After our recent lowland hike around the gorgeous Cwm Idwal, we were on the lookout for another lowland, family-friendly hike, where we could let the kids explore safely without risking the weather and conditions associated with winter mountain routes. Consequently, we decided to take a drive down to Powys to explore Lake Vyrnwy and one of its many trails. Was it worth the pretty long journey? Of course it was!
Built in the 1880s to supply water to the good people of Liverpool, Lake Vyrnwy is a large reservoir that is currently managed by the RSPB and Severn Trent Water. The lake itself is four and half miles (7.2km) long and half a mile (0.8km) wide. As well as hiking trails, there are cycling routes, fishing permits available, canoeing opportunities and birdwatching, all either on or around the lake
There are five official hiking trails to choose from at Lake Vyrnwy. Two of them begin from the car park located near the dam, with the other three being dotted around various other parts of the lake. As we wanted the kids to walk as much of it as possible, we chose the Craig Garth Bwlch trail, which is just 3 miles (4.8km).
Despite the fact that it has two hills, our 4-year-old explorer managed it brilliantly, just needing a helping carry-up one very short but steep section. Other than that, he walked the entire trail. Even our two year old managed to explore many of the sections on foot. As such, we’d really recommend this trail to those of you with young children.
Parking near the spectacular dam, we made our way past the RSPB Visitor Centre and craft shops and soon found ourselves making an easy but steady climb up towards the forest section. Once out of the forest, the landscape opens up in front of you and you get some lovely panoramic views across the local moorlands. After one more short but sharp climb, you’ll descend back down from the highest point of the walk. As you descend, sections of the trail open out again, this time offering great views back over towards the dam and lake.
As this is a circular walk, it brought us right back to the car park near the dam. We’d timed it just right as we intended to walk around the lake a little and enjoy a spot of lunch lakeside. We sat, fired up the stove and enjoyed some lunch while the kids skimmed stones. We literally could have sat there all day.
Lake Vyrnwy is simply stunning. With a variety of trails to suit different interests and abilities, it really does make for a great day out. Furthermore, with the RSPB Visitor Centre on-site together with a sculpture park, it’s more than just a place to walk. Next time we’re there, we’re going to head for the waterfall trail and see if we can get out onto the lake in a canoe for a spot of lunch.
Wow. It looks lovely! Such great pictures.
This sounds like a great place to enjoy an adventure, with the RSBP centre and sculpture park too. I love the pictures, it looks so tranquil.
#AdventureCalling
Emma – Hip2trek recently posted…An Argyll forest adventure at Christmas!
Beautiful scenery! I love the video, so good to see what it was like on there. Great idea to get a canoe next time, too- that would be cool! #adventurecalling
Wow that looks a stunning place for a walk, great to know it is family friendly #AdventureCalling
Ashley Beolens recently posted…Walking 2500 Miles in 2017 Final Update
Looks like a lovely hike.
Happy 2018. May it be filled with many amazing adventures!
#AdventureCalling
Such a variety of colours for a winter walk, beautiful! #adventurecalling
This walk looks really beautiful. Lee is looking to climb a mountain with all of us this year so we’d appreciate any tips, Lake District, Wales or Scotland? Sarah #adventurecalling
Sarah Stockley recently posted…Winter walks
What a beautiful hike. I would have had to pack my fishing pole. That much lake scream “FISH ME!” haha
Stephanie Lane recently posted…A Look At Last Year For An Amazing New Year
This looks amazing. I haven’t been to Lake Vrynwy but it is on my list now! Happy New Year!
Looks like a gorgeous spot! And taking the stove out is a brilliant idea.
#AdventureCalling
Looks like a lovely walk and great you are certainly getting the kids well trained! #pottyadventures
It looks fabulous. It reminds me both of the Silent Valley reservoirs in Northern Ireland for the dam and the trails, and of a dam lake in France we often go to in the summer for a spot of pedal boat diving! Bet the water wouldn’t be quite as warm in Wales though!
#Adventurecalling
What amazing photos, it looks stunning-especially with those lovely blue skies! We’re hoping to head back to Wales at some point this year and enjoy some family friendly walks like this. #AdventureCalling