3.0
(2)
159
runners
27
runs
Jogging around Llanfihangel offers diverse landscapes, from the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park to the tranquil River Teifi valleys and the expansive Clocaenog Forest. The region is characterized by a mix of natural features, including large lakes like Llangorse Lake and Lake Vyrnwy, wooded gorges, and open common land such as Mynydd Llanllwni. These areas provide varied terrain suitable for different running preferences, from challenging routes with significant elevation changes to more moderate, scenic paths.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
35
runners
11.8km
01:30
270m
270m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
6.17km
00:46
210m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
10
runners
7.70km
00:53
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
11.3km
01:11
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
10.1km
01:05
190m
190m
Moderate run. 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?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Abertridwr is just a short stroll from Lake Vrynwy and is a good base camp for hikes around the reservoir and into the vast Dyfnant Forest. There's a village store for stocking up and you'll find tent pitches at the Lake Vrynwy Campsite. The village features on the Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail.
0
0
Llanwddyn is a small village beneath the Llanwddyn Dam on Lake Vyrnwy. The original village was flooded when the reservoir was created in the 1880s. There are a couple of accommodation options in the surroundings: the beautifully situated Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa to the north-east and the Lake Vyrnwy campsite to the east.
0
0
Gorgeous area. Be aware the road/trail on the south side (including access to/from Llanymawddwy) are currently closed due to damage from storm Darragh. See https://www.hdcymru.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/lake-vyrnwy/storm-darragh/ for more details.
0
0
There is a little cafe above the main car park for a coffee and cake after the "gift shop" labelled walks. As usual, Komoot makes the walk easier than using signposts - remember to download to the phone app. Kayaking/canoeing around the lake is only possible for about half of it due to a protected bird sanctuary.
0
0
The Straining Tower at Lake Vyrnwy is an intake tower built to extract water from the lake. The tower stands on the north shore of Lake Vyrnwy, near the village of Llanwddyn, in Powys, Wales. The Lake Vyrnwy dam project was designed to provide a water supply to the city of Liverpool and work on the dam began in 1881. On its completion 11 years later, the lake was the largest reservoir in Europe and water was drawn from it into the straining tower and carried to Liverpool on a 110km-long aqueduct. The engineers for the project were Thomas Hawksley and George Frederick Deacon, although the straining tower was entirely Deacon's design. The tower is constructed in a Gothic Revival style, purportedly based on the tower of the castle at Chillon, Switzerland. It draws heavily on the contemporaneous work of William Burges, whose Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch are clear influences. The straining tower is a Grade I listed building
0
0
Lake Vyrnwy (Welsh: Llyn Efyrnwy, pronounced [ɛˈvərnʊɨ] or Llyn Llanwddyn) is a reservoir in Powys, Wales, built in the 1880s for Liverpool Corporation Waterworks to supply Liverpool with fresh water. It flooded the head of the Vyrnwy (Welsh: Afon Efyrnwy) valley and submerged the village of Llanwddyn.
1
0
Artisans Craft and Coffee shop provides food and drink including hot toasted baguettes, homemade cakes and scones and Kelly's Ice Cream. There is also a bike hire service here if you want to take on the 12 miles (20 km) of scenic road around the lake.
0
0
The Vyrnwy Dam features a road bridge atop its structure with 31 arches. The dam, notable for being the first with drainage tunnels to prevent pressure build-up, is further characterised by two small towers, each boasting four corner turrets. Recognised for its historical significance, the Vyrnwy Dam holds a Grade I listing as a historic building.
0
0
There are over 25 dedicated running routes around Llanfihangel available on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. These routes explore diverse landscapes, from lakeside paths to forest trails.
The Llanfihangel area offers a good mix of running trail difficulties. You'll find a few easy routes perfect for a gentle jog, around 20 moderate trails that provide a good workout, and several difficult routes for experienced runners seeking a challenge with significant elevation changes.
Yes, the region is home to spectacular waterfalls. Notably, Pistyll Rhaeadr, one of Britain's highest single-drop waterfalls, is accessible and offers stunning views, making it a rewarding sight near some of the running trails in the Lake Vyrnwy area.
Jogging in Llanfihangel offers views of diverse natural landmarks. Depending on the specific location, you might encounter the expansive Lake Vyrnwy and its impressive Dam, the tranquil Lake Vyrnwy Sculpture Park, the majestic Brecon Beacons, or the scenic River Teifi valleys. Other notable features include Llangorse Lake, the Clocaenog Forest, and the open common land of Mynydd Llanllwni.
Yes, the Llanfihangel area provides options suitable for families. Many of the easier and moderate routes, particularly those around Lake Vyrnwy, offer relatively flat and well-maintained paths that are enjoyable for all ages. These often feature points of interest like the Centenary Bird Hide or the Hand Sculpture of the Tallest Tree in the UK.
Many trails in the Llanfihangel region are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open common land. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in areas with livestock or within nature reserves like the RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve. Please check local signage for specific restrictions.
Yes, many of the running routes in Llanfihangel are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Artisans Café & Gift Shop – Lake Vyrnwy Dam loop from Abertridwr is a popular moderate circular route, and the Lake Vyrnwy Dam – Giants of Vyrnwy loop from Abertridwr also offers a scenic circular experience.
The Llanfihangel area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for jogging, with milder temperatures and stunning natural colours. Summer can be warm, especially on exposed trails, while winter runs can be invigorating but may require appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter conditions. Mynydd Llanllwni is particularly striking in August when the heather blooms purple.
Yes, for advanced runners seeking a challenge, Llanfihangel offers longer and more difficult routes. The View of Lake Vyrnwy loop from Abertridwr is a difficult 16-mile path with significant elevation, providing an excellent long-distance option with expansive views.
Parking is generally available at key access points for many running trails, especially around popular areas like Lake Vyrnwy, where visitor centers often provide facilities. For routes starting in villages such as Llanfihangel Cwmdu or Bwlch, local parking options may be available. Always check specific route details for recommended parking locations.
Yes, you can often find pubs and cafes in the villages and towns surrounding the Llanfihangel running areas. For instance, routes around Lake Vyrnwy often start or pass near facilities like the Artisans Café & Gift Shop. In areas like Llanfihangel Cwmdu, local pubs offer a welcoming stop after a run. It's a good idea to check opening times in advance.
The terrain varies significantly across the Llanfihangel region. You can expect a mix of well-maintained lakeside paths, gravel tracks, forest trails through areas like Clocaenog Forest, and more rugged, sometimes muddy, paths in river valleys or across open moorland like Mynydd Llanllwni. Some routes will have significant elevation changes, particularly those venturing into the Brecon Beacons foothills.


Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.