Alwen Reservoir, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Alwen Reservoir is a large body of water in Wales near the village of Pentre-Llyn-Cymmer covering about 900 acres with calm surface water reflecting the sky and surrounding forests. The water stretches roughly five kilometers long and sits at the end of a valley where the landscape consists mostly of natural forests and open moorlands.
The reservoir was constructed between 1911 and 1920 by engineers including Alex Binnie to supply clean water to the town of Birkenhead across the border in England. The dam built to hold the water stands nearly 30 meters high and was made of stone, representing a significant engineering achievement of the early 20th century.
The name comes from the Welsh language and refers to the surrounding valley and the villages that depend on this water source. Today, the place remains a gathering point where locals and visitors connect with the landscape and understand how water has shaped life in this part of Wales for generations.
You can walk or cycle on well-marked trails that circle the water, with routes ranging from short 2-kilometer loops to longer 22-kilometer paths for those wanting extended adventures. Stop by the visitor center near Llyn Brenig for information about conditions and activities, and always stay on designated paths as weather can change quickly in this valley location.
The water is piped directly to Birkenhead in England rather than serving only local communities, making it unusual in how it functions within the regional water system. Educational programs run here teach children about water conservation through classroom lessons and guided tours of the treatment plant, creating a learning experience beyond typical outdoor activities.
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