Betws-y-Coed to Llyn Elsi Scenic Hike - Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, North Wales, UK - Scenic Hikes on Waymarking.com

This scenic hike was extra special to us as it was our 3000th geocache find. It is a steep, steady climb with views across the mountainside and a great view of Llyn Elsi and Moel Siabod from the top.

Starting at St Mary's Church in the centre of Betws-y-Coed there is car parking available here and an information map detailing the walk. The description of the walk reads as: 'Llyn Elsi, Difficult, 630ft/190m climb, Steep rocky descent around lake, 2 hours, 2.5m/4.2km. A long steady climb brings you to hidden mountain lake, Llyn Elsi. Here there is a glorious skyline from Moel Siabod to the Carneddau. Take care on the steep descent as you zigzag between rock outcrops on your return to the track.'

We parked in the layby in Pentre Felin and added another few hundred metres to our walk by walking through the village first.

The track leading up the mountainside is wide and a good, level surface but is very steep which we tacked in parts as we had already traversed the rougher terrain to Rhiwddolion earlier on this morning; this was easier going than the Sarn Helen.

Surrounded by the tall trees and high vegetation the walk was in the cool shade as we climbed higher and rocky outcrops became visible. There were small caves in the rock and culverts passing underneath the track with deep holes at the side. We were following the white marker posts as shown in the gallery with a footprint on the signs.

The trickle of the mountain streams provided a pleasant, quiet walk with some puffing and waving of arms at the mozzies in rest breaks from time-to-time. The views of the mossy rocks and peaceful surroundings were only broken by the very occasional fellow walker. Keep right when you come to the split in the track as the left side leads to Clogwyn Gigfran.

As we climbed higher the track leveled out and we saw some great views over the Gwydyr Forest Park. The trees had been cleared in some places providing different heathland habitat. Glimpses of Llyn Elsi became apparent when we reached the end of the main route and headed off clockwise around the reservoir still following the white signs.

Already the sound of the resident gulls which live on the island in the lake could be heard and the dam holding the water in place could be seen clearly. The track around the lake was narrow in places with steep, rocky sections. High rock and vegetation provided an interesting diversity to the views.

Hugging the shoreline the path meandered around the water up and down following the natural rocky cliffs. When lower down we traversed some marshy ground via a boardwalk and could see Llyn Elsi up close and personal. It was here that we followed the edge with the grassy tufts and rough edge of the lake beside us.

We then headed up again and came to the monument commemorating the opening of the reservoir. From here the views were spectacular with the water and Moel Siabod appearing before us.

Then it was time to head on to the point where we left the main track and rejoined it at the northeast corner of Llyn Elsi where had left it earlier. On the way down we could see views across the valley to Capel Garmon and Bryn Bella (our bed and breakfast) nestled on the hillside.

This was a great, recommended walk which showed us what was hidden above Betws-y-Coed, a secret we rely on to give us precious water from our taps.

Picture location 1: N 53° 05.110 W 003° 48.224 Picture Location 2: N 53° 04.923 W 003° 49.237 Picture Location 3: N 53° 04.988 W 003° 49.016

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