Saturday 28 August 2021 - Around Llanberis and Llyn Padarn

On another blue sky day, Sue and I were joined by Richard and Jenny, who had arrived last night, for a 14 km walk around Llanberis. 

Sue and I had done this walk before - on 8 July, so we knew it had merits, especially on such a fine day.

This time we found some free parking, just off the A4244 at the bottom end of Llyn Padarn. The first picture was taken from there, and the next one was taken further up the lake, where lots of activities were in full flow.

After a couple of kilometres in the heat, we felt a need to stop for coffees, just across the road from the six metre high sword sculpture. 

Continuing along the route, we enjoyed fine views towards Snowdon and a millipede of people making their way up from Llanberis. 

After some steady ascent, we contoured towards Snowdon, eventually crossing Afon Arddu and turning along a path leading to the mountain railway.

As last time we were here, we didn't have to wait long to see a train.

We then made our way down to Dolbadarn Castle for lunch in a convenient shadow of shade.

From Dolbadarn, we headed down to a car park and rejoined a path around Llyn Padarn, where we soon came across the huge former workings of Vivian Quarry. Telltale bubbles indicated the unseen presence of a scuba diver.

Sessile oaks lined the excellent path along which we proceeded from white ringed post to white ringed post, moving steadily up the north eastern side of the lake.

Back at the starting point, I took a few photos towards the Llanberis pass and the heights of Snowdonia, whilst the others enjoyed a swim in the lake.

All in all, an outing of about 15 km, with around 480 metres of ascent. A lovely way to end our holiday.