Up until around 100 years ago there was no such place as Lake Vyrnwy – there was however a grand plan to supply Liverpool with fresh water and in 1881 work started on the outskirts of a little Welsh Village known as Llanwddyn. The Corporation of Liverpool built new homes south of the dam together with a church, relocated the village and today Lake Vyrnwy is testament to Victorian engineering at its best. The Corporation also purchased around 24,000 acres around the proposed lake so that it could control the environment and therefore the purity of the water. The lake took two years to fill and was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1910 – the dam though had been supplying water to the people of Liverpool for some 10 years at this time! In 1889 the lake was stocked with Loch Leven trout and today the lake still draws fisherman in search of the “one that got away”. The lake today boasts some interesting features, one of which is the pointed tower rising majestically out of the waters some way from the dam. It is linked to the shore by an arched bridge and is officially the “straining tower”. It is here that the water leaves the dam for its 70 mile journey to Liverpool and it is the straining tower because the water first passes through a fine mesh screen to filter the water. Lake Vyrnwy lies just south of Snowdonia and today attracts visitors from all over to take advantage of the variety of activities on offer.
Places to Stay near Lake Vyrnwy
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa (0.71 miles)
Situated high on the hillside within the 24,000 acre Vyrnwy Estate, the hotel commands breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and moorland. It is also surrounded by lawns, an abundance of rhododendrons, woods and meadowlands. Built ... More | visit website
Cyfie Farm Boutique Suites and Spa (5.60 miles)
Gwaenynog Farmhouse (6.78 miles)
There's a large guest lounge with beams and an open inglenook fireplace, with a large TV with Freeview and DVD, ... More | visit website
Rhyd Hir B&B (7.46 miles)
Cain Valley Hotel (8.06 miles)
The Cain Valley Hotel offers not only competitively priced accomodation, but also good food freshly prepared throughout the day and served in either the restaurant or one of the two ... More
Pentre-Bach (9.86 miles)
Dolbrodmaeth Riverside Hotel (10.28 miles)
Located on A470 between Machynlleth and Dolgellau this charming hotel is an ideal base for walking, fishing, ... More | visit website
Buckley Arms Hotel (10.28 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at The Buckley Arms Hotel; a family run hotel with much charm and character. We are sure you will enjoy your stay and leave feeling relaxed ... More
Tyddyn Llan Hotel (10.47 miles)
Tyddyn Llan, a small elegant Georgian Country House with an award winning restaurant and luxurious accommodation is in a peaceful location with beautiful gardens in an area of remarkable natural ... More
Ty Derw Country House B&B (10.49 miles)
Brit Quote: |
On this day: |