Llyn Clywedog, near Llanidloes, Powys, Mid Wales

Clywedog Reservoir

Reservoir

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Big-sky

Feel

LakesideHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.0

A broad Mid Wales reservoir framed by Cambrian Mountain scenery, with a large dam, walking trails and osprey habitat.

The appeal is the combination of open water and big Cambrian Mountain views, with trails and wildlife adding reasons to stop rather than simply drive past. It is a strong scenic outing, though current path closures should be checked before planning a walk.

Big-sky · Wild · Peaceful

Find your way

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Llyn Clywedog, near Llanidloes, Powys, Mid Wales

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The experience

Take in the reservoir scenery and, if paths are open, explore a trail. Check the current visitor-site information for closures and diversions, especially around osprey nesting areas.

Things to do

Take in the reservoir and mountain views

Pause at the visitor site to look across Llyn Clywedog and the surrounding Mid Wales hills.

Walk an open reservoir trail

Walking trails are associated with the reservoir, but check current notices for closures and diversions before choosing a route.

Look for osprey from permitted areas

Ospreys nest at the site. Respect marked closures and diversions intended to protect the birds; do not approach nesting areas.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick reservoir viewpoint

01
Visit the reservoir visitor site and take in the views across the water and surrounding hills.
02
Check current trail notices before walking; observe any osprey-related closures or diversions.

Half day · Half day

Reservoir and Llanidloes half-day

01
Explore Llyn Clywedog and use only trails confirmed open on the day.
02
Continue to Llanidloes for its historic town centre and independent shops or cafés.

Verified history

Clywedog Reservoir is a man-made reservoir formed by Clywedog Dam near Llanidloes. Tripadvisor’s supplied attraction description says it was built between 1963 and 1967 to secure water supplies for the English Midlands and regulate the upper River Severn. The supplied source describes the dam as about 72 metres high. These construction details come from Tripadvisor’s AI-generated description and should be treated as secondary-source claims.

Hidden details

Osprey nesting protection — A section of trail has been closed or diverted to protect an osprey nest site. Check the current notice and keep to the permitted route; disturbing protected nesting birds can be an offence.

When to go

· A clear day for views; check current trail and wildlife notices before visiting.

The supplied sources mention autumn colours and osprey nesting protection but do not establish reliable peak dates for visits.

Check the forecast and current trail notices before setting out; conditions and path access may change.

Worth pairing with

Llanidloes

Visit the historic town, including its 17th-century timber-framed Old Market Hall, museum and independent shops and cafés.

Hafren Forest

Visit Wales includes Hafren Forest in its suggested two-day itinerary for the area; check local access and route details before visiting.

What to look for

The scale of the reservoir and dam, changing views across the surrounding hills, and signs of osprey activity from permitted areas without approaching or disturbing nesting sites.