Wales' Highest Lake
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Llyn Llyffant is a tiny lake with a big personality!
The lake sits in a very remote position, deep within the Carneddau mountain range, in the shaddow of two of Wales' highest peaks: Carneddau Llewelyn and Gwenllian. Most impressively, Llyn Lyffant is Wales' highest lake at 815m above sea level.
We have to achieve a fair amount of remoteness by car before we even begin this hike. The carpark is at the end of a steep lane which rises from the main road, up into the wilderness. From there we will head south west on foot, around Llyn Eigiau, ascend and eventually leave the path to head west towards Llyn Llyffant itself.
Weather permitting, the hope is that we can spend some time near the lake, taking in the beauty of its surroundings and seeking out some of the plane wreckage scattered in that area.
Once fully rested, we will head north to the ridge above Melynllyn (reservoir), then gradually (but sometimes steeply) descend back to the car park.
Difficulty
Distance: approx. 12.5km. Elevation Gain: 529m. Some paths, but frequently these will be indistinct or non-existent. We will be traversing accross steep ground, which might sometimes be slippery and uneven.
This is a substantial and full-on day out in the mountains. A good level of fitness and previous experience of at least hill walking and preferably mountain walking is necessary to enjoy the day. At a steady and reasonable pace, this walk should take about 5 hours, with breaks.
Weather conditions
The walk may need to be changed or postponed in event of extreme weather conditions.
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Photographs
Blue lake: Copyright Chris Andrews and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Llyn Lyffant: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Boulder field: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Others provided by event leader and used with permission.
What to bring
Standard mountain kit list:
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking to keep you dry in rain and protected against strong wind. Ideally, it should be waterproof and breathable to reduce build up of sweat. Materials such as Gore-Tex™ are often the best choices.
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walkers should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential to keep the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walkers should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100-weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30-40 litres with equipment being placed in waterproof bags or a liner inside. A small peddle bin liner can work well to keep spare clothing dry.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a whistle, a medical kit, a head-torch.
Head Torch: With full charge or spare batteries.
Map & Compass: Bring a map and compass if you are interested in doing some navigating practice!
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies. Turning your phone to airplane mode will almost double the battery life as it avoids the phone boosting its singal power searching for a non-existant connection.
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks to sustain you for a full day in the mountains, plus plenty of water (2L recommended).