When we think of Wales, we envision ancient castles, rugged landscapes, and friendly people. Less well-known, but at least as beautiful, are the many lakes of Wales. Some of natural origin, others reservoirs, these „diamonds of water“ nestle perfectly into the picturesque Welsh countryside. It is well worth getting to know these waters better and enjoying a wonderful time along their shores.
Take part in the Iron Lake Challenge Wales, circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in Wales, and earn your „Wales Edition“ Iron Lake Challenge collector’s medal.
REGISTRATION AND SERVICES
Registration for the Iron Lake Challenge Wales costs 24 EUR.
This entry fee includes our Iron Lake Challenge “Wales Edition” collector’s medal as well as the Timeless Challenge marble. Your registration fee also contributes to planting trees worldwide!
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However, to receive the medal, you first have to circumnavigate the ten largest lakes of Wales on foot! Only then will we send you your well-deserved medal and marble. After all, you want to earn them, not just be given them.
How to register:
- Please click on the logo, and you will be redirected to the registration page of our partner, Digistore24.
- You will then receive a registration confirmation.
- Now, you need to walk around the ten largest lakes in Wales (see below).
- As soon as you have completed all ten lakes, please send us an extract of your tracking as proof. We will believe you even without tracking, but in that case, you will not be included in the Honor Roll (Hall of Fame).
- Once we have verified your achievements, you will receive your well-deserved medal and marble. Easy, right?“
RULES
The rules for the Iron Lake Challenge Wales are very straightforward. Still, we want to clear them up one more time here:
- Sign up for the Iron Lake Challenge Wales!
- To conquer the Iron Lake Challenge Wales and earn the beautiful collector’s medal, you must circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in Wales on foot after registering. Lakes that are partially located on the territory of other states are not considered for this challenge.
- Bicycles, skates, etc., are not permitted, but you are more than welcome to hike or run.
- You can take as much time as you like to complete a single lake. This means you can circumnavigate it in stages over several days.
- The Iron Lake Challenge Wales has no time limit. This means you can take several years to complete all ten lakes.
- We trust that you have truly circumnavigated the lakes. However, if you wish to be included in the time rankings, we will need a copy of your tracking. We don’t mind which device or service you use (whether it’s a watch, smartphone, or app).
General Information – PLEASE NOTE!
- Please note that traffic rules apply in public areas and along roads and cycle paths. Therefore, please move considerately.
- You circumnavigate the lakes at your own peril and at your own risk. The operator of this website assumes no liability whatsoever.
- Please follow any medical advice or have a medical examination before starting the challenge. You are responsible for your own health, equipment, and physical condition. There is no shame in canceling a tour; your health always comes first!
A few important rules for respecting nature during your lake circumnavigations:
- Please observe local instructions regarding nature conservation.
- Please stay on the marked paths.
- Please keep noise to a minimum.
- Please do not collect stones or minerals.
- Please do not collect mushrooms.
- Please do not leave any litter behind. On the contrary, many of us even pick up litter along the way.
- Please do not feed any animals.
- Please do not light open fires.
- Please do not pick any plants.
This should be common sense for all of us, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded from time to time.
YOUR MEDAL AND YOUR MARBLE
Once you have circumnavigated the ten largest lakes in Wales on foot, you will have earned the beautiful Iron Lake Challenge ‚Wales Edition‚ medal. This could be the very first in your future collection from the Iron Lake Challenge!
In addition, you will receive the Timeless Challenge marble (from our Timeless Challenge series).
LIFE SCORE POINTS
The Iron Lake Challenge is part of our Timeless Challenge. Therefore, you will earn Life-Score points in addition to the collector’s medal and the coin. These points will be automatically credited to you in our Hall of Fame. This service is free of charge for you
The ten largest lakes in Wales
Llyn Tegit (Bala Lake)
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is situated on the eastern edge of Eryri National Park and is the largest natural body of water in Wales. The lake is notorious for sudden floods. According to local legend, a monster is said to dwell within its depths, but we have our doubts about that ;-). A full circuit of the largest lake in Wales is approximately 32 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Tegid
Llyn Brianne
Walking around Llyn Brianne is a true delight. You will hike through a wonderful landscape with numerous picnic spots that invite you to take a break. This route leads you on a long loop (approx. 24 km) through the forests and fields surrounding the reservoir.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Brianne:
Llyn Clywedog
The Clywedog Reservoir is located near Llanidloes, at the headwaters of the River Severn. The area surrounding Llyn Clywedog offers many waymarked hiking trails, including the Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail and the Severn Way. Follow the path through Hafren Forest to the source of the River Severn on Pumlumon Fawr. The circuit is between 25 km and 30 km long, depending on the route you choose.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Clywedog:
Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn is located in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and is the „big brother“ of Llyn Peris. It is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales and was formed by a glacier. Completing a circuit of the lake requires a hike of approximately 8.5 km.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Padarn:
Llyn Peris
Llyn Peris is a glacial lake located in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). It is the smaller twin of Llyn Padarn, which lies directly adjacent to it. A circuit of the lake is only about seven kilometers long, but it is truly beautiful.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Peris:
Llyn Cowlyd
Llyn Cowlyd is the deepest lake in North Wales and is also located in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), at the upper end of Cwm Cowlyd on the southeastern edge of the Carneddau mountain range. Nestled in a stunning landscape, the lake can be circumnavigated via various routes. While the circuit itself is only about 12 km long (if you stick to the shoreline), we recommend the longer tour, as the scenery is truly enchanting.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Cowlyd:
Llyn Geirionydd
Llyn Geirionydd is situated in a valley in North Wales, where the northern edge of Gwydyr Forest meets the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains. Since the circuit around the lake is only a few kilometers long, we recommend extending your route to truly experience the wonderful surrounding area.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Geirionydd:
Llyn Cwelly
Llyn Cwellyn is a reservoir in North Wales that supplies parts of Gwynedd and Anglesey with drinking water. A circuit of Llyn Cwellyn can, of course, be kept very short, or you can choose a slightly longer route to fully enjoy the experience. Depending on your choice, the distance ranges between 6 km and approximately 15 km.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Cwellyn:
Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen is idyllically situated between two of Eryri’s (Snowdonia) mountain ranges, the Carneddau and the Glyderau. While a circuit of Llyn Ogwen isn’t actually very long, we have selected a route for you that covers approximately 7 km and offers stunning views of the lake from above.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Ogwen:
Llyn Idwal
Small Llyn Idwal is located in the Glyderau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). It is said to be named after Prince Idwal Foel, a grandson of Rhodri Mawr, one of the ancient Kings of Wales. Legend has it that the king’s unfortunate descendant was murdered by drowning in the lake. A circuit of the lake is approximately 5 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for the circumnavigation of Llyn Idwal:
Iron Lake Challenge Wales Hall of Fame
Here you can quickly and easily enter your lake circumnavigations and upload your proof (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking). We will review your submission and then approve it. Once approved, your result will be saved and will appear in the Hall of Fame.
How to use our Challenge Tool
- Register on our website
- Select the lake you circumnavigated under “Summit/Lake”
- Enter the distance you covered (in meters) under “Length / Mountain height (in m)“
- Enter the time taken (in minutes) under “Time needed (in min)”
- Enter the date of your circumnavigation under “date”
- Now you can upload your proof (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking) under “Upload proof (optional)“
- Now all you have to do is SAVE
Keine Ergebnisse
THE IRON LAKE CHALLENGE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Join our Forum!
Join the conversation in our community! Our forum for experiences, trip reports, questions, and more.
HASHTAGS IRON LAKE CHALLENGE
We would love for you to share your photos, videos, and experiences involving the Iron Lake Challenge with others. To help you do that, we’ve provided the following hashtags for you to use:
- #ironlakechallenge
- #ironlakechallengewales
- #timelesschallenge
THE IRON LAKE CHALLENGE ON FACEBOOK
We’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group! “Iron Lake Challenge Discussion Board”
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