At this point, we’re starting to think North Wales has become the Mediterranean.

But when the temperatures climb, there is one very good reason to be in North Wales: water. Lots of it.

From huge sandy beaches to mountain lakes surrounded by Eryri, there are plenty of places to cool off after a day of hiking, running or exploring. Some are perfect for a proper swim, others are more about finding a beautiful spot, getting in for five minutes and then wondering why you didn’t bring a towel.

Here are some of our favourite places to take a dip around North Wales.

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Pretty much on our doorstep in Llanberis, Llyn Padarn is probably one of the best-known freshwater swimming spots in North Wales. And with good reason.

You get a huge lake, mountain views with an excellent view towards Yr Wyddfa. It is also one of the easiest places to combine a swim with a day out, as Llanberis has cafés, shops, toilets and plenty of other things to do.

Llyn Padarn is officially designated as a bathing water and is monitored during the summer.

There are plenty of places around the lake where people get in, but remember that this is a deep mountain lake, not a swimming pool. The water can be cold and conditions can change.

If you fancy swapping freshwater for the sea, head to Newborough Beach.

This enormous stretch of sand on Anglesey looks spectacular on a sunny day, with the mountains of Eryri visible across the water. Walk along the beach towards Ynys Llanddwyn and you get one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in North Wales.

The beach is huge, so even when the car park looks busy, there is plenty of space once you get walking.

Just keep an eye on the tide, particularly around Llanddwyn. Parts of the island can become cut off at high tide, and there is no lifeguard service on the beach.

If you want somewhere a little more straightforward, Dinas Dinlle is a brilliant option.

This long beach sits just south of Caernarfon and looks out towards the Llŷn Peninsula. On a clear day, you get fantastic views across the water and back towards the mountains.

It is a great place for a quick swim without needing to turn the day into a major expedition.

And unlike some of the more dramatic beaches around the coast, you don’t need to hike for miles to get there.

Head over to the east side of Anglesey and you’ll find Llanddona Beach, a lovely sandy beach backed by dunes and countryside.

It tends to feel a little more peaceful than some of the headline beaches, making it a good option if your idea of a perfect hot day involves lying on the sand, swimming and doing very little else.

The water here is affected by the tide, so check conditions before getting in.

North Wales has no shortage of mountain lakes.

But before you start Googling “secret swimming hole North Wales”, there are a couple of important things to know.

Not every beautiful blue lake is safe to swim in.

Some quarry lakes have extremely cold water, sudden changes in depth, unstable edges or other hazards. Don’t assume that because someone has posted a spectacular Instagram photo from a lake, it is safe or permitted to swim there.

For wild swimming, stick to places where swimming is appropriate and access is permitted, check conditions before you go and never underestimate cold water.

Here are a few better-known options.

One of the most beautiful places to swim in Eryri.

Llyn Gwynant sits in the Nant Gwynant valley, surrounded by mountains. On a sunny day, it looks almost ridiculously picturesque.

The water is cold, obviously. This is North Wales, not Greece.

But if you’re prepared for that, a swim here can be an incredible experience.

Further along the same valley is Llyn Dinas, another spectacular mountain lake.

It sits below the slopes of Yr Wyddfa and the surrounding mountains, making this a fantastic place to combine a walk with a dip.

It’s particularly good if you are already exploring the Watkin Path area.

This is one that is easy to overlook.

If you swim in one lake and then head straight to another, don’t just jump in again wearing the same wet kit.

You can accidentally transport invasive plants, animals and other organisms from one body of water to another. Natural Resources Wales recommends the simple Check, Clean, Dry approach: check your equipment for anything attached to it, clean it thoroughly and let it dry completely before using it somewhere else.

This applies to more than just swimming costumes. Think wetsuits, tow floats, goggles, shoes, paddleboards, inflatables and anything else that has been in the water.

Llyn Padarn, for example, is home to invasive aquatic plants, so taking care when moving equipment away from the lake is particularly important.

It just takes a few extra minutes.

It is much easier than accidentally introducing an invasive species to another lake.

Hot weather can also mean an increased risk of blue-green algae blooms, particularly in inland waters.

They can look like green scum, flakes or surface accumulations, and you cannot tell just by looking whether a particular bloom is toxic.

If you see obvious blue-green algae or scum, don’t swim in it and keep dogs away too. Some blooms can cause illness if swallowed or after skin contact.

Natural Resources Wales and Public Health Wales have also highlighted blue-green algae as one of the risks to be aware of during periods of hot weather.

So before heading out for a swim, check the latest local information and conditions rather than relying on an old recommendation you found online.

Before getting in:

• Check the weather and water conditions.
• Know your limits.
• Swim with someone else where possible.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• Take a tow float if appropriate.
• Enter the water gradually rather than jumping straight in.
• Be aware of cold-water shock.
• Look out for currents, sudden changes in depth and underwater obstacles.
• Never dive into unfamiliar water.
• Check local signs and access restrictions.
• Take everything home with you.
• And, importantly, Check, Clean and Dry your kit before moving to another body of water.

If you’re staying with us at Lodge Dinorwig, we’d probably narrow it down to:

For the easiest option: Llyn Padarn

For a proper beach day: Newborough

For a quick sea swim: Dinas Dinlle

For a quieter beach: Llanddona

For mountains + swimming: Llyn Gwynant or Llyn Dinas

And if you’re staying with us, just ask. We are always happy to point you in the direction of a good swim, a good walk or the best place to get an ice cream afterwards.

Because if North Wales really is going to keep giving us heatwave number 78, we might as well make the most of it.