Lakes around Cwm Cadnant, a community in Anglesey, North Wales, offer a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. The region is characterized by its rural landscape and proximity to the wider Anglesey area, which features significant lakes. These locations provide opportunities for observing wildlife, walking, and experiencing the island's natural features. The area combines functional reservoirs with nature reserves and historical sites that incorporate water elements.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
We visited for the Parkrun, which was cancelled whilst a walkway is fixed (some more weeks, I would expect). You can still access the lake along the disused railway line for part of the way - but not a good surface for running. Then there is a path around the lake with views across the lake and stretches through the woods, lovely, if rather muddy in places following wet weather. In total about 9 km around. Hope to do this again in the Spring with the promise of wild daffodils and perhaps a red squirrel.
0
0
Quiet paths easy cycling crosses deserted railway line still present, which there trying to reopen
0
0
Always worth a trip to the Lifeboat station and the RNLI museum followed by dinner in the Kinmel Arms
0
0
Ann’s Pantry, just above the harbour, is a good coffee or lunch stop, with outdoor seating at the front for easy access for cyclists.
0
0
Moelfre is a village, a community and, until 2012, an electoral ward on the north-east coast of the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. The community area covers the village and harbour, and several smaller, dispersed settlements. It includes six scheduled Iron Age hut groups and many other sites of archaeological interest.
5
0
During World War II, a water scheme was devised for the town of Llangefni in central Anglesey. It involved water from a local source being pumped to two settling tanks in the Dingle part of the town. From here the water was pumped across the river to a reservoir and water tower, on the site of the present Pennant Estate. These arrangements became redundant with the building of the Cefni Reservoir, which was completed in 1951, but the settling tanks and pumping station survive in Llangefni to this day. The new scheme was designed to supply most of the water needs for the people of Anglesey for the foreseeable future.
2
0
Llyn Cefni is a reservoir in central Anglesey. It's managed by Welsh Water. It was completed in 1951 and supplies water to most of Anglesey.
3
0
Moelfre is a pretty village on the eastern coast of Anglesey with views out across the Irish Sea towards the Forest of Bowland and the Lake District.
3
0
Around Cwm Cadnant, you'll find a mix of man-made and natural water bodies. These include functional reservoirs like Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam, landscaped lakes at private lodges, and natural habitats such as those found at Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve. The wider Anglesey area also features significant natural and man-made lakes like Llyn Parc Mawr and Llyn Llywenan.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam is listed as family-friendly and offers a nice spot for a picnic. Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve is also family-friendly, providing opportunities for birdwatching from hides. Llyn Parc Mawr, in the wider Anglesey area, offers gentle forest walks and red squirrel spotting, which can be enjoyable for children.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with routes like the easy 'View of Menai Strait – Red Boat Ice Cream Café loop from Beaumaris' or the moderate 'Menai Suspension Bridge – Red Boat Ice Cream Café loop from Bangor'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Penmon Priory and Dovecote – Beaumaris Castle loop from Menai Bridge'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Cwm Cadnant and Road Cycling Routes around Cwm Cadnant guides.
Absolutely. Morfa Madryn Nature Reserve is an excellent spot, home to hundreds of bird species, including wildfowl and waders, with bird hides available. Llyn Parc Mawr is known for its habitat for waterfowl like greylag geese and tufted ducks, and the surrounding woodland is a haven for red squirrels. Llyn Llywenan, the largest freshwater lake on Anglesey, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique flora and fauna, including various aquatic fowl.
Yes, fishing is an option. Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam is used as a fishery. Additionally, the landscaped lakes at Anglesey Lakeside Lodges permit fishing, primarily for carp. Llyn Llywenan, the largest freshwater lake on Anglesey, is also renowned for fishing.
Near the lakes, you can visit Penrhyn Quarry, a historical site that was once the world's largest slate quarry. It still operates today and features a quarry lake. Llyn Llywenan also holds historical significance, having been a site for lakeside baptisms from Ainon Chapel. The nearby village of Moelfre, while coastal, has archaeological sites of interest.
Yes, there are easy walking trails. The area around Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam often offers scenic walks around its perimeter. Llyn Parc Mawr provides gentle forest walks. For more options, check the Easy hikes around Cwm Cadnant guide, which includes routes like the 'View of Menai Strait – Red Boat Ice Cream Café loop from Beaumaris'.
Llyn Cefni Reservoir and Dam is a central Anglesey landmark completed in 1951, primarily supplying water to most of the island. It's also used as a fishery and is a lovely spot for a picnic. However, it's important to note that toxic algae have been found here in the past, so direct contact with the water should be avoided.
For a more tranquil experience, Llyn Parc Mawr, a man-made 'secret lake' between Malltraeth and Newborough, offers a peaceful natural environment for wildlife observation and gentle walks. Llyn Llywenan, the largest freshwater lake on Anglesey, also provides a serene setting for fishing and enjoying the countryside.
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and active wildlife, especially for birdwatching. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a quiet, serene experience, particularly for observing wintering aquatic fowl at places like Llyn Llywenan.
While specific dog-friendly policies can vary by location, many outdoor areas in Anglesey are welcoming to dogs, especially on leads. Always check local signage at specific reserves or private properties. Generally, trails around reservoirs and nature reserves are suitable for dog walking, provided owners adhere to responsible pet ownership guidelines.
While specific cafes directly at every lake might be limited, the surrounding towns and villages such as Llandegfan, Menai Bridge, and Beaumaris offer a range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. It's advisable to plan your visit and check for facilities in these nearby settlements.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cwm Cadnant? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.