Llyn Padarn

Llyn Padarn
Location	Snowdonia, Wales
Coordinates	53°7′44″N 4°7′59″W
Lake type	moraine-dammed lake
Primary outflows	Afon Seiont
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Max. length	2 mi (3.2 km)
Max. depth	94 ft (29 m)
Settlements	Llanberis

Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd, north Wales, and is an example of a moraine dammed lake. The lake is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long and at its deepest point is 94 feet (29 m) deep. At its south-eastern end it is linked to the neighbouring Llyn Peris (which forms the lower reservoir of the Dinorwig power station). The busy village of Llanberis lies on the southern banks of the lake.

The outflow of Llyn Padarn is on the northern shore and is called Afon Rhythallt, which passes by the village of Brynrefail, Gwynedd and becomes Afon Seiont below Pont Rhythallt, near Llanrug. It reaches the sea at Caernarfon.

Padarn Country Park is located on the northern flank of the lake, including Coed Allt Wen, a rare and ancient sessile oak woodland. Both the woodland and Llyn Padarn are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The Llanberis Lake Railway also runs along its northern bank and various recreational activities take place on the lake, especially during the summer. These include canoeing, boating and fishing.

Local bus company Padarn Bus from nearby Llanberis are named after the lake.

RAF Wessex Air Crash

In 1993, an RAF Wessex helicopter suffered a rotor failure, and crashed into the lake, killing three Air Training Corps Cadets, and injuring one. The three air crew all survived.

External links

• www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Llyn Padarn and surrounding area