Swimming in Llyn Gwynant

Campers at Llyn Gwynant are welcome to swim in the lake and river, and many people do.

The water quality is good (we have it regularly tested), though a sandy bottom means that the water is not always completely clear. Llyn Gwynant is also a popular wild swimming location, with access to the lake from the lay-bys on campsite land alongside the A498.

The local underwater diving club has visited and taken images of flora and fauna in the lake, and have documented a healthy ecosystem, view images on our underwater wildlife page.  The lake is up to 17m deep near Elephant Rock on the far side of the lake.

Swimming of course depends on the weather, but be aware that the water can be cold: the lake is fed by mountain streams flowing into the Afon Glaslyn river from the summit of Snowdon itself, bringing very cold currents. The water just a metre down from the surface can be up to 5 or 10 degrees colder than the surface water.

Children should be supervised at all times and be aware that the river can be suddenly turbulent: The hydro electric power station Cwm Dyli is just 1 mile upstream of the campsite and lake and suddenly empties into the river at unpredictable times, bringing turbulence to the little stream and pools near the stone bridge.

For other swimming spots in Snowdonia/ Eryri here is a good site to check out https://getoutmore.uk/lakes/lakes.php