What's here? at Lake Vyrnwy
Available on site
There are various options for parking at Lake Vyrnwy. All car parks are owned and managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy and there are charges in some cases. Up to date details on parking information including charges can be found here.
Note: Where charges apply a 50% discount is available for RSPB members; however, their membership card will need to be displayed next to their ticket to receive this.
Coed y Capel car park, 150m from dam. Blue Badge bays. Tarmac surface. Slight gradient. Drop-off point 25 m from entrance. No height restrictions.
Main car park 300m from dam. Blue Badge bays. Tarmac surface. Slight gradient within car park. Level access to play park. Steep incline to dam and visitor hub. No height restrictions.
Gender neutral - One accessible toilet in the main toilet block (RADAR key needed).
Baby changing facilities are available.
There are areas in the main hub that are accessible to both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Café and adjacent Coed y Capel Hide are accessible; there are also accessible toilets on site too.
The sculpture park (island below the dam) is also accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, which can be accessed via the main car park which also has disabled spots.
However, the wider area of the reserve has uneven surfaces, steep inclines, kissing gates and stream crossings via stepping stones.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
There are areas in the main hub that are accessible to both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Café and adjacent Coed y Capel Hide are accessible; there are also accessible toilets on site too.
The sculpture park (island below the dam) is also accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, which can be accessed via the main car park which also has disabled spots.
However, the wider area of the reserve has uneven surfaces, steep inclines, kissing gates and stream crossings via stepping stones.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Toilets are provided at the western end of the dam (what3words embedded.hikes.digital) and are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
One accessible toilet in the main toilet block (RADAR key needed).
NB: the toilets are managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy.
Coed Y Capel Hide
Situated in the car park next to Artisans Cafe, this is our most accessible hide with an access ramp, dedicated wheelchair spaces and large picture windows. It offers excellent views and is the perfect spot to watch a vast array of birds over woodland all throughout the year. The birdfeeders are often alive with Chaffinch, Siskin, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Nuthatch, Woodpecker, and many of the tit species. This spot also attracts the Sparrow Hawk, so stay for a while and keep an eye out.
Glan y Llyn/Lakeside Hide
The Lakeside Hide is situated on the edge of the north-east side of the lake. Come to this hide for a chance to see Peregrines and Pied Flycatchers in late Spring and early Summer. Keep a close eye on lakeside perches and the water’s surface for Kingfishers where they can sometimes be seen flying low and rapidly over the lake. The Common Sandpiper and Great Crested Grebe also occasionally pay the lake a visit and this is a wonderful place to spot them from the comfort of a hide.
Canmlwyddiant/Centenary Hide
The Centenary Hide is situated at the north-end of the lake near Rhiwargor car park. The hide is accessed by a 68m path which is steep in places. The hide overlooks a wonderful lagoon and it may be possible to see Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Willow Tit, Siskin and Moorhen. Pied Flycatcher and Redstart often visit this spot during breeding season in late Spring and early Summer. Some have also been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Otters at this location too.
There are a number of waymarked trails across the site which are jointly managed by RSPB and Hafren Dyfrdwy – most of these are shown on the trail map available here.
There are also lots of public rights of way in the area to create your own longer walks. You can find these on the OL239 Explorer OS Map.
Main trails:
The Waterfall Trail (Green) - 2 miles, 45-60 minutes. Includes a stile, two kissing gates, a bridge and has a stream crossing using steppingstones.
The Reservoir View Trail (Red) - 7 miles as a circular walk and can take 3hrs to 3.5hrs to complete. Gentle inclines, except for one steep boggy section.
The Wildlife Way (Yellow) - 1.3 miles as a circular walk and can take 30 minutes to 45 minutes. One steep incline with a stile.
The Wildlife Trail (Blue) - 3 miles as a circular walk and can take 1.5hrs to 2hrs. There are two strenuous climbs.
The Dam Trail (Orange) - 0.9miles as a circular walk. Includes steps and one moderate incline. Gravel path or tarmac surface.
There is an information point near the southern end of the dam with details of trails.
Our play area is located next to the Main Car Park and features a den-building area, mud kitchen, climbing wall, climbing frame, tunnels and slide and accessible picnic tables. Level access from the main car park.
Note that the surface once within the playground is grass.
What3words: tactical.dart.immediate
There are five picnic areas at the reserve. One table at Old Village car park and all at Llechwedd Du (access via steps or a ramp) have a space for a wheelchair user. All others except Triangular Green have level access.
There are accessible picnic tables in the playground.
The visitor centre is currently closed
We have no café or refreshments on site but visitors can get food and drinks from the Artisans café, next to the Coed y Capel car park, Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (around one mile from dam) or Dafarn Newydd Stores (in Llanwddyn village,one mile away).
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
Lake Vyrnwy is an open reserve with a large population of ground-nesting birds and livestock. For this reason we ask that dogs are kept on leads at all times.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.