What's here? at Lake Vyrnwy
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. Please refer to their website for latest available information.
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 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)
There are numerous trails and viewpoints across the reserve and wider estate, offering opportunities to enjoy its spectacular landscapes, habitats and wildlife. In addition, the RSPB manages a small number of wildlife hides, providing peaceful places to experience nature up close and observe some of the reserve's species.
Coed Y Capel Hide
Situated in the upper carpark of main village hub (What3Words game.shielding.computer), this is our most accessible hide with an access ramp, dedicated wheelchair spaces and large picture windows. It 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 (limited roadside parking at What3Words insisting.rental.mass). Come to this hide for a chance to see Peregrine and Pied Flycatcher in late Spring and early Summer. Keep a close eye on lakeside perches and the water’s surface for Kingfisher, 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 Otter at this location too.
Centenary Hide is currently closed due to storm damage and ongoing felling operations.
There are a number of waymarked trails across the site which are jointly managed by RSPB and Hafren Dyfrdwy – 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.
Much of the reserve is open access countryside beyond the surfaced trails. These areas contain natural hazards, including deep water and bog, steep slopes, cliffs and uneven terrain. Visitors exploring these areas should plan their route carefully, check the weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry a means of communication, and take responsibility for their own safety.
The RSPB managed 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.
Please note that the play area has a natural grass surface, which may be firm and uneven.
What3words: tactical.dart.immediate
There are five picnic areas on the estate all managed by Hafren Dyfrdwy. For more information please visit Lake Vyrnwy | Our visitor sites | HD Cymru
The RSPB has no catering facilities on reserve. However, there are several places to enjoy food and refreshments in and around the Lake Vyrnwy estate. For details of local catering facilities and seasonal cafés across the estate, please visit Hafren Dyfrdwy's Lake Vyrnwy visitor information page.
Not available on site
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.
There is no visitor centre at Lake Vyrnwy.
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.