Llyn Elsi Woodland & Lake Walk, Betws-y-Coed

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Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4.45 km (4.01 miles)

Approx. duration: 2hrs-3hrs

Parking: Paid (Google Maps)

Dogs: Yes – On lead near livestock

From Perthi Holiday Cottages: 35-minute drive

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This rewarding circular walk climbs from Betws-y-Coed to the peaceful upland waters of Llyn Elsi, combining forest trails, open views, and a quiet reservoir setting above the valley.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a scenic walk with a sustained uphill start followed by gentler walking around the lake. The climb is steep in places but well defined, making it best suited to walkers comfortable with a steady ascent.

Starting from the village, the route rises through forest paths, gaining height quickly as the trees thin and views begin to open out across the surrounding hills. The climb feels purposeful rather than technical, and the sense of leaving the valley behind builds steadily.

Llyn Elsi sits quietly above Betws-y-Coed, a tranquil reservoir formed in 1914 when two smaller lakes were dammed to provide water for the village. Encircled by open hillside and forest edge, the lake has a calm, remote feel despite its proximity to the village below.

At one end of the reservoir stands a memorial to Lord Ancaster, who granted public access to the lake, adding a small but meaningful historical note to the walk. The path around the water is relaxed and unhurried, offering time to enjoy the stillness and views.

This circular walk is a genuinely good reason to visit Betws-y-Coed — and a welcome escape from the village itself, which can feel busy and tourist-focused. Ten minutes uphill and you’re in a completely different world.

“Betws-y-Coed gets very touristy and can feel a bit overrated on a busy day — but this walk is the antidote to all of that. Most visitors never make it up here and the lake is genuinely peaceful. It’s one of those places that rewards the effort of the climb immediately when you arrive.” — Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages

Our 17th-century cottages sit just above Beddgelert, with walking routes straight from the door.

Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Numbered steps with photos to help you follow the route.

The walk begins behind St Mary’s Church (pictured), located in the centre of Betws-y-Coed. Limited free parking is available on the road beside the church, with additional paid parking directly opposite.
Walk along the road behind the church until you reach a turning into the woods, where a wide, steep path begins. This well-defined trail climbs for about a kilometre through the forest, leading you up towards Llyn Elsi.
Once the path levels out, continue following the white waymarkers with a black footprint (pictured). These guide you along the forest track all the way to Llyn Elsi.
Turn off the main forest track when the waymarkers direct you down towards the lake—just keep following the same white markers with the black footprint to stay on the right path.
Follow the path around the lake in an anticlockwise direction, enjoying the peaceful views along the way. The route loops back to your original entry point by the lake, where you can retrace your steps down the steep forest path, following the same waymarkers back to your car.

17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert

Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews

Ty Hebog historical barn conversion exterior at Perthi in Beddgelert Cosy log burner interior at Ty Hebog cottage Luxury king size bedroom with original historic character at Ty Felin water mill

Stay in a converted water mill, a historic barn or a mountain lodge on Delyth’s family farm above the village — with wide Eryri views and walking routes from the door.