People steal fish from Eryris’ famous “floating island lake”

A lake famous for its vanished ‘floating’ island is now being linked to the disappearance of fish. Llyn Dywarchen, a lake near Rhyd-Ddu with stunning views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), was once nominated as one of the 60 Wonders of Eryri (Snowdonia) due to its tranquillity and beauty.

However, the waters have recently been plagued by poachers, some of whom are reported to be using boats owned by members of the Seiont Gwyrfai and Llyfni Fishing Society, who own the fishing rights to the loch. Non-members are permitted to fish in Llyn Dywarchen by purchasing seasonal, weekly or daily permits. However, members have reported encountering groups fishing illegally and becoming “verbally abusive” when confronted.

Some members have even questioned whether it is still worth fishing there. In response to these complaints, North Wales Police detectives have begun patrolling the area, reports North Wales Live.

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A spokesman said: “The team has received numerous reports of people illegally catching fish from Llyn Dywarchen in Rhyd Ddu, so we have increased our patrols in the area with our partners at Natural Resources Wales.” People caught fishing without a licence can be prosecuted and face fines of up to £2,500. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news from Wales straight to your inbox

Police reiterated their intention to tackle the problem last summer, but with the start of this year’s fishing season in March, the issue has resurfaced. Rural Crime officers are now urging the public to “come forward with any information that can help prevent this from happening.”

To contact the team you can use the NWP live webchat or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Llyn Dywarchen, also known as Turf Lake, was once notorious for its kleptomaniac tendencies.

The lake’s “floating island” was a well-known curiosity for centuries, and in 1784, Flintshire-born author Thomas Pennant told tales of cattle being washed away from the wandering island. These tales date back to 1188, when Giraldus Cambrensis observed the island “being driven from side to side by the force of the wind,” confusing local shepherds as their grazing cattle were transported across the lake.

In 1698, astronomer Edmund Halley even ventured out onto the water himself and claimed he could navigate the island around the lake. Such fascinating reports inspired artist Richard Wilson to capture the scene of the island being steered by a man with a long pole.

The once floating island may be a thing of the past, but a small rocky island still stands. Myth or not, floating islands do exist, some even large enough to support trees, which are kept afloat by lightweight, spongy plant material and gases from decaying vegetation.

In the 19th century, Llyn Dywarchen was dammed to create a reservoir as local copper mining expanded. In 2013, the plug was pulled so the lake could be drained and the dam re-grouted, leaving just enough water in the reservoir to ensure the rainbow trout and wild brown trout did not perish.