Alwen cycle trail — Llyn Brenig

The Alwen cycle trail, as the name suggests, takes in a lap of the Alwen Reservoir, starting from the car park at the dam. This is no easy ride, though, as there are some steeper inclines and descents, rougher ground and more remote areas to explore. In short, it's fantastic, though most people will be happier riding this track on a mountain bike rather than a gravel bike as I did.

From the dam, follow the red signs for the Alwen trail, which start by leading you by the northern shore of the reservoir. Far-reaching views span across the water as you pass in and out of the trees on the gravel road.

Enjoy this fabulous sheltered gravel through the trees as you trace beside the shore, eventually reaching a junction where you turn left, continuing to follow the red signs. This leads you to the long wooden footbridge spanning the head of the reservoir, which is a fun ride that’s absolutely dripping with lichen.

Out of the woods, you’re now in a remote moorland that makes up part of Mynydd Hirathog, or the Denbigh Moors. There’s a loose gravelly singletrack climb ahead of you that’s fairly steep in parts, so take care. Take regular breaks to check in with the view if that helps you get your breath back!

From the summit, you can see the highest peak in the area, Mwdwl-Eithin, and then start to descend back to the woods on a less technical gravel singletrack. The final stretch takes you around the south-east shores, in and out of the woods on a mixture of gravel road and fun narrow singletrack. Cross the magnificent dam to finish, taking you right back to the car park and information boards.

There are no cafes or shops on this route, so make sure you come prepared with snacks and plenty of water.