Alwen Reservoir, near Denbigh

What's here

Mountain bike trail
Parking (charge)
Walking trail

Timber haulage is ongoing on the forest roads.

Please be aware and follow any instructions on site.

Welcome

Alwen Reservoir and its huge dam were constructed in the early 20th century to provide water for the port of Birkenhead.

The car park is the starting point for several trails which can be used by walkers and cyclists.

The route around the Alwen Reservoir is suitable for families and has forests and folklore to discover.

There is a choice of two trails that go around both the Alwen Reservoir and nearby Llyn Brenig, or for a shorter route between the two lakes follow the link path.

There is a visitor centre with café and toilets at Llyn Brenig.

Walking and cycling trails

These trails may be used by walkers and cyclists.

Most of the trails must be followed anti-clockwise by cyclists and clockwise by walkers – please follow the waymarkers.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trails.

Alwen Trail

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 6¾ miles/10.9 kilometres
Climb: 110 metres
Time: Cyclists 1½-2 hours; walkers 2½-3½ hours
Trail information: This is a shared use trail and may be used by walkers and cyclists. It must be followed anti-clockwise by cyclists and clockwise by walkers – look out for the waymarkers. Picnic benches along the trail.

This family friendly trail runs through forest, moorland and along the water’s edge on surfaced paths and forestry tracks – with ever-changing views across the reservoir and to the mountains of Snowdonia.

Illustrated panels at the side of the path explore the wildlife, culture and folk tales of this historic upland landscape.

Lakes Circular

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 9½ miles/15.3 kilometres
Climb: 120 metres
Time: Cyclists 2-3 hours; walkers 4-5 hours
Trail information: This is a shared use trail and may be used by walkers and cyclists. It must be followed anti-clockwise by cyclists and clockwise by walkers – look out for the waymarkers.

Follow this trail around the inner shores of both Llyn Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir.

Two Lakes Trail

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 14 miles/22.7 kilometres
Climb: 220 metres
Time: Cyclists 3-4 hours; walkers 4-5 hours
Trail information: This is a shared use trail and may be used by walkers and cyclists. It must be followed anti-clockwise by cyclists and clockwise by walkers – look out for the waymarkers.

Enjoy the open views and diverse scenery around both Llyn Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir.

Lakes Link

Grade: Easy
Distance: 2 miles/3.1 kilometres (one way)
Climb: 40 metres
Time: Cyclists 20-30 minutes; walkers 1 hour
Trail information: This path connects Llyn Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir.

Use this link route to join up the other trails or to take a shorter route between the two lakes.

Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve

The Lakes Circular and the Two Lakes Trail both go through Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve.

Hafod Elwy is a patchwork of high heath, moorland and bog, nestled between conifer forests and reservoirs.

This landscape is a haven for some of our rarest birds and Mynydd Hiraethog, which Hafod Elwy is part of, is one of the few remaining locations in Wales where you can still find both red and black grouse.

Many other native and visiting birds find shelter among Hafod Elwy’s heather and in spring skylarks return to nest here.

In summer the pinks and purples of heather carpet the moorland, while the white tufts of hare's tail cotton grass dot the areas.

You will also see the numerous bog mosses as 'lawns' of varying shades of green amongst the mounds of bilberry.

To find out more about what to see at the reserve look out for our information panel.

Llyn Brenig visitor centre

The entrance to Llyn Brenig car park is off the B4501, one mile from the entrance of the Alwen Reservoir car park.

It has a café, toilets, fishing shop, play area and bike hire.

The Llyn Brenig visitor centre is managed by Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water.

For more information see the Llyn Brenig website

National Forest for Wales

Alwen Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

create areas of new woodland
enhance existing woodlands
restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands

It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.

For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.

Closures and trail diversions

Sometimes we need to divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations, or close other visitor facilities temporarily.

We may also have to close facilities or divert trails at short notice, or close a site in extreme weather due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.

See the top of this page for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities.

For your safety always follow instructions from staff and trail diversion signs, even if you can’t see or hear any activity.