Llyn Ogwen

Four miles North from Capel Curig along the A5; and at 310 metres above sea level you’ll find Llyn Ogwen covering an area of 78 acres. Its ancient name was reportedly Ogfanw (young pig); and it is one of the shallowest lakes in North Wales, averaging 6 feet, and only being 10 feet at its deepest point. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, including Pen yr Ole Wen and Tryfan (reputedly the final resting place of Sir Bedivere (Bedwyr)). The legend is that it is the lake where Sir Bedivere cast the sword Excalibur after the battle of Camlann to the Lady of the Lake.

In ‘The Lakes of North Wales’ by Jonah Jones page 91.
J.M. Archer Thomson, a headmaster of Llandudno School and a pioneer rock climber in Snowdonia quotes a strange legend from a Welsh magazine concerning Llyn Ogwen.  A Shepherd happened upon a cave in Craig Cwrwgl above the lake containing the treasure of King Arthur. In the midst of the commotion caused by this intrusion, he turned to the lake, and ‘behold thereon a coracle in which sat three women of more than mortal beauty, but the dread aspect of the rower would have filled the stoutest heart with terror.’ E. W. Steeple, who recorded this legend, suggests it ‘seems a little obscure, and it may be that it has become involved with another story’, probably that of Llyn Llydaw.

Due to its superb location, the lake is extremely popular. The A5 runs alongside it and there are several convenient car parks.