4.9
(40)
663
riders
27
rides
Touring cycling around Llangynog offers routes through the scenic Berwyn range in north Powys, Wales. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain, including the Milltir Cerrig mountain pass, and features significant elevation changes. River valleys, formed by the Afon Eirth and Afon Tanat, provide additional scenic routes. Lake Vyrnwy is a central feature, with numerous cycling paths around its perimeter.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.6
(18)
221
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(16)
238
riders
18.2km
01:08
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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9
riders
47.0km
03:20
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
33.4km
02:31
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
36
riders
21.4km
01:41
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lake Vyrnwys straining tower! Lovely place and gives it that fairy tale vibe. One of my special places is Vyrnwy.
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Gorgeous area. Be aware the road/trail on the south side (including access to/from Llanymawddwy) are currently closed due to damage from storm Darragh. See https://www.hdcymru.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/lake-vyrnwy/storm-darragh/ for more details.
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There is a little cafe above the main car park for a coffee and cake after the "gift shop" labelled walks. As usual, Komoot makes the walk easier than using signposts - remember to download to the phone app. Kayaking/canoeing around the lake is only possible for about half of it due to a protected bird sanctuary.
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Bala is a town and community in Gwynedd, Wales. Formerly an urban district, Bala lies in the historic county of Merionethshire at the north end of Bala Lake. it has a wonderful village style feeling, and everyone speaks Welsh, which is truly amazing to hear. They have some good shops and supermarkets. They have tiny little petrol stations on the curb, and they attendant comes out and serves you. Great roads in this area and some can be very steep in these parts, plenty of cyclists and motorcycles well worth a ride.
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The Straining Tower at Lake Vyrnwy is an intake tower built to extract water from the lake. The tower stands on the north shore of Lake Vyrnwy, near the village of Llanwddyn, in Powys, Wales. The Lake Vyrnwy dam project was designed to provide a water supply to the city of Liverpool and work on the dam began in 1881. On its completion 11 years later, the lake was the largest reservoir in Europe and water was drawn from it into the straining tower and carried to Liverpool on a 110km-long aqueduct. The engineers for the project were Thomas Hawksley and George Frederick Deacon, although the straining tower was entirely Deacon's design. The tower is constructed in a Gothic Revival style, purportedly based on the tower of the castle at Chillon, Switzerland. It draws heavily on the contemporaneous work of William Burges, whose Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch are clear influences. The straining tower is a Grade I listed building.
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Fantastic place with some nice pubs in the area great views and some great climbs
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The Straining Tower at Lake Vyrnwy is an intake tower built to extract water from the lake. The tower stands on the north shore of Lake Vyrnwy, near the village of Llanwddyn, in Powys, Wales. The Lake Vyrnwy dam project was designed to provide a water supply to the city of Liverpool and work on the dam began in 1881. On its completion 11 years later, the lake was the largest reservoir in Europe and water was drawn from it into the straining tower and carried to Liverpool on a 110km-long aqueduct. The engineers for the project were Thomas Hawksley and George Frederick Deacon, although the straining tower was entirely Deacon's design. The tower is constructed in a Gothic Revival style, purportedly based on the tower of the castle at Chillon, Switzerland. It draws heavily on the contemporaneous work of William Burges, whose Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch are clear influences. The straining tower is a Grade I listed building
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There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Llangynog, offering a variety of experiences from moderate loops to challenging long-distance rides through mountainous terrain.
You can expect diverse terrain, including mountainous areas with significant elevation changes, such as the Milltir Cerrig mountain pass. Routes also follow scenic river valleys like the Afon Eirth and Afon Tanat, and feature paved surfaces around Lake Vyrnwy.
Yes, Llangynog offers several challenging long-distance routes. For example, the Llyn Efyrnwy / Lake Vyrnwy to Llyn Tegid / Bala Lake high pass loop is a difficult 55.4 km trail with substantial elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Lake Vyrnwy Loop from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, covering 47 km with significant climbs.
Yes, there are moderate options suitable for a wider range of abilities. The Around Llyn Llanwddyn route is a moderate 18.2 km path that circles Lake Vyrnwy, offering picturesque views on mostly paved surfaces. Another moderate choice is the Lake Vyrnwy Dam – Lake Vyrnwy and Dam loop, which is 21.4 km long.
Absolutely. A major draw for cyclists is Lake Vyrnwy, which features several popular cycling loops. You can also incorporate a visit to the impressive Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, a stunning natural landmark, into your route planning.
Yes, circular routes are a highlight of touring cycling in the area, particularly around Lake Vyrnwy. Popular options include the moderate Around Llyn Llanwddyn and the more challenging Lake Vyrnwy Loop from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.
The touring cycling routes around Llangynog are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the stunning views of Lake Vyrnwy, and the challenging mountain passes.
Spring is a particularly beautiful time for touring cycling in Llangynog, as the landscape is adorned with snowdrops, wood anemones, and bluebells. Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally warmer weather, while autumn provides vibrant foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for mountain passes.
For families, the moderate routes around Lake Vyrnwy, such as Around Llyn Llanwddyn, are often suitable. These routes feature paved surfaces and offer picturesque views without overly strenuous climbs, making them enjoyable for various fitness levels.
Parking is generally available in Llangynog village itself, and at key access points around popular attractions like Lake Vyrnwy. It's advisable to check specific starting points for routes for designated parking areas.
While Llangynog itself has limited facilities, you'll find pubs and cafes in nearby villages and towns, particularly around Lake Vyrnwy and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes.
Public transport options directly to Llangynog are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. However, local bus services may connect to larger towns in Powys, from which you might be able to cycle to Llangynog. Always check current timetables and bicycle carriage policies with local transport providers.


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