With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00A reservoir in the heart of the protected Berwyn mountains surrounded by moorland and woodland, sites don't get much more picturesque than this. Come for the scenery and stay for the wildlife – Pied Flycatcher, Red Start, Willow Tit, Whinchat and Welsh Clearwing, Peregrine, Black Grouse, Hen Harrier and more.
Set against the slopes of the Berwyn Mountains and fringed by woodland, Lake Vyrnwy may look entirely natural, but it is a man-made reservoir that has supplied Liverpool with drinking water since 1891.
Today, its surrounding moorland, woodland and meadows provide a haven for wildlife. Listen for Wood Warblers and Willow Tits in the woods, watch Dippers along rocky streams and Goosanders on the lake, and keep an eye on the skies for hunting Peregrines.
Working in partnership with the landowner, Hafren Dyfrdwy, RSPB manages around 5,000 hectares of the estate, creating a rich mosaic of habitats where nature can thrive. Our work includes restoring one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Wales, enhancing ancient oak and birch woodlands, and expanding tree cover along valley sides, rivers and habitat edges to benefit wildlife such as Black Grouse, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart.
Our Organic farm plays an important role in conservation, managing flower-rich hay meadows and using carefully managed grazing to maintain habitats for upland birds including Red Grouse, Skylark and Wheatear.
Lake Vyrnwy is a living, working landscape, supporting farming, local businesses, communities and recreation alongside nature conservation. Through the Vibrant Vyrnwy partnership between RSPB Cymru, Hafren Dyfrdwy and the local community, we offer events, volunteering and activities that help people connect with and care for this special place. Our tree nursery is a hub for volunteering and supports our ambition to increase tree cover across the estate.
For more information about our conservation work, volunteering opportunities and events, please contact us at vyrnwy@rspb.org.uk. For information about the wider estate and Hafren Dyfrdwy's visitor facilities, please visit their Lake Vyrnwy visitor pages.
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 locations and 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.
An accessible toilet is located next to the main toilet block at the end of the dam – this is managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy. Up to date information on the status of facilities can be found here: Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD.
Baby changing facilities are provided in the toilet block managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy. Up to date information on the status of facilities can be found here: Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD.
There are areas that are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs - Hafren Dyfrdwy provide an accessibility guide here: Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD Cymru
There are areas that are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs - Hafren Dyfrdwy provide an accessibility guide here: Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD Cymru
Toilets are provided at the western end of the dam (what3words embedded.hikes.digital) managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy.
Up to date details of facilities and opening times can be found here: Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD Cymru.
There are also public toilets in the village of Llanwddyn (what3words leaflet.buggy.reviews)
BBQs are a serious fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve or wider estate at any time.
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.
The Nature Reserve is open all year round with extensive public access and rights of way. Car parking, toilets, catering and other visitor facilities on the estate are managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy. Entrance to the Lake Vyrnwy reserve is free however charges do apply to some Hafren Dyfrdwy managed carparks.
Please refer to their website for latest available information:
The address provided is the address for the RSPB's main office at Lake Vyrnwy. This is a working office, not a visitor centre, with no attendance outside of normal business hours.
Celebrate the memory of a loved one, or a special occasion by planting a tree at Vyrnwy Forever. Planting a native tree will help us look after the wonderful habitats and species at Lake Vyrnwy too.
We know that Lake Vyrnwy is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.