Lying below the southern crags of Cader Idris, Tal-y-llyn is one of the most famous fishing lakes in Wales. The road to it from Dolgellau is wild and picturesque as it passes through moorland and drops steeply into the valley. The lake is over a mile long and a quiet lane, suitable for walkers, runs along the northern side. This is a good starting point from which to climb Cader Idris. At the south-western end of the lake there is a hamlet also called Tal-y-llyn. In the olden days the lake was known as Llyn Mwyngil.