Llyn Cwm Llwch Brecon Beacons
A serene, hidden lake in the Brecon Beacons, offering stunning reflections and a sense of tranquility. A must-see on any Welsh adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Calm lake views
Llyn Cwm Llwch Brecon Beacons
Best Time
Calm lake views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, hidden lake in the Brecon Beacons, offering stunning reflections and a sense of tranquility. A must-see on any Welsh adventure.
"The lake is PHENOMENAL, absolutely amazing and well worth the hike to see it!"
🎯 Park Smart at Storey Arms
Free parking is available at Storey Arms, a common starting point for the hike. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep ascents and descents. Perfect shoes are a must for this challenging terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Llyn Cwm Llwch
Brecon Beacons National Park
A serene, hidden lake offering stunning reflections and a sense of tranquility. A must-see on any Brecon Beacons adventure.
Corn Du Summit
Near Llyn Cwm Llwch
The peak before Pen y Fan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the lake below.
The Lady of the Lake Legend
Llyn y Fan Fach (nearby)
Explore the mystical tales associated with Llyn y Fan Fach, adding a layer of folklore to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart at Storey Arms
Free parking is available at Storey Arms, a common starting point for the hike. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep ascents and descents. Perfect shoes are a must for this challenging terrain.
📸 Drone for Epic Shots
A drone can capture amazing aerial views of the lake and landscape, but be considerate of others.
🐸 Froggy Friends
Keep an eye out for numerous frogs in and around the lake, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart at Storey Arms
Free parking is available at Storey Arms, a common starting point for the hike. Arrive early to secure a spot!
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep ascents and descents. Perfect shoes are a must for this challenging terrain.
📸 Drone for Epic Shots
A drone can capture amazing aerial views of the lake and landscape, but be considerate of others.
🐸 Froggy Friends
Keep an eye out for numerous frogs in and around the lake, especially during warmer months.
🐑 Sheep & Wildlife
Expect to see plenty of sheep and other wildlife on your hike. Enjoy the natural surroundings!
🗺️ Off-the-Beaten-Path
For a unique start, look for a grass path parallel to the main trail for the first 300 yards.
💧 Wild Swimming Potential
The lake is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day, though film crews can sometimes restrict access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of Llyn Cwm Llwch, describing it as a phenomenal and well-worth-the-hike destination. The lake's reflections and the surrounding landscape are highlights, though some have encountered temporary restrictions due to film crews. The hike itself is considered moderate but rewarding.
"The hike was absolutely stunning! While we didn't quite make it to the top because of the bad weather, we had an incredible time exploring. We stumbled upon a beautiful pool that was definitely a must-visit! We can't wait to do it all again in the summer—it's going to be amazing! 😁"
Vishnu Sj
"Looked absolutely amazing and well worth the hike to see it 😍 however I was really looking forward to a swim as it was very hot and I had already done Pen y Fan that morning aswell.. but there was a film crew with drone there so I couldn’t get in a for a swim.. hopefully next time 🤞🤣"
Jay Harrington
"Lovely place, beautiful hike, lots of frogs in the lake. So many sheep around and animals, vegetation, happy hikers. I had a drone with me which was amazing idea, highly recommending ! The lake is PHENOMENAL 😍😍😍😍😍"
Jana Miskarova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is Storey Arms, which offers free parking. You can reach Storey Arms by car via the A470. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
While Llyn Cwm Llwch is part of the Brecon Beacons, the postcode SA19 9UN is often associated with the nearby Llyn y Fan Fach, another beautiful lake in the area. For Storey Arms, use postcode LD3 8NL.
Yes, free parking is available at Storey Arms, which is a popular trailhead for hikes in the area, including routes that pass Llyn Cwm Llwch. Arrive early to guarantee a spot.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of Llyn Cwm Llwch is very limited. Buses may run along the A470, but you would likely need to walk a significant distance from the nearest stop.
Llyn Cwm Llwch is often incorporated into the Pen y Fan Horseshoe route. You can descend towards the lake from Corn Du, which is the peak just before Pen y Fan. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Llyn Cwm Llwch and the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park are free to access. Parking at popular trailheads like Storey Arms is also free.
As it's an outdoor natural attraction, Llyn Cwm Llwch is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as there are no entry fees or timed tickets for Llyn Cwm Llwch. It's a natural landscape open to all.
While generally open, be aware that film crews occasionally use the area, which might temporarily restrict access to certain parts, like for swimming.
Absolutely! Llyn Cwm Llwch is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a moderate hike and stunning scenery. Many combine it with ascents of Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate. It involves some steep ascents and uneven terrain, making trekking poles and good footwear advisable. The trail from Storey Arms is around 2.5 miles.
The hike to Llyn Cwm Llwch from Storey Arms typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours for a moderate pace, especially if you include exploring the lake and surrounding areas.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Layers of clothing are recommended as the weather can change quickly. Waterproofs are essential.
Yes, wild swimming is possible in Llyn Cwm Llwch and is a popular activity on warm days. However, access for swimming can sometimes be restricted due to filming.
There are no facilities directly at Llyn Cwm Llwch. Basic facilities might be found at the Storey Arms trailhead, but it's best to come prepared with your own supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer calm lake views with beautiful reflections, ideal for photography. Sunrise and sunset also provide dramatic lighting.
Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the lake's reflections, the surrounding mountains, and the dramatic Welsh weather. Drone photography offers unique perspectives.
The shoreline of the lake itself provides stunning opportunities. Views from the nearby peaks like Corn Du also offer excellent vantage points for wider landscape shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the reflections on the water. A drone is also a popular choice for aerial shots.
Yes, drone footage is popular and can capture incredible views. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any local regulations regarding drone usage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on the trail. The stunning scenery and the chance to explore a beautiful lake make it a memorable outing. Combining it with a shorter walk or focusing solely on the lake can be a good strategy for younger children.
🚶 Solo Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial perspectives that showcase the vastness of the Brecon Beacons. The dramatic weather, while challenging for hiking, can create incredibly atmospheric and moody photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Lady of the Lake
Many visitors feel a sense of magic and mystery when exploring these lakes. The dramatic, often moody weather of the Brecon Beacons only enhances this atmosphere, making it feel like a place where ancient tales could still be true. It's a reminder of the rich cultural heritage woven into the natural beauty of Wales.
Hiking Routes and Trails
Many hikers combine a visit to Llyn Cwm Llwch with the ascent of Corn Du and Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. This creates a more challenging but incredibly rewarding loop, often referred to as the Pen y Fan Horseshoe. This extended hike can take around 3-4 hours or more, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each viewpoint.
+1For those seeking a slightly different experience, there's an option to take a less-trodden grass path parallel to the main trail for the initial section. This path leads to an obelisk erected in memory of a boy lost on the mountain, offering a poignant historical detour before rejoining the main route.
Photography Opportunities
Visiting early in the morning is highly recommended not only for the calm lake but also to avoid the midday crowds, allowing for more serene and unobstructed photographic opportunities. The dramatic and ever-changing Welsh weather can also add a unique, moody atmosphere to your photos.
Many visitors also utilize drones to capture stunning aerial perspectives of the lake and the vastness of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This allows for a unique viewpoint that showcases the scale and beauty of the landscape.
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