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Hirnant Pass – Lake Vyrnwy and Dam loop from Bala

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Hirnant Pass – Lake Vyrnwy and Dam loop from Bala

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

Hirnant Pass – Lake Vyrnwy and Dam loop from Bala

03:30

52.5km

790m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 3, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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2.02 km

Hirnant Pass

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The road from Bala Lake to Lake Vyrnwy is simply one of the most challenging, scenic and highest rides through the Welsh mountains. If you’re fit enough you will find it one of the greatest rides in the British Isles.

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22.3 km

Lake Vyrnwy Straining Tower

Highlight • Monument

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. …

Translated by Google •

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23.8 km

Vyrnwy Dam

Highlight • Lake

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.

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24.0 km

Lake Vyrnwy and Dam

Highlight • Bridge

Park at the very top of the Lake if arriving in a car. Note that some sections can get closed due to rock falls at the top of the Lake near the Waterfall Car Park.

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26.1 km

Lake Vyrnwy Picnic Area

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful spot on Lake Vyrnwy with picnic tables and benches.

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28.2 km

Artisans Café & Gift Shop

Highlight • Cafe

This cafe is on the edge of Lake Vyrnwy, and has an abundence of local produce on offer, along with your usual cafe items. Just outside there is a very popular bird hide if thats your thing.

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