Llyn-y-fan Fach

Llyn-y-fan Fach.

If there is any lake in Carmarthenshire that deserves to have a legend, then it is Llyn-y-fan Fach; a dark, brooding expanse of water nestled below the escarpment of Carmarthenshire's highest mountain. It's just a shame that the legend  is such a lack-lustre tale, that does not do justice to the grandeur  of its setting.  The lake should have a lovelorn Celtic princess, a Merlin or a magic sword rather than a farmer whose wife leaves him because she has had enough. But there again, sitting on a rock looking across the shimmering water, it is easy enough to make up your own story.

The track leading to Llyn-y-fan Fach.

The walk up the slope from the car-park to the water's edge can seem a bit daunting, but there is a decent track all the way, and a bustling stream complete with dippers, grey wagtails and wheaters to charm you and keep your spirits up. And when you get to the top and take your first glimpse of the lake, it will all have been worthwhile.


For the more adventurous there is a path going up the side of the escarpment that will take you to the top of Bannau Sir Gar, overlooking the lake. At 749m this is as high as you'll ever get in Carmarthenshire, and from here you can see most of Wales.