Van Miles

If you’re looking for an easy Tal-y-llyn Lake walk with incredible mountain and lake views, but don’t fancy completing the circular route because of the road section, this is a lovely alternative. We walked approximately 3.25 miles in total as a there-and-back walk along the side of Tal-y-llyn Lake, taking us around 1 hour 30 minutes with plenty of stops to enjoy the views.

We visited Tal-y-llyn Lake while staying in Arthog, around a 22-minute drive away. The drive down towards the lake was stunning in itself. As we made our way down towards the water, the views opened up across the lake and surrounding mountains and we knew straight away that we wanted to stop and walk here.

My original plan had been to do a circular walk around Tal-y-llyn Lake with the dogs. However, after looking into the route, I realised that completing the full circular involves walking along the road. With the dogs, I really didn’t fancy that, so instead we decided to walk the off-road section as a linear route and simply turn around when the path reached the road.

There is parking at Dol Idris car park, where there are also toilets, but as we weren’t planning on completing the circular walk, we continued along the B4405 towards the lake. We found a lay-by opposite the lake just before Tŷ’n y Cornel Hotel and parked there.

It turned out to be a really easy walk with maximum scenery, and the views were just as beautiful on the way back.

Tal-y-llyn Lake Walk Quick Information

• Distance: approximately 3.25 miles there and back
• Time: around 1 hour 30 minutes
• Route: linear, returning the same way
• Difficulty: easy
• Terrain: mainly wide gravel track
• Hills: very slight incline in one section
• Dogs: dog friendly, but there is livestock around
• Stiles: none on our route
• Prams: suitable for all-terrain prams
• Children: a good option for families
• Benches: none along the route
• Bins: one near the start of the walk
• Toilets: available at Dol Idris car park

Where to Park for Tal-y-llyn Lake

There is a car park at Dol Idris with toilets, which is an option if you’re planning a longer walk in the area.

As we had decided against doing the full circular route, we continued along the B4405 and found a lay-by opposite the lake, just before Tŷ’n y Cornel Hotel.

From here we crossed the road towards the lake and turned right. There is a small path alongside the water which we followed for around two minutes before reaching Tŷ’n y Cornel Hotel and the start of the wider gravel track.

At the opposite end of the lake, Pen-y-Bont Hotel also offers parking. When we visited, it was advertised as £5 for the day or £15 overnight.

For anyone travelling in a campervan, the overnight option has a beautiful view across the lake, although there appeared to be no facilities included with the parking.

Can You Walk Around Tal-y-llyn Lake?

This was what I originally wanted to do.

There are circular walking routes around Tal-y-llyn Lake, but when I looked into it, part of the route involved walking along the road.

We had the dogs with us and didn’t want to do a long road section, so we decided to make our own there-and-back walk instead.

I’m actually glad we did because we still got to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery without worrying about walking the dogs alongside traffic.

Our Tal-y-llyn Lake Walking Route

From Tŷ’n y Cornel Hotel, the walk begins on a wide gravel track.

It was really easy to follow and we didn’t have to think about directions. We simply followed the track with the lake and mountains around us.

The majority of the walk felt fairly flat. There was a very slight incline at one point, but nothing that made the walk feel difficult.

There were no stiles on the section we walked and the track was wide for most of the route. I would be happy bringing an all-terrain pram along here, and it would also be a nice option for families wanting a relatively easy walk.

There is livestock in the area, so this is something to be aware of if you’re walking with dogs.

Walking with Dogs at Tal-y-llyn Lake

This worked really well for us with the dogs.

One of the main reasons we chose the linear route rather than the circular was to avoid the longer road section.

The gravel track gave us plenty of room and there were no stiles to negotiate. As there is livestock around the lake, we kept this in mind throughout the walk and would always have the dogs under close control around the animals.

There was one bin near the beginning of our walk, but we didn’t see any more further along.

What Is the Terrain Like?

The route we walked was mainly a wide gravel track and was very easy underfoot.

There were no big climbs and only a very slight incline during one section.

We didn’t see any benches or seats along the route, so if you need regular places to sit and rest, this is worth knowing before setting off.

For us, though, it was the sort of walk where we kept stopping anyway just to look at the scenery.

Turning Back Towards Tal-y-llyn Lake

Eventually we reached the final gate where the path came out onto a road.

This was our turning point.

Rather than continuing along the road to make the route circular, we simply turned around and followed exactly the same track back.

Normally, walking back the same way can sometimes feel a little repetitive, but definitely not here.

Once we turned around, we had a completely different view in front of us. Looking back towards the lake and mountains was absolutely beautiful and made the return journey feel completely different.

Our total walk was approximately 3.25 miles and took us around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Coffee by Tal-y-llyn Lake

Once we arrived back at the lake, we walked around to Tŷ’n y Cornel Hotel and bought a coffee.

There are tables outside overlooking the lake, so we sat for a while enjoying the view before heading back.

While we were sitting there, a little cluster of small birds appeared around us, obviously hoping we had brought them something to eat.

They were so cute and kept coming closer to have a look at us.

It was a lovely way to finish the walk and, with the lake and mountains in front of us, we weren’t exactly in a rush to leave.

Is the Tal-y-llyn Lake Walk Worth Doing?

Definitely.

If you’re looking for a strenuous mountain hike, this isn’t it. But if you want an easy walk with maximum scenery, I thought it was beautiful.

I also wouldn’t be put off if, like us, you don’t want to complete the circular route because of the road section. Walking the off-road part as a there-and-back route worked perfectly for us.

At approximately 3.25 miles, it was long enough to feel like we’d had a good walk but still left us plenty of time to stop for a coffee and enjoy the lake afterwards.

The drive down, the mountain scenery, the lake views and the easy gravel path made this one of those simple walks that didn’t need to be difficult to be memorable.

If you’re staying around Arthog, Dolgellau or Barmouth and looking for another scenic walk to add to your trip, Tal-y-llyn Lake is definitely worth the drive.

Continue Your Day in Aberdyfi

After our Tal-y-llyn Lake walk, we drove around 25 minutes to Aberdyfi for the afternoon. It was completely different from the peaceful mountain and lake scenery, with a pretty harbour, flat promenade, huge golden sandy beach and lots of little independent shops and places to eat. We nearly didn’t go after such a busy week, but I’m so glad we did as it ended up being one of my favourite stops.

If you’re planning to combine the two, you can read my Things to Do in Aberdyfi – Things to Do in Aberdyfi – Beach, Harbour, Parking & Dog-Friendly WalksBeach, Harbour, Parking & Dog-Friendly Walks guide here.