Llanwddyn: Nature, Trails and Local History

Llanwddyn brings together the history of the Vyrnwy Valley with Lake Vyrnwy and Glyndŵr’s Way. Three distinct aspects stand out for planning your trip: the changes to the village brought about by the reservoir, the protected areas and their wildlife, and two trail sections with Llanwddyn as either the destination or the starting point. Local history, nature and route details therefore offer concrete points of reference when choosing where to stay.

Nature and protected area at Lake Vyrnwy

The RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve is open year-round and has extensive public access and rights of way. Lake Vyrnwy is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR). Wildlife in the reserve includes, among others, pied flycatcher, marsh tit, peregrine falcon, capercaillie and hen harrier. These designations identify the area’s protected status; the listed species give the wildlife of the area specific names.

Two sections of Glyndŵr’s Way

Glyndŵr’s Way has one section from Llanbrynmair to Llanwddyn and another from Llanwddyn to Meifod. The 18-mile (29 km) route from Llanbrynmair to Llanwddyn leads into the village and offers views of Lake Vyrnwy and the dam. The 15-mile (24 km) section from Llanwddyn to Meifod leaves the reservoir and then follows parts of the River Vyrnwy before reaching Meifod.

The section from Llanbrynmair is longer; the two routes also differ in their course and the views they offer. The route to Llanwddyn is noted for views of the lake and dam, while the section to Meifod follows parts of the River Vyrnwy. Trail conditions and diversions can change, so check the current route before setting out.

Village history, buildings and memorials

The old village of Llanwddyn and all the buildings in the valley that were to be covered by the lake’s waters were demolished. St. Wddyn’s Church was built to replace the parish of Llanwddyn, destroyed by the flooding of the Vyrnwy Valley, and was completed in 1887. Bethel Methodist Chapel was built in 1889 after its original site was flooded to create Lake Vyrnwy.

Bethel Methodist Chapel is built in the Gothic style, with stone walls, a slate roof and an entrance laid out according to the Short-Wall plan. The Gothic classification refers to the style; the stone walls and slate roof describe features of the building, while the Short-Wall plan provides more detail about the entrance.

The Llanwddyn Obelisk is about 8 metres high. It commemorates 44 workers who died during the construction of the Lake Vyrnwy dam and related work on the reservoir. A public footpath leads from the hotel car park to the obelisk. There are public toilets in the village.

Discover more destinations: Ystradgynlais, Crickhowell, Trecastle, Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Bwlch, New Radnor, Llanllwchaiarn.

For the broader travel overview: Powys.