Repairs and improvements to a footpath and walls surrounding an Eryri lake have been given the go-ahead.

It is hoped work on five areas of the route surrounding Llyn Cynwch at Brithdir, Gwynedd, will help prevent shoreline erosion whilst “safeguarding” the route’s future – and improve it as an “all ability” site.

The route is part of the 5km ‘Precipice Walk’ and is known for its stunning views across Eryri National Park.

The lake is located to the north of Dolgellau and to the south of the villages of Ganllwyd and Llanfachreth.

Improvements were approved by Eryri National Park Authority’s planning and access committee on Wednesday, 22 May.

They agreed to a plan which will see the track and a wall replaced by a traditional dry stone retaining wall.

The plans state: “The proposed works are to be undertaken to an existing footpath surrounding Llyn Cynwch, which is located within an area of natural beauty and provides panoramas, visible from other viewpoints.”

The Precipice Walk also goes through part of the Nannau estate which dates back to the 12th century, and is steeped in Welsh history.

The route ends on the shores of Llyn Cynwch, a working reservoir that provides nearby Dolgellau with water.

The application concerns land owned by Dwr Cymru. However, the submission for the “essential” repairs and improvements to the footpath surrounding Llyn Cynwch was made by wardens of Eryri National Park Authority, a meeting heard.

The application said the “key purpose” of the work was to “prevent and reverse wave action erosion, and so, retain and prolong the lifespan of the circular access around the lake”.

The work would also improve “accessibility for all” within the area.

The plans said: “The proposed footpath improvement works will comprise of replacing approximately 70m of severely undermined gabion basket retaining structure with local quarried (Trawsfynydd) dry stone walling.

“This will safeguard the future use of the site as an all-ability route.

“In order to ‘future proof’ the sites usage, repair and maintenance work is also proposed by way of resurfacing (Minffordd quarry basalt) and regrading the existing track and footpath for approx. 1,585m.”

Planning officers had felt the application was “acceptable” and recommend granting permission during the meeting.

Cllr Louise Hughes said she had walked the Precipice Walk and said it was “a beautiful walk, wonderful in all different seasons”.

“A well built stone wall is a thing of beauty,” she added.