Llyn Elsi is a lake located above the village of Betws-y-coed in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It is a reservoir providing water for the village.

Llyn Elsi
Llyn Elsi
Location	Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
Coordinates	53°4′48″N 3°49′6″W
Type	former natural lake, reservoir
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Surface area	30 acres (12 ha)
Max. depth	31 ft (9.4 m)
Islands	1

There is a path round the lake, and affords good views to the north-west towards the mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau. Snowdon itself is not visible behind Moel Siabod.[1] The lake is more than 700 ft above sea level,[2] and has a small island.

The 20 ft dam was built in 1914,[3] but even so the lake only has a maximum depth of approximately 9 metres.[4] Prior to this the lake was two smaller lakes, called Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc.[4][5] A memorial at the northern end 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.[6]

In 1946 black-headed gulls established a colony at the lake, causing concern over pollution to the water supply.[2]

The lake is kept stocked with various type of trout by the local angling club.[4]

Llyn Elsi can be reached on foot by various paths, one starting behind St. Mary's church in the village.[7]

References

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