The best walks and hikes around Alwen Plantation

The primary starting point for hikes is the Alwen Dam car park. For routes that also explore the neighboring Llyn Brenig area, the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre offers additional parking and facilities like a café and toilets.

The main circular route around the reservoir, known as the Alwen Trail, is approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) and typically takes walkers around three hours to complete. The terrain is moderately graded and well-waymarked.

Yes, the area is well-suited for family walks. The main Alwen Trail is a good option for active families. For a shorter, easier outing, consider the Alwen Dam – Alwen Reservoir loop from Rhydlydan, which is a more manageable 4.6-mile (7.4 km) walk that still offers lovely views of the reservoir and forest.

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails around Alwen Reservoir. However, the area is part of the Mynydd Hiraethog moors, which is a habitat for wildlife and often has grazing livestock. It is essential to keep dogs under close control, and on a lead where signposted.

The landscape is very diverse. Hikes here take you along the tranquil shoreline of the reservoir, through sections of coniferous Hiraethog Forest, and up onto open moorland. This mix provides constantly changing scenery, from sheltered woodland paths to expansive, rugged views across the moors, which are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Alwen Reservoir offers a more intimate, sheltered experience with its 7.5-mile trail closely encircling the water and passing through forest. Llyn Brenig is larger and more exposed, with a longer 9.5-mile perimeter trail. For a route that samples both, the Alwen Reservoir – Bryn y Gors-goch loop from Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre Cafe combines views of both lakes.

Yes, for a more demanding hike, you can tackle the Alwen Reservoir Bridge – Alwen Dam loop from Rhydlydan. This 15-mile (24.1 km) route is a significant extension of the main reservoir loop, involving more distance and ascent, making for a full day of challenging hiking.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained and clearly waymarked paths, the beautiful reservoir views, and the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding forests and moorland.

Besides hiking, the area is very popular for cycling and horse riding, with many trails being multi-use. Fishing permits for the reservoir can be obtained from the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre. The wider Mynydd Hiraethog area is also excellent for bird watching and trail running.

The majority of popular routes here are circular. The main Alwen Trail is a 7.5-mile loop around the reservoir. For a longer option, the Alwen Dam – Alwen Reservoir Bridge loop from Rhydlydan provides an 8.1-mile (13 km) circular route with varied scenery.

The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrel in the coniferous forests. The moorlands are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are home to various bird species. The area is also rich in insect life, especially around the water and heather.

Yes, the landscape holds reminders of the past. Along the Alwen Trail, you can find interpretive panels detailing local folklore. Nearby, the area around Llyn Brenig was a Bronze Age burial ground, and foundations of 16th-century farmhouses can also be spotted from the paths.