GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Llyn Clywedog Reservoir Walks

4 miles (7 km)

The scenery surrounding this large reservoir near Llanidloes is truly wonderful. This walk takes you along the western side of the reservoir along the Glyndwr's Way long distance footpath. You start at the car park at south western end of the water with views of the Afon Clywedog. You then head past the spectacular dam which is the tallest concrete dam in the UK, with a height of 72 metres and a length of 230 metres. The walk continues to the north western edge of the reservoir with a mixture of lakeside sections and woodland trails. It's a splendid area for bird watching too. Look out for ospreys, red kites, buzzards and ravens on your walk.
The whole of this route is designed for walkers but cyclists can enjoy the second half of the route where there is a splendid trail along the lakeside. For the first half you can follow country lanes to the west of the lake.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area you could continue along the Glyndwr's Way or the Sabrina Way into the adjacent Hafren Forest.

Postcode

SY18 6NZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Llyn Clywedog OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Llyn Clywedog Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Llanidloes one of the highlights is the historic Angel Inn. The Timber framed former Coaching Inn was built way back in 1748. The Pub has a wealth of character with many original features including Oak beams in the Bar and Lounge. There's a very good menu and some picnic tables outdoors for warmer days. It is located close to the center of Llanidloes on the High Street with a postcode of SY18 6BY for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The lakeside path is a lovely place to bring your dog for a walk so you'll probably see other owners on a fine day. The Angel Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Follow the Glyndwr's Way north for a few miles and you will soon come to Dylife where you can pick up the circular Dylife Waterfall Walk. This explores a wonderful gorge with spectacular views to the Ffrwd Fawr waterfall. Near here there's also the tranquil circular walk around the Glaslyn Nature Reserve.

Photos

Llyn Clywedog dam - geograph.org.uk - 481386

Llyn Clywedog dam. A maintenance vehicle is parked on top of the dam. Taken from the viewpoint just outside the square.

Pen-y-banc and Llyn Clywedog - geograph.org.uk - 994468

Pen-y-banc and Llyn Clywedog in the summer of 1987. View north-east along the steep-sided valley to the reservoir.

Llyn Clywedog - geograph.org.uk - 143689

Looking due south across the water on a stunning summer day in 2004

Dinas and Llyn Clywedog - geograph.org.uk - 229500

Dinas and the lake. View to the north-east from SN897870. The rounded summit on the other side of the reservoir is Dinas, 445m high.

Hillside above Llyn Clywedog - geograph.org.uk - 2434750

Hillside above the lake in May

One of many bays. - geograph.org.uk - 238861

One of the tranquil bays on the lake. Taken in spring.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Llyn Clywedog.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Llyn Clywedog.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)