Llyn Brenig

Last time we were up at the centre we spent the afternoon visiting Llyn Brenig which is about ten miles from Cynwyd. Llyn Brenig is a large lake, surrounded by heather moorland and spruce forests. Most of the moorland around Brenig is in the Mynydd Hiraethog Site of Special Scientific Interest. The moorland management scheme within the area is regenerating black grouse.

At Llyn Brenig there is a large pay and display parking area and a visitors centre, shop and café which are open seven days a week in season and the café offers panoramic views of the lake. Within the visitors centre there is an audio visual programme that tells the story of Llyn Brenig which is steeped in history. Bronze age man used Brenig as a burial ground constructing cairn fields. Foundations of a 16th century farmhouses also form part of the site’s archaeological trail which is 2 miles long.

The sites two nature trails offers glimpses of Llyn Brenig’s wildlife and there is a walk that goes the whole way around the lake which is 10 ½ miles long and takes about four hours to complete. Bryn Maen has outstanding views of Snowdonia and the Berwyns, and there is a stream side picnic site at Pont y Brenig.

Bird hides offer the chance to see Mallard, teal, goldeneye with goosander seen in October and November. Also, hen harrier, merlin and peregrine can be seen from the hides.

There is a great outdoor play area which is free of charge.

Llyn Brenig is well worth a visit if staying at the centre and can be found by going back to the A5 and heading towards Betws Y Coed. After about 9 ½ miles you get to the right hand turn to Cerrigydrudion and you will see the brown tourist signs showing Llyn Brenig which you can follow right to the lake.