If you’re craving a quiet day to unwind with a simple itinerary, The Lonely Tree is the perfect place to relax and recharge. It’s also an ideal quick stop if you’re passing through Snowdonia, before continuing on to other adventures, with many of the spots we’ll be sharing soon in our Sober Trails series nearby.

Our visits tend to start early in the morning, fresh off the A55, before the kayaks hit the water. At that time, the lake looks like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks. It’s a quiet moment that feels rare in the hustle of modern life.

We always love showing our community The Lonely Tree ~ Snowdonia’s answer to Wanaka’s famous tree. When we first discovered it, we were very excited, having missed out on the That Wānaka Tree during our travels to NZ.

We have a full archive of seasonal content capturing The Lonely Tree, but this submission is all about the snowy, wintry vibe. There’s something especially magical about seeing it surrounded by snowy cloaked peaks, making it our favourite Christmas tree.

It’s obvious why The Lonely Tree is a unique photography hotspot, standing alone in the water, making it an all seasonal subject. Sometimes the photos just speak for themselves.

There is plenty of open space surrounding The Lonely Tree. Whether it’s spreading out a picnic blanket, exploring by kayak, or taking a wild swim, we always leave feeling reconnected with nature.

The nearby village of Llanberis has everything you could need. We love hopping on the Steam Train around the lake and heading to Cafe Caban for food. If you're climbing Snowdon via the Llanberis path or taking the Train up, it’s so close that it’s definitely worth a visit.

There’s so much to see and do in Snowdonia, but this place isn’t about rushing ~ it’s about appreciating the simple moments that make Snowdonia special.

~ Type of Visit: Relaxation, water activities or quick stop-off.
~ Parking: Llyn Padarn car park in Llanberis, LL55 4EL.
~ Activities: Kayaking, wild swimming, train rides, exploring Llanberis’ shops.
~ Best Time to Visit: All year, with winter our favourite backdrop.
~ Company: Solo or with loved ones.

Coordinates: 53.126990° N, -4.133408 ° W

Photography: Scott Woolley. Images captured on Contax T2 ~ December 2022, March 2023 & December 2023.