Alwen Reservoir is a significant outdoor region located on the Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The area is characterized by its large man-made lake, surrounded by conifer forests of Hiraethog and open moorland. This diverse landscape provides varied terrain suitable for several sports like gravel biking, touring cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and more. The reservoir and its surroundings offer a blend of waterside paths, forest tracks, and moorland trails.
The Alwen Reservoir region offers…
47
Routes
4.4
(55)
Average rating
812
People visited

3.9
(9)
207
riders
24.1km
02:11
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
1
riders
48.4km
03:19
680m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

43
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
12
riders
17.0km
01:38
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(7)
90
riders
23.9km
02:19
300m
300m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(4)
62
riders
15.2km
01:22
130m
130m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
10.5km
01:03
130m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
15.3km
01:30
150m
150m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.0
(2)
23
riders
48.1km
04:06
740m
740m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.0
(1)
5
riders
51.4km
04:29
830m
830m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(2)
32
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

44.1km
03:32
770m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.0
(4)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
52
hikers
3.45km
00:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
17
hikers
8.22km
02:12
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
5
hikers
13.1km
03:36
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

21
riders
76.3km
04:18
1,440m
1,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

14
riders
70.5km
03:56
1,240m
1,240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

6
riders
36.2km
01:57
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
35.1km
01:47
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Alwen Reservoir provides opportunities for various outdoor activities including gravel biking, touring cycling, mountain biking, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. The region features over 10 routes, with an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars from more than 3,000 visitors.
The Alwen Trail is a circular route around the reservoir, approximately 7.5 miles (11 km) long. It is a shared-use path suitable for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, largely consisting of forestry tracks and paths along the water's edge and moorland.
Yes, Alwen Reservoir is known for its gravel biking opportunities, including the Alwen Trail which features forestry tracks and rougher sections. Specific routes and information can be found in the guide Gravel biking around Alwen Reservoir.
The Alwen Trail offers a moderate circular walk through varied woodland habitats and moorland. Additional hiking options, including family-friendly and easy routes, are detailed in guides such as Hiking around Alwen Reservoir and Family-friendly hikes around Alwen Reservoir.
The Alwen Trail includes sections suitable for mountain bikes due to its mix of forestry tracks and newly created rough paths. Cyclists are recommended to follow the trail in an anti-clockwise direction for safety. More details are available in the MTB Trails around Alwen Reservoir guide.
The Alwen Trail is generally suitable for families, offering a relatively flat circular route. For traffic-free options, the guide Traffic-free bike rides around Alwen Reservoir provides further information.
Alwen Reservoir is a large man-made lake spanning over 900 acres, surrounded by conifer forests of Hiraethog and open moorland. The area features a striking dam with an Italian-style valve tower and offers views over the reservoir and distant Snowdonia mountains from higher points.
Yes, the Alwen Trail links to the nearby Llyn Brenig, providing expanded cycling and walking opportunities. This connection allows for longer routes and exploration of both reservoir areas.
Alwen Reservoir is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 3,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The 13 available routes have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars.
Komoot offers several guides for Alwen Reservoir, covering various sports. Examples include Gravel biking around Alwen Reservoir, Hiking around Alwen Reservoir, and MTB Trails around Alwen Reservoir.
The Alwen Reservoir area is home to various wildlife and birds. Visitors might observe rare black grouse, large heath butterflies, and red squirrels along the shoreline and within the surrounding forests.
Alwen Reservoir is managed by Natural Resources Wales. Information can be found on their website, often linked through Llyn Brenig. A general contact number is 0300 065 3000.

