Seeing a still mirror on the surface of a lake or a rushing river after a big flood is a mystical experience.
There is no shortage of water in the National Park. There are 434 miles of rivers and over 100 lakes.
There is little wonder that Eryri is known for its picturesque lakes and beautiful rivers, with over 4,000mm of rain falling on parts of the landscape annually.
![Llyn Tegid](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/076_ffN_129.jpg)
![A small 'gwyniad' in the hands of](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gwyniad-APCE.jpeg)
![A glutinous snail underwater](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Malwen-Ludiog-NRW.jpeg)
![Pearl mussels on a river bed](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Pearl-Mussel-NRW.jpeg)
![](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_177959687.jpg)
![An otter on the shore of a river](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_1980762944.jpg)
![A water vole rests on the shore of a river](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Water-Vole-Peter-Trimming.jpg)
![A kingfisher rests on a branch](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kingfisher-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
![An oystercatcher pertches on a craggy rock](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Oystercatcher.jpg)
![A grey heron with a fish in its beak](https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Grey-Heron.jpg)
It is difficult to find a lake in Eryri that bears no significance, whether it is derived from the mythology and folklore of the area or from the features of the surrounding landscape.
Llyn Barfog, near Aberdyfi, is likely named after the rush that grows along its shores.
Legend has it that Llyn yr Afanc near Betws-y-Coed was named after a dangerous beaver.
This lake is believed to be named after a shepherd who drowned while washing his master’s sheep.
Llyn Bochlwyd, above Llyn Ogwen, is named after a tale about a stag fleeing from a hunter. It swam across the lake whilst holding its grey cheeks above the water to breathe.
Some believe that Llyn Tegid was named after Tegid Foel, a cruel legendary king. It is said that the kingdom of Tegid Foel was submerged because of his evil nature.