Blue Lake

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Merionethshire

Wales

Blue Lake

Fairbourne railway station, Gwynedd Opened in July 1897 by the Cambrian Railway on the line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
View north east towards Barmouth and Pwllheli. There was only ever one platform here. A station called &quot;Barmouth Ferry&quot; had also briefly been at this location between 1865 and 1867. — Fairbourne railway station, Gwynedd Credit: Nigel Thompson

Blue Lake is a picturesque freshwater body located in Merionethshire, Wales. Situated in a serene and verdant environment, this natural wonder encompasses characteristics of a lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh. It spans an area of approximately 2 hectares and is surrounded by lush vegetation, including reeds, grasses, and water lilies.

The lake boasts crystal clear turquoise waters that are renowned for their stunning beauty. Its pristine condition is attributed to the absence of motorized boats, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed environment. Blue Lake is primarily fed by underground springs, which contribute to its exceptional clarity and purity.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant meadows, Blue Lake offers a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The freshwater marsh plays a crucial role in supporting a rich ecosystem, providing a habitat for various species of birds, insects, and amphibians. The surrounding vegetation attracts a wide range of bird species, including ducks, swans, and herons, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Visitors to Blue Lake can enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, rowing, and picnicking. The lake is home to an abundant population of fish, including trout and perch, making it a popular destination for anglers. The peaceful ambiance and breathtaking scenery also make it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation.

Blue Lake, with its pristine waters, diverse ecosystem, and stunning surroundings, provides a captivating destination for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.

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Blue Lake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.689043/-4.0416871 or Grid Reference SH6212. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fairbourne railway station, Gwynedd

Opened in July 1897 by the Cambrian Railway on the line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli. View north east towards Barmouth and Pwllheli. There was only ever one platform here. A station called "Barmouth Ferry" had also briefly been at this location between 1865 and 1867.

Nigel Thompson

Railway south from Fairbourne

Looking south, towards Machynlleth and England, from the platform at Fairbourne station. At this point, the railway is almost at sea level; as it heads south, it climbs along the side of the mountains (invisibly on this day, thanks to the mist), passing through an avalanche shelter along the way.

Richard Vince

Fairbourne (National Rail) station

Seen from the small car park. The station house at least used to be a holiday let, in which I spent numerous childhood holidays; a wonderful location for a railway enthusiast. The train leaving the station is the 1150 departure to Pwllheli, formed of Arriva Trenau Cymru diesel unit 158 832.

Richard Vince

Beach Road level crossing, Fairbourne

Looking inland, showing how the coast and mountains are in such close proximity in this part of Wales. The level crossing, by which Beach Road crosses the Cambrian Coast railway line, has inevitably been fitted with lifting barriers since I holidayed here in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The yellow post on the left appears to be a traffic camera covering the level crossing, with a corresponding device just visible on the far side.

Richard Vince

Fairbourne (Fairbourne Railway) station

The southern terminus of the 12¼" gauge Fairbourne Railway, alongside Beach Road, which it parallels for the first quarter mile or so of its length before turning north along the coast. The large building on the right contains a nature centre, behind which is the locomotive shed. Further along the road (left) can be glimpsed SH6112 : Beach Road level crossing, Fairbourne, on the full size railway.

Richard Vince

Beach Road, Fairbourne

Looking towards the beach. The cars on the left hide the 12¼" gauge Fairbourne Railway, which parallels the road at this point.

Richard Vince

Penrhyn Corner level crossing, Fairbourne

The level crossing by which the 12¼" gauge Fairbourne Railway crosses Penrhyn Drive South where it meets Penrhyn Drive North (ahead) and Beach Road. A train, hauled by steam locomotive "Sherpa", is approaching from Penrhyn Point. The grass on the left leads to the elevated promenade, which doubles as flood defences.

Richard Vince

Train crossing Penrhyn Corner level crossing, Fairbourne

A train from Penrhyn Point crosses SH6113 : Penrhyn Corner level crossing, Fairbourne on the 12¼" gauge Fairbourne Railway, hauled by the steam locomotive "Sherpa", a half size replica of a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway B class locomotive.

Richard Vince

Promenade, Fairbourne

Looking north, towards the mouth of the Mawddach estuary, along the promenade that doubles as flood defences for the village. Just this side of the road, the 12¼" gauge Fairbourne Railway can be glimpsed.

Richard Vince

Alyn Road, Fairbourne

Seen from the promenade. The clouds are just beginning to lift from the mountains inland.

Richard Vince

Mawddach estuary north of Fairbourne (2)

Richard Vince

Footpath along the Mawddach estuary (1)

Looking inland towards Morfa Mawddach, and beyond to the mountains that seem to blend into the low autumn clouds.

Richard Vince

Field south of the Mawddach estuary

This appears to be drained coastal marshland. The rocky form just left of centre looks very out of place in an otherwise flat area, almost like Idris chucked it down from his seat in the mountains and this is as far as it got.

Richard Vince

Blue Lake near Fairbourne

Peaceful lake in remains of old mine, accessed through tunnel, above Fairbourne

Michael Westley

The southern end of Fairbourne beach

Seen from a train heading north.

John Lucas

North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - pillbox & anti-tank blocks (1)

- Pillbox (type FW3/24): DoB ID: S0003244 Anti-tank blocks: DoB ID: S0012287 There is an almost continuous line of anti-tank blocks along the coast here between Fairbourne and Barmouth, and set among them is a solitary type 24 pillbox (another further south has now been lost). Of brick construction and double skinned, its ricochet wall has been removed. SH6112 : North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - pillbox & anti-tank blocks (2)

Mike Searle

North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - pillbox & anti-tank blocks (2)

- Pillbox (type FW3/24): DoB ID: S0003244 Anti-tank blocks: DoB ID: S0012287 A type 24 pillbox is set amongst an almost continuous and quite spectacular line of anti-tank blocks along the coast here between Fairbourne and Barmouth. These defences run for 1.5 miles along the beach and once were interspersed with as many as 5 such pillboxes manned by members of the Merionethshire Home Guard. SH6112 : North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - pillbox interior (3)

Mike Searle

North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - pillbox interior (3)

- Pillbox (type FW3/24): DoB ID: S0003244 The unusually spacious interior of this type 24 pillbox is due to the removal of the ricochet wall, dating from its post-war use as a store room. Presumably the grills over the embrasures and entrance doorway also date from this time, an arrangement that at least is better than the usual blocking up of all the openings. SH6112 : North Wales WWII defences: Fairbourne - anti-tank blocks (4)

Mike Searle

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Blue Lake is located at Grid Ref: SH6212 (Lat: 52.689043, Lng: -4.0416871)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales