Maelog Lake (or Llyn Maelog as it’s more commonly referred to) is situated on the east side of the popular seaside village of Rhosneigr. It’s a lake that’s bursting with wildlife and fascinating plant life, plus it makes an excellent location for a range of outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, or paddleboarding.
So, why is it worth paying a visit to this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
Llyn Maelog: A Village Green with a Difference
That’s right, the lake actually boasts officially designated “Village Green” status (bestowed by the Llanfaelog community council), despite its aquatic nature. In fact, it’s the only lake in Wales with this official designation.
But the real attraction to Llyn Maelog is the flora and fauna this aquatic haven supports. From rare birds to several different types of fish and plants, this small corner of Anglesey plays host to all kinds of flora and fauna, making it well worth a visit.
So what might you expect to see when paying a quick visit to this enchanting location?
Llyn Maelog Wildlife and Plant Life
The lake supports a broad spectrum of birdlife. Depending on what time of year you visit, you could be treated to sightings of coots, pochards, and the occasional golden plovers. Then there are more traditional birds such as greylag geese and oystercatchers that frequent these waters. You might also spot a grey heron or two on your way around the public footpath that lines the shore.
The real jewel in the crown is the reed warblers that come to the lake during the summer months. You might well hear them before you see them, with their famous birdsong emanating from the reedbeds near the lakeshore during bird breeding season.
Under the water’s surface, the Llyn Maelog is also teeming with life. With water depths of three to ten feet, there’s plenty of room for the fish species found here, which include pike, bream, roach, rudd and perch.
Concerning the plant life at the lake, Llyn Maelog boasts eight separate species of pondweed, including the horned, perfoliate, blunt-leaved and lesser varieties. There are also plenty of reed varieties that hug the shall water margins close to the lakeshore.
Outdoor Activities at Maelog Lake
With so much wildlife and plant life to contend with, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in at Llyn Maelog.
Fishing at Llyn Maelog
With all the fish mentioned above, it’ll come as no surprise that Llyn Maelog is a fantastic dead bait and lure fishing location. The largest recorded Pike caught here was a 25lb 2oz fish, so it’s undoubtedly well worth visiting. If you do intend to gear up and head out to this lake, please note that fishing is limited to the right-hand (Eastern) bank only.
Birdwatching at Llyn Maelog
With so many birds in and around the lake throughout the year, it’s no wonder that this spot is so popular with keen twitchers. It’s worth visiting during the winter and again during the spring/summer to experience the full range of birdlife Maelog Lake has to offer. There are plenty of benches, seats, and picnic tables to spend a few hours watching the birds.
Paddleboarding at Llyn Maelog
This lake can be an excellent place to blow up your paddleboard and take it for a paddle during the spring and summer months. While it’s certainly not the biggest lake on the Isle of Anglesey, the often still waters and lack of rocks make this a perfect place to hone your skills before taking your kit down to the nearby beaches at Rhosneigr.
Walking Around Llyn Maelog
One of the best ways to enjoy everything Llyn Maelog has to offer is by strolling around the lake on the public footpath that hugs the shoreline. It shouldn’t take much longer than half an hour to complete a full lap of the lake, and you can follow the route map below if you want a longer walk that also takes in some of the Rhosneigr Beaches.
Llyn Maelog Walk (With Route Map)
To enjoy a walk that lasts a bit longer and takes in more sights, you can follow the 5km walking route illustrated on the map below.
Instructions for the walk are as follows:
Park up at the Porth Tyn Tywyn car park (make sure you pay and display).
Take the path at the bottom of the car park signposted as the Angelsey Coastal Path.
Follow the path through the grassy dunes until you reach a cluster of houses and a tarmac road.
Take the tarmac road up to the main road passing the caravan site on your right-hand side.
Cross the main road (turning right then left immediately afterwards) onto a rough track.
Where the track bears right, bear left onto the narrow path.
Follow this path as it winds its way around the shore of Llyn Maelog.
Cross over the footbridge at the Northern tip of the lake.
Continue on the path as it begins to make its way back around the lake on the other side.
At the caravan park, keeping bearing left (through a gate) into a field with horses.
Traverse the field and through the narrow gate (in front of a solitary house) and continue further along the path until it becomes a raised wooden-decked walkway above the reeds.
Follow the path all the way back to the main road and then cross over.
Take the path on your right that heads into the Tywyn Lyn sand dune system.
Follow the path as it traverses across the sand dunes, passing the Oyster Catcher restaurant on your left.
Head over the brow of the sand dunes and descend onto Porth Tyn Tywyn.
Walk along the beach until you see the opening back to the car park where you started.
Please note that these instructions are intended as a guide only, and we do not accept responsibility for anybody following them.
Also note: Llyn Maelog is known to harbour toxic blue-green algae, which can kill dogs within minutes if exposed. Unfortunately, a local dog owner tragically lost both of their young dogs after they swam in the water of Lake Maelog a few years ago, and many others have required vet treatments to survive since. You cannot spot toxic blue-green algae as it’s invisible to the naked eye unless found in blooms. It is best to exercise caution and not let your furry friends in the water.
Getting to Llyn Maelog
From the A55 Expressway:
Take Junction 5 (signposted for Rhosneigr).
Follow the A4080 as it winds through a few small hamlets before arriving at Bryn Du.
Turn right and continue along the A4080 (signposted Rhosneigr) until you reach the lake on your right-hand side.
There is rough parking available on the lake-side of the road for approximately 200 metres.
The nearest postcode for Llyn Maelog is LL64 5JP.