4.4
(349)
2,835
hikers
31
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Llanwddyn are centered around the expansive Lake Vyrnwy, a large reservoir surrounded by varied terrain including wooded banks, forests, and hills. The region features extensive woodlands with evergreen and oak forests, and is known for cascading waterfalls, such as the Rhiwargor Waterfall. Situated in the southern foothills of the Berwyn Mountains, the landscape also includes diverse ecosystems like blanket bog, heather moorland, and rocky streams.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.7
(21)
133
hikers
6.22km
01:53
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
222
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
15
hikers
4.93km
01:25
130m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
21
hikers
6.92km
01:55
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
37
hikers
5.35km
01:34
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
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The RSPB centre keeps a board of all the recent birds sighted in the area.
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This is a safe little pebble beach for your dog to go and have a swim.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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There are 16 easy hiking trails around Llanwddyn, primarily centered around Lake Vyrnwy. These routes offer varied terrain, from wooded banks to lakeside paths, suitable for those seeking a gentle outdoor experience.
The easy trails in Llanwddyn are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene scenery of Lake Vyrnwy, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to explore ancient woodlands and discover cascading waterfalls.
Yes, the area is known for its waterfalls. A prominent easy trail is the Bridge with View of Waterfall – Rhiwargor Waterfall loop from Afon Eiddew, which leads directly to the spectacular Rhiwargor Waterfall. Other smaller falls can be found along streams descending from the hills around Lake Vyrnwy.
Yes, many easy trails around Lake Vyrnwy are circular, allowing you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your steps. For example, the Artisans Café & Gift Shop – Lake Vyrnwy Dam loop from Abertridwr offers views of the Victorian dam and wooded shores on a 4-mile loop.
Absolutely. The easy trails around Lake Vyrnwy are generally well-suited for families, offering gentle gradients and clear paths. The region also features a Sculpture Park and a Wild Play Area near the RSPB Nature Reserve, providing additional attractions for children.
Many trails around Lake Vyrnwy are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or near the RSPB Nature Reserve to protect local wildlife. Always check specific trail signage for any restrictions.
Llanwddyn is a haven for wildlife, designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). On easy hikes, you might spot rare birds like peregrine falcons, ospreys, and dippers, especially near the RSPB Nature Reserve. The woodlands are vibrant with birdsong, and the diverse ecosystem supports various other species.
Yes, the easy trails offer numerous scenic spots, particularly around Lake Vyrnwy. You can enjoy open views across the water, especially from the Victorian dam, or find tranquil spots within the extensive woodlands. The Lake Vyrnwy Dam – Lake Vyrnwy Dam loop from Abertridwr provides excellent views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
Beyond Lake Vyrnwy itself, look for the 'Giants of Vyrnwy Trail' which leads through an impressive grove of giant redwoods. The area is also home to a towering Douglas Fir, considered the country's tallest tree. The diverse woodlands and cascading waterfalls like Rhiwargor Waterfall add to the unique natural beauty.
Yes, parking is generally available at various points around Lake Vyrnwy, including near the visitor centre and popular trailheads. These facilities make it convenient to access the easy hiking routes.
Near the easy hiking trails, particularly around the main visitor areas of Lake Vyrnwy, you can find amenities such as cafes, gift shops, and public restrooms. The RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve also has facilities including bird hides and a shop.
Llanwddyn offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring and summer bring vibrant birdsong and lush greenery, while autumn showcases stunning foliage. Even in winter, the serene landscape around Lake Vyrnwy can be very picturesque, though appropriate gear is essential.
Public transport options directly to Llanwddyn and Lake Vyrnwy are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the various trailheads and amenities around the lake. Some local bus services might connect to nearby towns, but direct routes to the reservoir are infrequent.


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