Llyn Mair

Llyn Mair (Welsh for 'Mary's lake') is a 14-acre (5.7 ha) artificial lake near Maentwrog, in Gwynedd in North Wales (grid reference SH652412). It lies in the area of Tan-y-Bwlch, a little above Plas Tan-y-Bwlch, and is in the catchment area of the River Dwyryd. It was created by William Edward Oakeley (of Plas Tan-y-bwlch) as a 21st birthday present for his daughter Mair and as a water supply. It was built in 1889, and the nearby smaller Llyn Hafod-y-Llyn dates from the same period.[1]

Llyn Mair
Looking towards Coed Llyn Y Garnedd
Llyn Mair is located in Gwynedd
Llyn Mair
Llyn Mair
LocationNorth Wales
Coordinates52.951°N 4.004°W / 52.951; -4.004
Typeartificial lake
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom
Surface area14 acres (5.7 ha)

Plas Tan y Bwlch is thought to be the first house in North Wales with electric lighting powered from its own hydro-electric station, which was commissioned in the 1890s. A pipeline from the lake fed water to a Pelton wheel, which was located in a small power house on the hillside immediately behind the house. It ceased to operate soon after 1928, when the public hydro-electric power station at Maentwrog began supplying the area.[2] In June 2013 a new hydro-scheme, costing £420,000, and similarly tapping the water from Llyn Mair, was opened. The water falls 60m to the turbine, and the scheme is expected to meet most of the Plas' electricity needs.[3]

The lake is set alongside the B4410 road, a minor road linking the hamlet of Rhyd. The position of the lake bordered with ancient oak woods and its tranquil appearance makes this a popular picnic site for visitors, and it is also a starting point for a number of local country walks. There is some limited parking available just off the road.

The narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway runs through the woods above the lake, and Tan-y-Bwlch railway station can be reached on foot from the lake.

The lake also has a notable echo because of the shape of the surrounding hills.

Llyn Mair looking towards the east
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References
  1. "Dyffryn Maentwrog and Llyn Mair Footpaths". Snowdonia National Park. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  2. "The History of Plas Tan y Bwlch". Eryri-npa.gov.uk. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  3. "Power to the Plas". Snowdonia Society. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
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