This is a 6.5 mile circular trail near Corwen, Denbighshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 10 min to complete. This is a popular trail for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

This is a stunning circular route around the banks of Alwen Reservoir, the largest man-made lake in Wales. You will have beautiful views of the lake and countryside for the duration of your hike. The path is primarily dirt and gravel but well maintained. Keep your eye out for local water fowl, as well as other wildlife.

1 The trail is easy to follow all the way around, with a clear marker at every junction. Start off from the car park, crossing the Alwen Dam. Follow the path around and through the forestry.

2 After 1km, the path joins a wider forestry track, which still provides views in places and the woodland remains open and light.

3 After 2.5km, you suddenly find yourself on open moorland. The path is still good, and has obviously been well maintained. Without the path, this would be a damp trod, but you’ll struggle to get your boots muddy. There’s also a bit of an uphill pull, but one that’s thankfully followed by a 1km downhill section to the footbridge that crosses this narrow section of lake.

4 Cross the footbridge, and the track pulls uphill before turning right into the forest just before you reach the farm at Pen-y-ffrith. The forest is claustrophobic in places on this section, but does thankfully emerge onto the lakeside for the best section on the route.

5 Soon after (around 7.5km round) the path pulls back uphill, through the forestry to rejoin a forestry road, and again taking you away from the waterside. Plod along this, keeping an eye for the way-markers, and the path again heads for the reservoir towards the final section. This final leg is narrow, with no room to pass.