b'03Llyn ElsiOn the doorstep of Betws-y-Coed, Llyn Elsi is one of the many beautiful lakes in the Gwydir Forest which surrounds the village. It enjoys panoramic views of Snowdonias mountain summits.There are several routes up to the lake. The most direct starts behind St Marys Church in the centre of the village. This is fairly strenuous and steep for the first 500 metres. There are waymarkers all the way and diverging tracks which should be ignored until an obvious T-junction is reached with no way forward. Turning left here then right after 400 metres by standing stones leads to the lake and to the monument from which there is a great panorama of the lake and the mountains. There is a waymarked route around the lake.There is a more scenic route, which is more interesting and varied but is not waymarked and requires detailed directions. This starts at the Pont y pair bridge in the village centre and follows the river Llugwy to the Miners bridge. Crossing the main A5 on the other side of the bridge leads across stiles and fields and past disused quarry workings on tracks which eventually lead to the monument overlooking the lake.Time (hours): Distance: Direct : 2 hours (3.5 hours2 miles (4.5 miles circular walk).circular) ScenicMap Ref:SH 792 568Difficulty: 3.5 miles (5 milesLatitude:53.094692strenuous in parts circular) Longitude:-3.805451610'