Tranquil lake surrounded by mountains is a hidden gem that's worth the hike

Home to the UK's second biggest mountain, it's no wonder that North Wales is full of opportunities to explore stunning landscapes on foot. There are countless walking routes that offer incredible views - be them of mountains or coastlines.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the very best walk in the UK is found in Snowdonia. That's according to online fashion retailer Damart, which has used Instagram hashtags, Google search data and information from AllTrails and the Ramblers to rank the best hikes in the country. Atop their list is an "easy" ramble that leads to a hidden gem of a mountain reservoir nestled in woodland.

Providing views across to Snowdonia, the Llyn Elsi circular route is situated above the picturesque Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed, reports North Wales Live. A relatively obscure lake within Gwydyr Forest, Llyn Elsi emerged from two smaller bodies of water, Llyn Rhisgog and Llyn Enoc.

In 1914, following approval from Lord Ancaster, a 20ft dam was constructed to supply fresh water for Betws-y-Coed within Eryri National Park. Despite this, the lake only has a maximum depth of nine metres.

A path round the lake provides excellent views towards the mountain ranges of the Carneddau and the Glyderau. On the lake itself, a small island provides a breeding ground for its most notorious residents, black headed gulls, once blamed for polluting the local water supply.

Journalist Liam Ryder braved the hike with his partner during a holiday to North Wales, and spoke of the breathtaking experience. He said: "Llyn Elsi is an incredible spot that my partner and I actually found by complete accident.

"When on holiday in North Wales, we set out with the aim of climbing Yr Wyddfa itself. But of course, a lack of planning on my behalf meant I'd overlooked the need to book the Snowdon train up the mountain.

"I'd also managed to get us in the complete wrong place thanks to a mixture of ignorance and naivety, so we settled with a shorter hike and make the most of an entirely avoidable situation.

"In some ways, it worked out for the best. While Snowdon remains on our bucket list as adults, we'll never forget climbing and walking through the clearing to see Llyn Elsi and the surrounding peaks in all their glory.

"Despite visiting Eryri in the peak of the school summer holidays - which meant the weather while climbing was absolutely punishing - the place was deserted. It made for the most tranquil, peaceful experience of my life to date."

"But of course, a lack of planning on my behalf meant I'd overlooked the need to book the Snowdon train up the mountain. I'd also managed to get us in the complete wrong place thanks to a mixture of ignorance and naivety, so we settled with a shorter hike and make the most of an entirely avoidable situation.

"In some ways, it worked out for the best. While Snowdon remains on our bucket list as adults, we'll never forget climbing and walking through the clearing to see Llyn Elsi and the surrounding peaks in all their glory.

"Despite visiting Eryri in the peak of the school summer holidays - which meant the weather while climbing was absolutely punishing - the place was deserted. It made for the most tranquil, peaceful experience of my life to date."