One area I always love to return to whenever I can is found in the heart of Mid Wales’ rural landscape. The Clywedog Reservoir is located six miles from Llanidloes, in the northern part of the Cambrian Mountains, and it’s an area of raw natural beauty that I always find very peaceful. Its dam, shimmering water and surrounding wilderness make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a break from the crowds. To top it all off, the road to and around the lake is wonderfully scenic and one of my absolute favourites.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy around the reservoir, starting with the many walking trails to choose from. You can also go fishing, take part in watersports, watch wildlife, or visit historical sites. And you don’t have to stop there — there are interesting places to explore nearby, including the town of Llanidloes itself, a pioneering red kite feeding station, and a magical forest that has become a popular spot in recent years.
Photo Credits
Photos of hikers, aerial view, and bluebells are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales.
All the other remaining photos are property of Mathieu Gasquet / We Travel Wales.
Things to See and Do Around the Clywedog Reservoir
One of the main draws of this area is the variety of walking and hiking routes. You’ll find marked trails around the lake, including a scenic path that passes the ruins of the Bryntail Lead Mines. A 3.1-mile circular walk starting from the dam’s viewing area rewards you with superb panoramas — perfect if you’re after a moderate walk without committing to a long distance. The Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail — a 132-mile route dedicated to the 15th-century Welsh hero — passes beneath the dam and along the southern shore of the lake.
If you enjoy water-based activities, the Clywedog Sailing Club offers opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and includes a clubhouse with an accessible jetty. For anglers, the Llyn Clywedog Trout Fishery is well regarded, with good stocks of brown and rainbow trout. They offer a fleet of 36 boats for hire, including a “wheelie-boat” for those with mobility issues.
Wildlife watchers and nature lovers can keep an eye out for buzzards, red kites, peregrine falcons, and many woodland birds, all frequently seen here. In summer, dragonflies, butterflies, and wildflowers add colour, and the woods bordering the shore and upland slopes are rich in flora. Since 2023, a pair of ospreys has nested at Lake Clywedog, returning each year after migrating to Africa during the winter (there are around four breeding pairs of ospreys in Wales). A webcam has been set up by the nest and provides a live stream every year, and there’s also a viewing area on the north-west side of the lake.
Driving around the reservoir gives you the chance to enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Wales. There’s a circular drive with several viewpoints and picnic areas where you can stop. The dam itself has a “Look Out” viewing platform above it, offering panoramic views. Additionally, along the country road between Llanidloes and Machynlleth, you’ll pass one of my all-time favourite stretches near the Cadair Viewpoint.
For those interested in industrial history, the remains of the Bryntail Lead Mines lie at the foot of the dam, on the southern edge of the lake. They are probably among the most peaceful spots in the area — a stark contrast to their past as a noisy, smoky industrial site in the early 1900s. Walking among the ruins and reading about their history, with the giant dam as a backdrop, is a one-of-a-kind view you won’t want to miss.
There are more places worth exploring in the wider area around the lake. Hafren Forest, located about eight miles from Llanidloes, offers enchanting walking trails that follow the river and lead to picturesque waterfalls. The longest route takes you to the source of the River Severn — the longest river in Great Britain — just beyond the forest’s boundary. Some of the trails are accessible to prams and wheelchair users, notably the now-iconic boardwalk along the riverbank.
Llanidloes itself is well worth a visit. I always enjoy a nice meal, or even just a cup of coffee, at Hiraeth, which sits only a few metres from the Old Market Hall — the only surviving timber-framed market hall in Wales.
Finally, drive a little further to Rhayader to reach Gigrin Farm, a family-run farm best known for being the first official red kite feeding station. Every day, you can witness hundreds of kites coming in to feed, with numerous hides allowing you to get remarkably close and capture fantastic photos. Read more about Red Kites in Wales.
quick facts about the clywedog reservoir
- The reservoir was constructed between 1963 and 1967 to regulate the flow of water in the upper River Severn, supporting both water supply and flood management.
- The dam is 72 metres high and 230 metres long — one of the tallest concrete dams in the UK.
- The Bryntail Lead Mines were already active in the 1700s, but intensive extraction began in the 1850s. Lead was extracted, processed, transported to Llanidloes, and then shipped down the River Severn. The site closed in 1884 as the local mining boom came to an end.
Best Time to Visit the Clywedog Reservoir
Spring is ideal for fresh greens, wildflowers, and the return of migratory birds. You can also spot beautiful patches of bluebells in the woodland from around mid-April to late May, particularly along the section of the Glyndŵr’s Way on the southern edge of the lake. One of the only cafés in the area, Caffi Clywedog, opens from late April until the end of summer.
Summer is the best time for water activities such as sailing and canoeing, but as always, be prepared for busier car parks and more visitors.
Autumn colours in the woodlands always add that extra special touch to the landscape. The light becomes more dramatic as the days shorten, and it’s a quieter time of year.
In winter, you might be lucky enough to see snow on the hills. However, keep in mind that the days are shorter, and it can be quite cold and miserable — unless you’re blessed with a day of sunshine.
Useful Information when Visiting the Clywedog Reservoir
See Clywedog Reservoir on
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Public Transport: Unfortunately, there aren’t any buses that travel around the reservoir. The nearest stops are in Llanidloes (services X75 and T4). The closest train station is Caersws, about 11 miles away. Unless you plan to rely on a taxi, Clywedog is best explored by car or motorbike — not only for convenience but also for the scenic drive it offers.
Car Parks: There are several car parks around the lake, some of which also offer great viewing points, as well as a few lay-bys and pull-offs for scenic stops.
EV Charging Points: The nearest charging stations are in Llanidloes, where you’ll find four 22kW chargers at the Mount Lane Car Park.
Public Toilets & Facilities: There are toilet facilities at the Fishery Lodge and Caffi Clywedog. Refreshments are available at Caffi Clywedog, just above the dam, but keep in mind it’s only open from April to the end of August. There are also various picnic sites around the lake.
The Clywedog Sailing Club’s official website provides more information about the activities on offer and how to get in touch. Please note that there are no full-time employees, and enquiries are handled by volunteer members — it’s best to contact them in advance, as they may not always be able to respond promptly.
The Llyn Clywedog Trout Fishery website provides information about boat hire, permits, and much more.
