ブレニグ貯水池でののおすすめグラベルライド

Though it was not a tough or technical ride, it did take me into territory I had never visited before and was a lovely antidote to the 'fleshpots' of Gwydir Forest or Coed-y-Brenin. Some lovely gentle singletrack, beautiful views and I didn't see another rider for the whole trip - although tbh I did set off at 08.30 on a Wednesday!!

This bridge across the 900-acre (364 ha) Alwen Reservoir enables a beautiful and tranquil loop of the Wales' largest artificial lake. The views across the water and to the surrounding woodland and hills are lovely.

The grand, ornate stone dam of Alwen Reservoir couldn't be more of a contrast to the neighbouring Llyn Brenig Dam. It's well worth taking a minute or two to take in this magnificent feat of engineering, that was completed in 1920. The reservoir here was built to provide drinking water for Liverpool and the Wirral.

Llyn Brenig is a reservoir located on Denbigh Moors in North Wales. The artificial lake, which was constructed between 1973 and 1976, was created by building an embankment dam across the Afon Brenig valley. It lies at 1,200 ft (370 m) above sea level on the border between the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire. It is used to manage the flow in the River Dee as part of the River Dee regulation system.

An easy ride for all abilities

An easy route for all the family to enjoy, although you might want to go int he warmer months of the year. It can be very wet and windy up here in the Winter.

Llyn Brenig is located at the heart of the Mynydd Hiraethog and is a good base for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, fishing and sailing. It is a great spot for a break off the bike and the area is surrounded by a network of footpaths and a number of way marked trails suitable for biking and walking, including the Brenig Trail. The Visitor Centre provides toilet facilities and a cafe.

Here you have a super good section of singletrack as you meander your way through Gors Maen Llwyd nature reserve to the north of Llyn Brenig. You have fine views but don't let it distract you too much as walkers use this track as well.

Bring a scope to view the osprey’s

A long wooden bridge spans the upper reaches of the Alwen Reservoir, which features on the Two Lakes and Alwen circular cycle routes. It's absolutely covered in lichen and feels a little rickety as you ride along. Enjoy the remote lake views as you ride over this long, narrow bridge.

The views over Alwen Reservoir from this section along the northern shore are simply wonderful! You'll take them in if you follow the waymarked Alwen or Lakes Circular routes. You move between open views and between the trees, but both are pretty spectacular, especially at sunset.

The grand, ornate stone dam of Alwen Reservoir couldn't be more of a contrast to the neighbouring Llyn Brenig Dam. It's well worth taking a minute or two to take in this magnificent feat of engineering, that was completed in 1920. The reservoir here was built to provide drinking water for Liverpool and the Wirral.

A fantastic section of singletrack as you wind your way through Gors Maen Llwyd nature reserve to the north of Llyn Brenig. The undulating trail features on the Two Lakes and Brenig marked cycle routes. Look into the distance when you rejoin the road heading west to east and you may be able to see the ridge of the Clwydian Range and the sea beyond.

A long and winding doubletrack gravel road that flanks the eastern shore of Llyn Brenig. It's a little rough in places so best on a gravel bike, sturdy hybrid or mountain bike rather than a pure road bike. Enjoy the views as you meander around the little inlets and see what wildlife you can see across the water.

Crossing over the top of the Llyn Brenig dam you'll follow a wide and flat gravel track that makes for an easy ride while you soak in those marvellous views over the water and down the bank on the other side into the lush green valley. Look out for the fingerposts with trail markings to help you navigate onto your preferred route. You may be surprised just how long it takes to cross here, I thought it was further than it looked!

A quieter stretch of bridleway connecting the Brenig and Alwen reservoirs. The track is relatively smooth and quite flat, though can sometimes be pretty muddy after rain.

This is the high point of the circular Alwen trail around Alwen Reservoir. Enjoy the wonderful views in nearly all directions, which really is a great reward after the long climb. It feels remote up here, and a brilliant off-road singletrack descent is up next down to the bridge.

A pleasant place for a picnic near the dam at the end of the Alwen reservoir.

From here you can follow the whole route around either Llyn Brenig or Llyn Alwen or both. Watch out for Osprey in the spring and summer.

Pretty smooth double track.