The best traffic-free bike rides around Alwen Reservoir

The Alwen Reservoir area offers a good selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails, with 12 routes detailed in this guide. These range from easy, family-friendly loops to more challenging, longer rides through the scenic Mynydd Hiraethog.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families or beginners. The Alwen cycle trail — Llyn Brenig is a great example, offering a gentle 10.5 km ride with minimal elevation gain, ideal for a relaxed outing away from traffic.

You'll encounter a diverse mix of surfaces, primarily forestry roads, well-maintained gravel paths, and some simple singletrack sections. The trails are designed for gravel bikes, offering a smooth yet engaging ride through dense conifer forests, open moorland, and along picturesque lakeside paths.

Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Llyn Brenig – Llyn Brenig Dam loop from Alwen Dam offer a more demanding experience. This route covers nearly 40 km with over 600 meters of elevation gain, taking you through varied terrain and offering expansive views.

Parking is generally available at the Alwen Dam, which serves as a common starting point for many trails. Additionally, the nearby Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre offers ample parking and is a convenient base for exploring the wider area.

The trails offer stunning natural beauty. You'll ride past the grand, ornate stone Alwen Dam and its Italian-style valve tower, traverse remote moorland with panoramic views, and cross a distinctive long wooden footbridge at the head of the reservoir. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of the Snowdonia mountains in the distance.

While the immediate Alwen Reservoir area is quite remote, the nearby Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre provides excellent facilities. Here you'll find a cafe for refreshments, public toilets, and even bike hire services, making it a convenient stop during your ride.

The Alwen Reservoir area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage or blooming heather. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be crisp and quiet, though some sections might be more challenging due to weather. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

The natural environment around Alwen Reservoir is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare black grouse, large heath butterflies, and red squirrels. Various bird species also inhabit the area, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the trails, the stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and moorland, and the diverse terrain that caters to various skill levels.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. For instance, the Lakes Circular cycle trail — Llyn Brenig offers a 15.3 km loop, providing a varied ride through the landscape.

Both reservoirs offer excellent gravel biking. Alwen Reservoir is generally more remote and offers a true escape into nature with quieter trails, often featuring forestry roads and more rugged sections. Llyn Brenig, while also scenic, has a more developed visitor centre and slightly more accessible, well-maintained paths, making it a good option for those seeking amenities alongside their ride. Many routes, like the Two Lakes cycle trail — Llyn Brenig, connect both areas, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.