Get back to nature and experience the walks, trails and abundance of wildlife.
Pick a viewpoint around the Lake to observe the amazing variety of birds and scenery. With its woodland, moorland and farmland, Lake Vyrnwy has become an internationally important nature reserve for wildlife and habitats. It has so little light pollution that it is one of the best locations to stargaze in the UK.
Lake Vyrnwy has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as a Natura 2000 site.
Although the hillside makes for difficult terrain, one of the hides in the nature reserve is accessible by wheelchair. There's plenty for children too, including nestbox trails and bat and owl walks. Hire a back-pack and go on a creepy-crawly search; hire binoculars as you play bird bingo around the reserve; solve the clues on the animal puzzle trail or explore the Wild Play Park to have fun and get muddy in the Mud Kitchen.
Places to Stay & Visit in and around Lake Vyrnwy
RSPB Nature Reserve
The RSPB, in partnership with Hafren Dyfrdwy, manages part of the reserve as the largest organic farm in England and Wales and the Lake Vyrnwy Reservoir and surrounding estate is great for bird-watching.
Lake Vyrnwy
Want to know more about Lake Vyrnwy?
Find out about he history and 5 facts you might not know.
Ann Griffiths Walk
Named after Ann Griffiths who was a influental 18th Cenrury hymn writer and takes you to many of the places associated with her life.
The 7 mile route takes you along the river Vrynwy and takes you through forests, meadows and gorges and also runs alongside the Glyndwrs Way National Trail.
Glyndŵr's Way
Glyndŵr's Way is an 135 mile (217 Km) long National Trail that passes through Lake Vyrnwy. Meandering through the open moorland, rolling farmland, woodland and forest of mid-Wales. The trail was officially opened in 2002 and is dedicated to the 15th Century Welsh warrior and self proclaimed 'Prince Owain Glyndwr'
Cycling
Cycle the 12 miles all the way around the lake and take in the remote mountains, ancient woodlands, expansive waters and the iconic neo-Gothic water tower. Bike Hire is available from Artisans
Nature Walks & Scenic Places
Stroll along one of the 6 woodland walks, through mysterious forests dating back to the last ice age and walk the award winning Lake Vyrnwy Sculpture Trail with superb works of art dotted around its shores.
Getting To Lake Vyrnwy
By train - Welshpool station is 20+ miles away.
By bus - At the end of the dam. Walk in the opposite direction to the lake, with the visitor centre on the right.
By road - Lake Vyrnwy is located 30 miles east of Dolgellau, which is on both the Cambrian Way and the Coastal Way.
There is plenty of free car parking when you get here.
From Llanfyllin, take the B4393 to Llanwddyn. Continue along the B4393 to Llanwddyn by taking a right turn. At the dam, turn left, then left at the end of the dam. The RSPB visitor centre is on the right.
Postcode SY10 0LZ for RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Visitor Centre.
Postcode SY10 0LY for Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa.
On foot- Nearby is Glyndwr's Way National Walking route and the Dyfnant & Vyrnwy Forest with an extensive network of bridleways and trails
