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In the rolling hills of Mid Wales, Clywedog Reservoir was one of those unexpected highlights that turned a long journey into part of the adventure itself. On the first day of our trip to Snowdonia, heading towards the coastal village of Trefor where our accommodation awaited, we decided to stop at this impressive reservoir for a short break and a chance to stretch our legs.
The Welsh weather had other ideas. Rain drifted across the hills, clouds hung low over the water, and visibility changed by the minute. While the conditions did not lend themselves to perfect photographs, they somehow added to the atmosphere. The reservoir looked wild, dramatic and beautifully moody, very much the Wales we had hoped to experience.
A High Viewpoint Above the Water
Our stop was at a high viewing point beside a small roadside car park, the kind of place travellers stumble upon and instantly appreciate. It is an ideal place to pause during a long drive, enjoy a packed lunch or sandwiches, and simply take in the vast landscape unfolding below.
Even through the mist and rain, the views were far reaching. The reservoir stretched deep into the surrounding valleys, framed by steep wooded slopes and open hillsides. The scale of the water became more impressive the longer we stood there.
This was only our first glimpse of the reservoir. On our journey home, we stopped again at a safer and lower viewing point closer to the water, which gave us a completely different perspective. We will share more from that visit in the next instalment.
The Story Behind Llyn Clywedog
Standing beside the information board overlooking the lake, we learned more about the fascinating history of the reservoir.
Known in Welsh as Llyn Clywedog, the reservoir was created in the mid-1960s as part of a major engineering project designed to regulate the flow of the River Severn, Great Britain’s longest river. The reservoir helps prevent flooding during winter while maintaining a reliable water supply during the drier summer months.
The sheer scale of the reservoir is astonishing:
- More than 6 miles (9.7 km) long
- Up to 216 feet (66 metres) deep
- Covering over 615 acres
- Holding the equivalent of 264 billion glasses of water
The River Severn itself stretches an incredible 220 miles (354 km), beginning high on the slopes of Plynlimon in Mid Wales before eventually flowing into the Severn Estuary below Gloucester.
At the heart of the project stands the impressive Clywedog Dam, one of the tallest concrete dams in the United Kingdom. Rising dramatically above the valley floor, the structure transformed the landscape while creating an important environmental and recreational resource for the region.
A Royal Visit Remembered
Near the viewpoint we also came across a commemorative plaque marking the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Clywedog Reservoir on 11 July 1986 — nearly forty years ago.
There is something quietly special about finding these small historical details in remote places. It adds another layer to the journey, connecting the landscape not only with nature and engineering, but also with moments from the past that many travellers may otherwise overlook.
A Haven for Wildlife
One of the things that immediately caught our attention was how alive the landscape felt, even in the rain. Llyn Clywedog is known for its rich wildlife and diverse habitats, making it an exciting destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Birds of prey are frequently seen soaring above the reservoir. The magnificent Red Kite and the ever-watchful Common Buzzard are almost daily sightings here. More elusive visitors include the Peregrine Falcon and the striking Osprey.
On the water itself, species such as the Goosander, Eurasian Teal and Great Crested Grebe are commonly spotted.
The surrounding woodland and hillsides are equally rich in birdlife. Flocks of Long-tailed Tit move energetically through the trees, while the colourful Bullfinch, delicate Pied Flycatcher and hardy Stonechat all make appearances throughout the area.
For us, this stop felt like the beginning of a much bigger wildlife journey through Wales. Many of these species are birds we already celebrate through our nature-inspired artwork and T-shirts over at Colour My Days Store, and places like Clywedog Reservoir remind us exactly why we continue creating them. Remember to visit our Wild Bird Series section.
More Than Just a Reservoir
Although originally built for water management, Clywedog Reservoir today feels like far more than an engineering project. It is a place where nature, history and landscape meet. The constantly changing weather, the wide-open views, the quiet roads and the abundance of wildlife all combine to create somewhere that invites you to slow down and simply appreciate the surroundings.
In summer, butterflies fill the meadows and woodland edges. By autumn, the forests around the lake become rich with colour, while fungi carpet the damp woodland floor in remarkable shapes and textures.
Even on a grey and rainy day, the reservoir left a lasting impression on us.
If you are travelling through Mid Wales on your way to Snowdonia, it is well worth stopping here for a while. Find a safe viewpoint, bring a flask of tea and a sandwich, and enjoy one of the most scenic reservoirs in Wales.
Stay tuned for the next part of our journey, where we revisit Clywedog Reservoir from a lower viewpoint closer to the water itself.
Wish We Knew Before Visiting Clywedog Reservoir
Looking back after our visit, we realised there is far more to explore around Clywedog Reservoir than simply stopping at a viewpoint on the way to Snowdonia. If you are planning a visit or like us, thinking about returning for a longer stay, here are a few places and experiences worth knowing about in advance.
1. Bryntail Lead Mine and the Best Dam Views
One place we definitely wish we had planned more time for is Bryntail Lead Mine Buildings. These atmospheric old lead mine buildings sit near the base of the reservoir dam and are one of the most photographed locations in the area.
From here, you can also enjoy some of the best views of the towering Clywedog Dam itself. The dramatic stone ruins against the backdrop of the massive concrete dam create a striking contrast between industrial heritage and modern engineering.
It is also a much safer and easier location for stopping compared with some roadside viewpoints higher up.
2. Stay Longer Instead of Passing Through
Our visit was only a short stop during a longer journey, but this feels like the kind of place that deserves at least a night or two.
If you are looking for accommodation nearby, Ty Capel B&B looks like an excellent base for exploring the reservoir and surrounding countryside. Staying nearby would allow more time for walks, wildlife spotting and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light across the water must be incredible.
For something more secluded and immersed in nature, Hafren Forest Hideaway Holiday Accommodation also caught our attention for a possible future stay.
3. Sailing, Kayaking and Paddlesports
We had not realised before arriving that the reservoir is also a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts.
Clywedog Sailing Club offers opportunities for sailing and paddlesports on the reservoir, taking advantage of the wide open water and stunning scenery. On a calmer, brighter day, kayaking here must be an amazing experience with the surrounding hills reflected across the lake.
4. Hafren Forest and Walking Trails
Just beyond the reservoir lies Hafren Forest, an area we completely underestimated before our trip.
The forest offers scenic walking and trekking routes through woodland, rivers and waterfalls, including trails leading towards the source of the River Severn. It looks ideal for anyone who enjoys peaceful forest walks, photography or wildlife watching.
For longer-distance walkers, part of the famous Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail also passes through the wider area. There are also several shorter circular walks around the reservoir itself, perfect if you only want a gentle stroll while taking in the scenery.
5. Bwlch-y-Gle Picnic Stop
On our way back, we discovered another worthwhile stopping point, Bwlch-y-Gle Picnic Ground on the B4518. See photos from above on Facebook.
This peaceful picnic stop offers yet another perspective of the Welsh landscape and makes an ideal break point on longer drives through Mid Wales. If you are travelling between Snowdonia and South Wales or England, it is well worth adding to your route.
See map below for Glyndwrs Way National Trail and Short Circular Walks to make the most of your trip, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy scenic views from different angles.
Location Map
Website: Visit Mid Wales for more information
Other Attractions We May Have Missed
The more we researched after our trip, the more we realised this area is packed with hidden gems. A few places we would love to explore next time include:
- The market town of Llanidloes with its historic buildings, cafés and independent shops
- The source of the River Severn in the Cambrian Mountains
- More wildlife watching opportunities around the reservoir during different seasons
- Autumn woodland walks when the forests are filled with fungi and changing colours
- Sunrise or sunset photography around the dam and lakeside viewpoints
- Stargazing in this relatively dark and remote part of Mid Wales
What started as a simple roadside stop quickly became somewhere we know we want to return to properly explore. Next time, we will definitely allow far more than just a quick break on the journey.
