Lake Vyrnwy

  Location: Lake Vyrnwy lies just to the south of Snowdonia approx 10 miles North East of DinasDyfi valley. It is a man-made water reservoir with a perimeter road 11.75 miles long. Located a short drive of about 50 minutes from the Shropshire border . This location is by no means over used by the forces to say the least, in fact it is pretty hit and miss to see anything  at all. Why do the guide for this location ?. Although it is quite, or should we say, not as popular as other valleys this lake is well worth a day or two out of your low flying calendar, even just to admire the fine views, as a bonus there is some great locations to be had here.  

                             The location for point 1, note the felled trees.                    Point 1 is in the clearing on the hillside

Point 1 is reached from the direction of the BYG in the Dyfi valley, take care as  this road is only suitable for 1 car at a time. From the Dyfi, as soon as you reach the lake side road, head left and a few hundred yards down the road you will see a track on the left with a gate, with luck it will be open. If you feel confident to drive up do so, remember to ask permission first. Once on the track it turns to the left slightly and you will reach an obvious wide part, park up here as you cannot get much further. You can either scramble up the hill or walk up the remainder of the track and when you reach the woodland, simply head back across the hill until you reach your chosen destination where you can see down the lake and also have a decent view to the right. It is not uncommon for aircraft to head down the lake and follow the valley over to the Dyfi valley via the road which was just mentioned so a good topside shot may be had here if they are travelling from the right. Also be alert for aircraft coming in the opposite direction. A lens of around 300-400 will be needed for hawks and harriers.   

                              The track entrance, note the gate. You can park on the road and walk up the track, and this will only add 5 minutes extra to your climb. 

This location may be trouble in strong sunlight until around late morning, if your looking down the lake towards the Southeast, from late morning the sun should be over your shoulder and in your favour. There has been extensive tree felling in these parts in the last 2 years, so the maps are not quite as accurate as they indicate, with lots of new spaces opened up. The opposite side to point 1 is a maze of tracks, which are ideal for disabled people, should you have gained permission to drive on them first. The only draw back is that you will be looking into the sun for most of the day.  

          Above the fantastic view from point 1, if you look over to the otherside you may be able to pick out a location.