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Denbighshire

Denbigh

Top 6 Lakes around Denbigh

Best lakes around Denbigh are found in Denbighshire, a county in North Wales known for its aquatic destinations. The region features several lakes and reservoirs, offering diverse natural landscapes. These water bodies play roles in water regulation and provide areas for outdoor activities. The area includes both natural and man-made water features.

Best lakes around Denbigh

  • The most popular lakes is Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track, a trail that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig. This doubletrack gravel road is suitable for gravel bikes, sturdy hybrids, or mountain bikes.
  • Another must-see spot is Cilcain Reservoir, a man-made lake. Originally built to supply water to the local area, it is now a tranquil location surrounded by woodland and rolling hills.
  • Visitors also love Bridleway from Clwydian Range to Garth Reservoir and Cilcain, an intermediate trail. This singletrack descent flows from the Clwydian Range to Garth Reservoir and continues to Cilcain at an easy downhill pace.
  • Denbigh is known for natural lakes, reservoirs, and even a saltwater lake. The region offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore.
  • The lakes around Denbigh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 30 upvotes and 8 photos shared.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Llyn Brenig — East Shore Gravel Track

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A long and winding doubletrack gravel road that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig.

It's a little rough in places so best on a gravel bike, sturdy hybrid or mountain bike rather than a pure road bike.

Enjoy the views as you meander around the little inlets and see what wildlife you can see across the water.

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Rhuddlan Nature Reserve

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Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is fully accessible for all. The site has been transformed into an ideal location for wildlife to thrive and a recreational area for local people and visitors. The short route takes you around ponds, where birds nest every year and meadows, which have been recently improved in partnership with the local community and schools.

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Cilcain Reservoir

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Cilcain Reservoir is a man-made water body nestled in the Clwydian Range of North Wales.

Originally constructed to supply water to the local area, it's now a tranquil location surrounded by woodland and rolling hills.

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This is a great little singletrack descent flowing down from the Clwydian Range to the reservoir at Garth. The trail carries along to Cilcain at an easy downhill pace.

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Llyn Brenig

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Llyn Brenig is a reservoir located on Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The artificial lake, which was constructed between 1973 and 1976, was created by building an embankment dam across the Afon Brenig valley. It lies at 1,200 ft above sea level on the border between the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire.

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Popular around Denbigh

Cycling around Denbigh

Road Cycling Routes around Denbigh

MTB Trails around Denbigh

Gravel biking around Denbigh

Running Trails around Denbigh

Hiking around Denbigh

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Lol Pro And Her Dog 🇬🇧 🐕🌻
June 11, 2024, Llyn Brenig East Shore Gravel Track

Llyn Brenig is a reservoir located on Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The artificial lake, which was constructed between 1973 and 1976, was created by building an embankment dam across the Afon Brenig valley. It lies at 1,200 ft (370 m) above sea level on the border between the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire. It is used to manage the flow in the River Dee as part of the River Dee regulation system.

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Llyn Brenig is a reservoir located on Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The artificial lake, which was constructed between 1973 and 1976, was created by building an embankment dam across the Afon Brenig valley. It lies at 1,200 ft above sea level on the border between the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire.

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Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is fully accessible for all. The site has been transformed into an ideal location for wildlife to thrive and a recreational area for local people and visitors. The short route takes you around ponds, where birds nest every year and meadows, which have been recently improved in partnership with the local community and schools.

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Cilcain Reservoir is a man-made water body nestled in the Clwydian Range of North Wales. Originally constructed to supply water to the local area, it's now a tranquil location surrounded by woodland and rolling hills.

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A long and winding doubletrack gravel road that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig. It's a little rough in places so best on a gravel bike, sturdy hybrid or mountain bike rather than a pure road bike. Enjoy the views as you meander around the little inlets and see what wildlife you can see across the water.

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Can be busy with walkers. Traffic free. Smooth.

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Pretty smooth double track.

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This is a great little singletrack descent flowing down from the Clwydian Range to the reservoir at Garth. The trail carries along to Cilcain at an easy downhill pace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Denbigh?

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. At Llyn Brenig, you can enjoy world-class fly fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and open-water swimming during summer. It also has numerous walking and cycling trails. Llyn Alwen is excellent for walking, cycling, horse riding, and fishing. For watersports like sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding, Marine Lake in Rhyl is a popular spot.

Are there good walking and cycling trails around the Denbighshire lakes?

Yes, there are extensive trail networks. Llyn Brenig offers various walking and cycling paths, including the East Shore Gravel Track. Llyn Alwen features the Alwen Trail, a moderate circular route, and you can also explore the combined "Two Lakes Trail" or "Lakes Circular" connecting Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen. For more challenging routes, consider the Bridleway from Clwydian Range to Garth Reservoir and Cilcain. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Denbigh guide and gravel biking options in the Gravel biking around Denbigh guide.

Are the lakes around Denbigh suitable for families?

Absolutely. Many lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Llyn Brenig has easy walking routes, a visitor center, and osprey viewing. Llyn Alwen's trails feature illustrated panels on local wildlife and folklore. Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is fully accessible and ideal for families to observe birds and meadows. Cilcain Reservoir provides a tranquil setting for walks.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the Denbighshire lakes?

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Llyn Brenig is a significant breeding ground for ospreys, which can be observed from dedicated lookouts. Llyn Alwen is a haven for rare black grouse, red squirrels, and various bird species. Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is specifically designed to support local wildlife, with ponds and meadows attracting many species.

Are there any accessible walking options around the lakes?

Yes, Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is fully accessible for all, with smooth, traffic-free paths around its ponds and meadows. Llyn Brenig also offers some easy, family-friendly routes that are generally suitable for a wider range of abilities.

What is Llyn Brenig known for?

Llyn Brenig is one of the largest lakes in Wales, renowned for its world-class fly fishing, particularly for rainbow trout. It's also a hub for watersports, cycling, and walking, and is a significant breeding ground for ospreys. The area also features archaeological trails showcasing Mesolithic and Bronze Age artifacts.

What makes Marine Lake in Rhyl unique?

Marine Lake in Rhyl is unique as it is the only saltwater lake in North Wales. This man-made, tidal lake is a popular destination for a wide array of watersports, including sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and knee-boarding.

Can I find cafes or visitor facilities near the lakes?

Yes, Llyn Brenig has a visitor center that provides exhibitions and facilities, including cafes. While specific details for other lakes vary, the larger recreational areas like Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen are generally equipped with amenities for visitors.

What is the best time to visit the Denbighshire lakes?

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Summer is ideal for watersports and open-water swimming at Llyn Brenig. Spring and autumn are excellent for walking and cycling, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Llyn Alwen, in particular, is noted for its beauty when covered in snow during winter, offering a peaceful experience.

Are there opportunities for mountain biking near the lakes?

Yes, the region around Denbigh offers various mountain biking opportunities. While Llyn Brenig's East Shore Gravel Track is suitable for gravel bikes, you can find more dedicated mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Denbigh guide, which includes routes like 'Ride the Clwyds' and trails around Moel Famau.

What is the significance of Cilcain Reservoir?

Cilcain Reservoir is a smaller, man-made water body nestled in the Clwydian Range. Originally built to supply water to the local area, it is now a tranquil location surrounded by woodland and rolling hills, offering peaceful walks and natural beauty.

Can I go wild swimming in the Denbighshire lakes?

Open-water swimming is permitted and popular at Llyn Brenig during the summer months. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local regulations and safety guidelines before attempting wild swimming.

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