One of the best lakes to visit in Wales is Llyn Tegid, also referred to as Bala Lake. It is the biggest natural lake in the nation, measuring approximately four miles (6.3 kilometers) long and one mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, and is situated in Gwynedd, North Wales. The majority of the time, you may witness people enjoying the lake's space by windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnics.

One of Wales' biggest tourist destinations, Snowdonia National Park, is home to Bala Lake. Sheep roam freely in the landscape, which is adorned with vivid purple heather in bloom. Despite the fact that Llyn Tegid is well-known, the area is serene, honoring the Welsh name for the lake, Lake of Serenity.

Like many Welsh natural areas, Llyn Tegid has a folklore associated with it. These tales of the lake monster, known as Teggie, date back to the 1920s. On your trip to the lake, you might not see Teggie, but if you go in the winter, you might see the native Gwyniad rise to the surface. It is thought that this unusual fish species has coexisted with the lake since the Ice Age.

Location: Gwynedd, Wales

Llyn Crafnant, also known as Crafnant Lake, is one of those lakes that is "worth the effort" because of its beauty, unexpected visual surprises, and the rugged terrain that may be hiked through all around it. There is only one way to get to the alpine lake: hiking on a single-track road. It is located in northern Wales, above the community of Trefriw.

You might believe you're on the wrong way because the road to Llyn Crafnant winds for several kilometers while being surrounded by thick forest. However, keep going. The panorama begins at the top of the hill with views of the lake, little homes, and sheep and horses grazing in the pastures. This lake is off-limits to boating, but a permit is required to fish for trout there. One of the factors for Llyn Crafnant's appeal is the nearby bicycle and hiking routes. A two-mile trail circles the lake, or you can load up for a full day and hike the longer trails that traverse Snowdonia's hills.

A small café next to the lake is open, but you might prefer to bring your own coffee and just find a secluded rock to sit on and take in the scenery.

Location: North Wales

Some of the most beautiful lakes in all of Wales are hidden by the winding road that leads back to the Llynnau Cregennen lakes near Barmouth. As you go along the narrow, winding road that leads here, you'll see a variety of tiny wildflowers and wandering sheep. When you reach the lakes, this paradise is at your disposal.

After eating your lunch at a lakeside picnic table, go for a trek on one of the paths that circle the lake and up the hills. With the mountains and stone walls dividing farms on one side from the ocean on the other, it is entertaining to just climb on the steep rocks for panoramic views of the region. On the hills, you'll also notice a change in temperature.

Some of the region's most significant examples of geology and wildlife can be found in the Llynnau Cregennen lakes. As you stroll around the lakes, keep an eye out for evidence of prehistoric stones and cairns because it is thought that this location had ritual significance during the Bronze Age.

Location: Gwynedd, Wales

Lake Vyrnwy is one of the best lakes in Wales with mystery and history, making it an interesting lake to visit. Due to its high-elevation streams, the dam and reservoir were built in 1880 to supply drinking water for Liverpool's expanding population.

Innovative Victorian engineers and 1,000 stonemasons who arrived with supplies by horse and train built the elaborate dam. The entire community of Llanwddyn had to be flooded in order to build Lake Vyrnwy. When the water level is low, it is still possible to see the remains of homes, the neighborhood church, and even the post office.

This lake is the perfect place to go for a weekend of sightseeing and enjoyment. Bring your binoculars for bird watching to see some of the pied flycatchers or peregrine falcons in the neighborhood, or bike the 12-mile path that circles the lake. With Rhiwargor & Pistyll Rhaeadr Falls both in the area, you may drive to view some of the best waterfalls in Wales if you have extra time.

There are vacation rentals and a hotel/spa close by if you want to spend the weekend at Lake Vyrnwy. If you only have a few hours to spend there, you can park at the café close to the visitor center or find places to pull over around the lake.

Location: Powys, Wales

Llangorse Lake, which is tucked away amid the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, is a haven for animal observation and recreation. Llangorse Lake is a well-liked lake for fly-fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking. It is the second-biggest lake in Wales and the largest in South Wales. In the Brecon Beacons National Park, it is also regarded as one of the best locations for stargazing.

The crannog, which is thought to be well over 100 years old and one of the lake's distinctive characteristics. The man-made island is the only one of its kind in Wales, though it is now largely overgrown. Learn about the kings and legends connected to this special heritage site by going to the Welsh Crannog Centre, which is close to the lake.

Many lakeside strolls can be enjoyed around the water, passing notable sights like oak trees that were planted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. A route map is available at a number of places, such as the Lakeside shop or Llangorse Community Center.

Location: Mid and South Wales

Depending on how much you want to walk and see, set aside at least a few hours or at least the greater part of a day to visit Llyn y Fan Fach. This glacial lake is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park at a height of 1,600 feet, and getting there requires a somewhat difficult hike. You can start your trek at a trailhead that is close to the parking lot. Each way, the gravel walk is about 1.5 miles long.

Depending on your interest and energy level, there are a variety of hikes you can take to the lake and nearby. You should climb to the top for the best views of Llyn y Fan Fach and the Black Mountain scenery if you want the full experience.

According to legend, a Welsh farmer fell in love with The Lady of the Lake, a fairy princess who appeared out of the lake. As with most legends, the tale comes to a dramatic conclusion with the woman vanishing back to her home with a tale that is just as captivating as the lake itself.

Location: northern margin of the Black Mountain in Carmarthenshire, South Wales

Llyn Gwynant in Snowdonia National Park has unrivaled beauty. An excellent approach to take advantage of the peaceful natural retreat in the Nant Gwynant valley is to camp by the lake. Additionally, you can rent yurts and glamping tents.

For leisure pursuits like kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing, the tranquil lake is a great location. Plan to spend a day or a whole vacation using the water sports equipment that can be rented close to the lake. The lake's appeal also stems from its potential use as a base for other outdoor pursuits, like hiking in Snowdonia.

The best views of Llyn Gwynant are from above, even though it's wonderful to enjoy it at the foot of the slopes. Drive up to one of the lookouts to get a fantastic view of the lake nestled in the mountains, the lush, rolling countryside, and beautiful flowers. Don't forget to glance up; you never know when an osprey or red kite may be seen flying overhead.

Location: Snowdonia, Wales

Llyn Ogwen is home to a glacier lake that is a hidden gem and is worth the gorgeous drive by itself. It is located in Snowdonia National Park in the valley between two mountain summits.

There is a lot of hiking and biking in the area, despite the restricted recreational opportunities on the mile-long lake. You can take a nice round stroll around Llyn Ogwen to enjoy the views of the river and the distant Tryfan and Glyderau mountains. If you want a longer, more adventurous day, you can continue on to the nearby Llynnau Mymbyr, which offers a breathtaking view of Snowdon Mountain, and then pick up the trailhead for the Tryfan peak from the parking lot.

Parking is simple, with a number of public parking lots by the lake and along the road, but during the busiest summer months, you should arrive early to secure a spot. Along with the lake, there are public restrooms.

Location: North Wales

The Craig Goch Reservoir is located in the Elan Valley in the center of Wales is one of the best lakes to visit in Wales. It is one of numerous lakes that were created as a result of the damming of the Elan and Claerwen Rivers. Given that it is the highest of all the lakes, the Craig Goch Reservoir has views of the Cambrian Mountains and probably the best views overall.

The Elan Valley Trail, which passes the four lakes of Craig Goch Reservoir, Caban Coch, Pen-y-Garreg, and Garreg Ddu, is one of the best ways to see the area and the lakes. You can schedule a half-day or full-day hike to see Craig Goch and the other lakes because the entire trail is nine miles long.

You can begin and end your visit at the Elan Valley Visitor Center, where you can also get some insider information on the region's history, start and end your walk, and get a bite to eat.

Location: Elan Valley of Wales

Pontsticill Reservoir is one of the Brecon Beacons' most beautiful lakes in South Wales. It was constructed in 1927 as the "Taff Fechan" reservoir and is still a significant source of clean drinking water for those residing in South Wales' valleys.

While swimming is prohibited in the reservoir, with the proper documentation, canoeing and kayaking are allowed. The extensive reservoir is more than 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and has a dam that can store 6,000 Olympic-size swimming pools' worth of water.

As you sit to take it all in, the summits of Corn Du and Pen y Fan loom in the distance. Make sure to visit the bell-mouth spillway, which is a distinctive feature of South Wales and an emblem of Pontsticill Reservoir.

One of the best ways to appreciate Pontsticill Reservoir is by hiking one of the nearby trails because the Brecon Beacons are well-known for hiking. By boarding the Brecon Mountain Railway, which offers rides through the Brecon Beacons, you can extend your visit into a fun day trip.

Location: Taf Fechan, Wales