Places for Nature in Powys
Lake Vyrnwy
Nature Reserve River Lake Oswestry
Lake Vyrnwy is a striking artificial reservoir nestled in Powys, mid‑Wales. Built between 1881 and 1888 by damming the River Vyrnwy valley, it was originally created to supply Liverpool with clean drinking water
Key highlights include:
- Victorian engineering marvel 💧 – The dam was the first large masonry structure of its kind in Britain, standing 44 m tall with a series of elegant stone arches and crowned by a captivating Gothic-style “straining tower”, which draws and filters water before directing it through a 110 km aqueduct to Liverpool.
- Drowned village and rebirth – The original village of Llanwddyn was submerged underwater, and a new settlement was built downstream for its displaced residents. A memorial church and obelisk honour the workers and families affected.
- Wildlife haven & outdoor paradise – Surrounding the reservoir is a 12 mile loop of roads and trails winding through forests, moorlands, and streams. It’s now designated a national nature reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, and Special Area of Conservation, and is a hotspot for birdwatchers, hikers, cyclists, and anglers
- Recreation & events – Visitors can enjoy sailing, walking Glyndŵr’s Way, and seasonal wildlife tours. The annual Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon has been held each September since 1988
Visitor Information
🚗 Getting There
By car
- Follow A458 from Shrewsbury → Welshpool → A483 → B4393 into Llanwddyn → turn at dam for main car park near the visitor hub
By bus & train
- Train: Nearest station is Welshpool (step‑free access), then a 35 min car or taxi ride
- Bus: Limited service—T82 weekly from Oswestry; others by Moovit list route T82 and lines 79A/87
🅿️ Parking & Access
- Main & Upper car parks: pay & display (£2 for 2 hrs, £4 all day); 50% RSPB member discount
- Free: Rhiwargor, Old Village & small lakeside laybys
- Accessible spaces: Blue badge parking at dam, Upper & Main car parks
- Facilities: Level, paved routes to dam, visitor hub, café, plus designated ramps
Directions on Google maps [Get there, road, public transport, walk, ride]
Latitude/Longitude: 52.76205697600401 -3.453065797968302
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