in the United Kingdom, in that many thousands of people every year visit Snowdon and many walk past this lake on the Miners' Track.

Llyn Llydaw
Llyn Llydaw seen from the summit of Snowdon
Llyn Llydaw is located in Gwynedd
Llyn Llydaw
Llyn Llydaw
LocationSnowdonia National Park, Wales
Coordinates53°4′7″N 4°2′50″W / 53.06861°N 4.04722°W / 53.06861; -4.04722
Lake typenatural, reservoir
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom
Surface area110 acres (45 ha)
Surface elevation436 m (1,430 ft)

History

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Llyn Llydaw is the largest of the three lakes on Snowdon's eastern flank. Higher up lies Glaslyn, and lower down lies Llyn Teyrn.

In 1905, a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) pipeline was built from the lake into the valley below. Water from the lake powers the Cwm Dyli hydro-electric power station 320 metres (1,050 ft) below. The pipeline and power station continue to operate.

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The lake featured in Robson Green's Wild Swimming Adventure (ITV December 2009), chosen because it is claimed to be the coldest lake in Britain. Green's website states that the water was 7 °C.[1]

References

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  1. ^ "Wild Swimming Adventure :: The Robson Green Web Site". Archived from the original on 22 December 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2009. Robson Green website
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