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Conwy

Cerrigydrudion

Top 9 Lakes around Cerrigydrudion

Best lakes around Cerrigydrudion are found in Conwy, Wales, within a moorland landscape. This region features several notable lakes, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and appreciating nature. The tranquil bodies of water are a key characteristic of the area, offering a peaceful setting for visitors.

Best lakes around Cerrigydrudion

  • The most popular lakes is Llyn Brenig, a viewpoint that maintains the flow of water to the River Dee and supplies water to North-East Wales and North-West England. It is…

Last updated: June 27, 2026

Llyn Brenig

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You can find some glorious views here on the edge of Llyn Brenig. Llyn is Welsh for lake.

The dam is fairly recent; it was begun in 1973 and finished …

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Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A long and winding doubletrack gravel road that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig.

It's a little rough in places so best on a gravel bike, sturdy hybrid or …

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Alwen Dam

Highlight • Monument

The grand, ornate stone dam of Alwen Reservoir couldn't be more of a contrast to the neighbouring Llyn Brenig Dam. It's well worth taking a minute or two to take …

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Llyn Arenig Fawr

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A beautiful lake in the shadow of Arenig Fawr mountain

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Great views, not too bad a climb to get there.

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Popular around Cerrigydrudion

Adventures with a Purpose – our A-TEAMers’ best routes

A hidden jewel of North Wales — cycling Llyn Brenig

Gravel biking around Cerrigydrudion

Cycling around Cerrigydrudion

Hiking around Cerrigydrudion

MTB Trails around Cerrigydrudion

Road Cycling Routes around Cerrigydrudion

Running Trails around Cerrigydrudion

Other adventures around Cerrigydrudion

Adventures with a Purpose – our A-TEAMers’ best routes

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Clive G
October 2, 2025, Llyn Arenig Fawr

A lovely little lake (Llyn) in the shadow of Arenig Fawr, a great place for reflections when the weather is bright and calm.

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Clive G
September 30, 2025, Llyn Arenig Fawr

Artificially enlarged, this beautiful lake provides perfect reflections of the mountain above. Wonderfully peaceful place you will often have entirely to yourself.

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Kentishbob
August 5, 2024, Llyn Brenig

Though it was not a tough or technical ride, it did take me into territory I had never visited before and was a lovely antidote to the 'fleshpots' of Gwydir Forest or Coed-y-Brenin. Some lovely gentle singletrack, beautiful views and I didn't see another rider for the whole trip - although tbh I did set off at 08.30 on a Wednesday!!

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Stunning scenery some nice roads but watch out for sheep 🐑

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Llyn Brenig is a reservoir located on Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The artificial lake, which was constructed between 1973 and 1976, was created by building an embankment dam across the Afon Brenig valley. It lies at 1,200 ft (370 m) above sea level on the border between the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire. It is used to manage the flow in the River Dee as part of the River Dee regulation system.

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The grand, ornate stone dam of Alwen Reservoir couldn't be more of a contrast to the neighbouring Llyn Brenig Dam. It's well worth taking a minute or two to take in this magnificent feat of engineering, that was completed in 1920. The reservoir here was built to provide drinking water for Liverpool and the Wirral.

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A long and winding doubletrack gravel road that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig. It's a little rough in places so best on a gravel bike, sturdy hybrid or mountain bike rather than a pure road bike. Enjoy the views as you meander around the little inlets and see what wildlife you can see across the water.

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ionapawson
October 13, 2022, Alwen Dam

A pleasant place for a picnic near the dam at the end of the Alwen reservoir.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes around Cerrigydrudion are best for walking and cycling?

Both Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen offer excellent routes for walking and cycling. Llyn Brenig has a walking and cycling route spanning over 9.5 miles, while Llyn Alwen features the 7.5-mile (11 km) Alwen Trail, which is also popular for runners and horse riders. For cycling, the Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track is a long, winding doubletrack suitable for gravel or mountain bikes.

Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Cerrigydrudion?

Yes, Llyn Brenig is particularly family-friendly, featuring a visitor centre with a children's play park overlooking the lake and a newly built cafe. The walking and cycling routes around both Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen are suitable for families, with the Alwen Trail being considered dog-safe for cycling.

What kind of fishing opportunities do the lakes offer?

The lakes around Cerrigydrudion are well-known for fishing. Llyn Brenig is renowned for its competition-class fly-fishing facilities and hosts fishing competitions throughout the year. Llyn Aled is also a popular spot for fishing, and fishing permits for Llyn Alwen are available from the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.

What historical or engineering landmarks can be found near the lakes?

The area features significant engineering feats. The Alwen Dam, completed in 1920, is an ornate stone dam that provides drinking water for Liverpool and the Wirral. Additionally, the Alwen Trail around Llyn Alwen includes ruins to explore, adding a historical element to your walk.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Cerrigydrudion?

The lakes offer beauty year-round. While often quiet, especially during the winter months, the snow-covered landscape around Llyn Alwen transforms into a 'fairy tale' setting, making it ideal for photography. Spring and summer are excellent for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and fishing, with the visitor centre at Llyn Brenig providing amenities.

Are there specific trails for running near the lakes?

Yes, the Alwen Trail around Llyn Alwen is popular for runners and hosts the annual 'Llyn Alwen Trail Race'. You can find various running routes, including a moderate 11 km loop around Alwen Reservoir and a 10.8 km moderate loop around Llyn Brenig. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Cerrigydrudion guide.

Can I find quiet or less crowded lakes in the area?

The lakes around Cerrigydrudion, particularly Llyn Alwen, are known for their stunning, quiet, and peaceful scenery. While Llyn Brenig is a significant tourist attraction, the broader moorland landscape offers tranquility, especially outside peak seasons or at less central points along the trails.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

The moorland landscape surrounding the lakes provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. Along the Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track, visitors can look for wildlife across the water. The area is also home to sheep, especially on the moorland, so dogs should be kept on leads.

Are there options for gravel biking near Cerrigydrudion lakes?

Absolutely. The Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track is a long, winding doubletrack gravel road perfect for gravel bikes. There are several dedicated gravel biking routes, including easy and difficult options around Llyn Brenig and Alwen. You can find more details in the Gravel biking around Cerrigydrudion guide.

What are the general characteristics of the landscape around these lakes?

The lakes around Cerrigydrudion are set within a beautiful moorland landscape. This region is characterized by tranquil bodies of water, offering a peaceful setting. You'll find varied scenery, from forest tracks along the water's edge to open moorland, providing great views like those from the View of Denbigh Moors (Mynydd Hiraethog).

Is Llyn Arenig Fawr worth visiting, and what does it offer?

Llyn Arenig Fawr is a beautiful lake nestled in the shadow of the Arenig Fawr mountain. It's known for its wonderfully peaceful atmosphere and provides perfect reflections of the mountain above. There's also a small bothy just below the lip of the lake, making it a serene spot for quiet contemplation.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Cerrigydrudion? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

Capel CurigDolwyddelanTrefriwCaerhunDolgarrogLlangernywBro MachnoBro GarmonLlanddoged And MaenanLlanrwstBetws-Y-CoedYsbyty IfanLlangwmPentrefoelasEglwysbachLlansannanLlanfairfechanLlanfihangel Glyn MyfyrPenmaenmawrHenrydLlannefydd

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