
Lake Vyrnwy nature trail and farmer's market coming up
Families visiting Lake Vyrnwy during the May half-term will be able to test their nature knowledge.
The visitor site will host its 'Move with Nature Trail,' inviting everyone to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
Participants can engage in a nature quiz and try out some of nature's key movements.
The trail, free for all, will run from Monday, May 26, to Sunday, June 1.
There is no trail sheet for the week; participants are asked to follow the markers around the Dam Trail.
Griff Watkins, Lake Vyrnwy visitor site manager, said: "Lake Vyrnwy is a fantastic place for families to visit during the half-term holidays with lots to explore and do.
"But we wanted to make sure there was something a little extra for everyone to take part in.
"The trail is a really fun way to engage the whole family and also use it as a learning experience for everyone as well.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone along during the holidays and hope they have a fantastic time."
Blue Monday's coffee and cake trailer will be stationed at Rhiwargor car park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for visitors to enjoy.
In addition to the trail, the next farmer's market is set to take place on Saturday, June 7.
The market brings together local businesses and food producers to celebrate some of what Mid-Wales has on offer.
Visitors can come along anytime between 10am and 3pm to discover new products and learn about Lake Vyrnwy through the Vibrant Vyrnwy project.
During the holidays and events, more people are expected to visit Lake Vyrnwy, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and have a good time with the walking routes on offer.
However, visitors are asked to take note of the accessible routes as the clean-up after Storm Darragh continues.
Teams have been on site since the storm, working hard to clear the debris and remove the fallen trees.
This important work will continue during the half-term.
Rhiwargor Car Park has now reopened for visitors to use, although the circular road remains closed.
Storm Darragh hit Lake Vyrnwy early in December last year, causing significant damage with many trees uprooting and falling, blocking many of the trails and a large section of the perimeter road.
The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Artisan's café, The Chocolate Cabin, and the toilets are open, and the main car park and trails near the village are open and accessible.
For regular updates on the works and what is happening on site with the clean-up, follow Lake Vyrnwy and Hafren Dyfrdwy on social media.
Anyone interested in having a stall at the market should get in touch by emailing VisitorSites@HDCymru.co.uk.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Wales Online
I did this easy Welsh hike and ended up swimming under a huge waterfall
I did this easy Welsh hike and ended up swimming under a huge waterfall These impressive falls lie at the northern tip of Lake Vyrnwy within an RSPB Reserve There's nothing quite like cold water and a dramatic Welsh backdrop to remind you of the incredible natural world and how lucky we are to be a part of it (Image: Portia Jones ) As an avid outdoor swimmer (yes, I am one of those people; yes, I have a dryrobe) I love epic waterfall swims and in Wales we have plenty of swim spots in scenic surroundings. While visiting the hugely-underrated Lake Vyrnwy area in mid Wales I heard rumours about an easy walk to a cascading waterfall not far from the shores of the reservoir. Always keen for a dip I consulted the AllTrails app and found an easy hike to the secluded Rhiwargor Waterfall. Popular with locals these impressive falls lie at the northern tip of Lake Vyrnwy within the RSPB reserve. Although often overlooked in favour of the towering 80m Pistyll Rhaeadr they offer an equally striking spectacle. Pistyll Rhiwargor, with its total drop of 100m, is listed as the seventh-highest in Wales and is sustained by the tributary waters of Afon Eiddew, originating from the Berwyn mountains above Llyn Tegid in Y Bala, before eventually joining the reserves of Llyn Vyrnwy. The picturesque waterfall is part of RSPB Cymru's Llyn Vyrnwy Nature Reserve and you'll find convenient free parking less than a mile off the B4393 offering picnic tables and typically ample room for cars, especially if you visit on a weekday. The picturesque waterfall is part of RSPB Cymru's Llyn Vyrnwy Nature Reserve (Image: Portia Jones ) The 1.5-mile walk to the falls is considered an easy route, taking around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. If you follow the trail on the AllTrails app it will take you along Afon Eiddew to the picturesque Rhiwargor Falls, also known as Pistyll Rhyd-y-meinciau. As it's a hike to the falls you'll need to carry all your outdoor swim gear with you so make sure you have a big backpack and bring plenty of warm layers for after your dip. There are also no facilities here so make sure you have a well-timed loo stop before you set off. The trail begins at the aforementioned car park (Rhiwargor Waterfall Car Park), which is accessible via a scenic drive along the lakeside road. Once you arrive at the car park use a map or a hiking app to navigate the verdant valley floor path to the waterfalls. Hafren Dyfrdwy, which manages the parking site, has spent the last four months carrying out major restoration works after Storm Darragh caused significant damage. They recently announced that the car park has reopened and that Blue Monday Coffee is back selling hot drinks, cakes, and snacks from the Rhiwargor car park each weekend. Tidy. With the promise of sunshine it was an ideal morning for a dip so I convinced my long-suffering husband that, yes, there was yet another waterfall we simply must swim in and hopped in the car. The morning we arrived the weather was unseasonably scorchio with blue skies and warm sunshine – perfect outdoor swim weather. I grabbed my gear and we headed up the trail, passing a meandering stream and gnarly trees. It's a fairly easy trek and I've certainly undertaken more arduous walks to reach waterfalls before. We followed a well-maintained path along the Afon Eiddew River with undulating sections through woodland and along the riverbank towards the sounds of the cascading falls. The morning we arrived the weather was unseasonably scorchio with blue skies and warm sunshine (Image: Portia Jones ) We soon reached the base of the falls, which seemed like a perfect spot for a post-swim picnic. Although we were visiting on a sunny day the area was still quite boggy so we had to carefully navigate the muddy sections on the left-hand side to reach the famous 'private' pools for a swim. It can be a bit of a scramble so you'll definitely want hiking boots to get up the falls and you'll need to watch out for slippery parts. Rather than a sheer drop the waterfall cascades down in a series of staggered stages into the river below with a craggy woodland hugging the falls. It's at these rocky stages that you can find small swimming spots with the roar of the waterfall above you. I soon found us a perfect pool that was deep enough to paddle in with no-one else around despite the glorious weather. I slipped off my boots, wriggled into my swim gear (a childhood spent changing on Welsh beaches fully prepared me for this), and plunged into the bracing waters. I soon found us a perfect pool that was deep enough to paddle in with no-one else around despite the glorious weather (Image: Portia Jones ) As usual the slight shock of wading into chilly water hit me first – a thrilling zing of cold that made me gasp and laugh all at once. But then came that glorious rush of feeling of a connection to nature and my surroundings. The water is also incredibly clear here and I could easily see to the bottom in parts of this refreshing pool. There's something wildly freeing about swimming beneath a waterfall with the roar in your ears and the spray on your face. It's like pressing a giant reset button on all your life's stresses and endless emails. (Will I ever reach inbox zero? Probably not – but who cares when you're floating in crystal-clear waters?) There's something wildly freeing about swimming beneath a waterfall (Image: Portia Jones ) Outdoor swimming always helps clear my head but this scenic waterfall spot takes it to a whole new level. Pure lush. It was incredibly peaceful – I could feel the stress melting away. I know it might sound a bit woo-woo but, honestly, give it a go next time you're feeling frazzled. You might be surprised at how quickly nature sorts you out. Besides the boffins agree. Several studies have shown that the health and wellbeing benefits of taking a cold water plunge include an immune system boost, improved sleep, a better stress response, and increased happiness. Who doesn't want to nap better? For me there's nothing quite like cold water and a dramatic Welsh backdrop to remind you of the incredible natural world and how lucky we are to be a part of it. After a languid swim it was time to head back to the hotel, the fabulous Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa (read my review here), for dinner and a drink on their spectacular outdoor terrace. Located in a 24,000-acre estate on a forested hillside overlooking a dramatic, mountain-ringed lake this swish hotel commands one of the most impressive views of Lake Vyrnwy reservoir and has been wowing visitors since 1890. It's an ideal base for exploring the area and is ideally positioned for panoramic views across the water and an alpine-looking landscape. Perched above the reservoir you're just a short walk or drive from a nature reserve, forested trails, and cascading waterfalls. The view from the hotel (Image: Portia Jones ) So would I recommend a waterfall dip at Pistyll Rhiwargor? In a heartbeat. It's become one of my favourite spots in Wales for a rejuvenating outdoor swim. Just remember to treat this stunning spot with utmost care, take your rubbish home, avoid peak holiday times if possible, and be mindful of others enjoying this beautiful spot (no speakers blasting your terrible music choices, yeah?). Let's keep this spot special for everyone for many years to come. Keen to swim? Here are some of my top tips and safety considerations. Cold water swimming tips Wild swimming can be challenging due to cold water and potentially hazardous terrain (Image: Portia Jones ) Try to always swim with a friend if you can and always let people know where you are going. The What3Words app is really useful for sharing locations in remote areas. Before heading out for an outdoor swimming session check the weather and the approximate water temperature of the location to ensure you are properly prepared. If you're new to outdoor swimming consider a supervised swim session to try swimming in a controlled environment first. Beautiful Llandegfedd Lake (on the border of Monmouth and Torfaen) offers supervised open-water swimming and dipping sessions with lifeguard-trained staff in attendance. Several weekly sessions are held in a designated area for controlled open-water swimming and dipping following accreditation from the Swim Wales SAFE Cymru Accreditation Scheme. Swim kit Having a decent swim kit to stay warm and comfortable in cold waters is also really important. (Image: Portia Jones ) Having a decent swim kit to stay warm and comfortable in cold waters is also really important. The water here can be really cold so ensure you have adequate gear for an outdoor swim and are wearing decent water shoes (so you don't hurt your feet on the rocks). Article continues below If swimming in the autumn or winter dippers should consider items such as a decent winter wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a swim hat to reduce the impact of icy waters. Other essential items include a tow float, warm layers, and a weatherproof changing robe.


Powys County Times
28-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Lake Vyrnwy nature trail and farmer's market coming up
Families visiting Lake Vyrnwy during the May half-term will be able to test their nature knowledge. The visitor site will host its 'Move with Nature Trail,' inviting everyone to explore and enjoy the surroundings. Participants can engage in a nature quiz and try out some of nature's key movements. The trail, free for all, will run from Monday, May 26, to Sunday, June 1. There is no trail sheet for the week; participants are asked to follow the markers around the Dam Trail. Griff Watkins, Lake Vyrnwy visitor site manager, said: "Lake Vyrnwy is a fantastic place for families to visit during the half-term holidays with lots to explore and do. "But we wanted to make sure there was something a little extra for everyone to take part in. "The trail is a really fun way to engage the whole family and also use it as a learning experience for everyone as well. "We look forward to welcoming everyone along during the holidays and hope they have a fantastic time." Blue Monday's coffee and cake trailer will be stationed at Rhiwargor car park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the trail, the next farmer's market is set to take place on Saturday, June 7. The market brings together local businesses and food producers to celebrate some of what Mid-Wales has on offer. Visitors can come along anytime between 10am and 3pm to discover new products and learn about Lake Vyrnwy through the Vibrant Vyrnwy project. During the holidays and events, more people are expected to visit Lake Vyrnwy, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and have a good time with the walking routes on offer. However, visitors are asked to take note of the accessible routes as the clean-up after Storm Darragh continues. Teams have been on site since the storm, working hard to clear the debris and remove the fallen trees. This important work will continue during the half-term. Rhiwargor Car Park has now reopened for visitors to use, although the circular road remains closed. Storm Darragh hit Lake Vyrnwy early in December last year, causing significant damage with many trees uprooting and falling, blocking many of the trails and a large section of the perimeter road. The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Artisan's café, The Chocolate Cabin, and the toilets are open, and the main car park and trails near the village are open and accessible. For regular updates on the works and what is happening on site with the clean-up, follow Lake Vyrnwy and Hafren Dyfrdwy on social media. Anyone interested in having a stall at the market should get in touch by emailing VisitorSites@


Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Wales Online
Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port reopens
Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port reopens After months of uncertainty and disruption, the UK's second busiest port is set to return Damage to the Terminal 3 berth at Holyhead Port led to severe disruption (Image: @dafyddwedwards, Plans & Drones ) Stena Line has confirmed that Holyhead Port's Terminal 3 (T3) will reopen on July 1, following the completion of necessary repairs. This marks the end of a prolonged closure that has impacted operations at one of the UK's busiest ports since December 2024. The Stena Line-owned port was shut down on December 7, 2024, after two separate incidents in which ships made contact with the port's infrastructure. The damage occurred just before Storm Darragh hit the region, bringing gusts of wind over 93mph to North Wales. The extreme weather conditions further contributed to the damage to T3, which ultimately led to the closure of the port; leaving residents and visitors in a state of uncertainty. It was reported in March that during a meeting of the Senedd's economy committee, Ian Davies of Stena Line Ports outlined the structural issues that led to the shutdown. According to Mr Davies, the two main terminals at the port, T3 and T5, are supported by steel piles. T3, the terminal most affected, had one of these steel piles collapse after the second incident in late December, forcing the full closure of the port. The closure of Holyhead Port has had a noticeable impact on local businesses in the town, as fewer ferry passengers have been arriving. Speaking to WalesOnline at the start of the year, Erdinc Baysan, who runs Mete's Smash Burger on Market Street, shared the struggles of local traders. "Irish and American passengers come off the ferry into Holyhead town centre," he explained. "We get the passing trade and they have takeaways, chips, wraps and milkshakes. But our customers are down about 25 per cent." Holyhead Port is crucial to the region, handling around 1.8 million passengers, 400,000 freight units, and 400 cars every year. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Article continues below Although the port has been closed for several months, Stena Line has continued to run a full sailing schedule between Dublin and Holyhead since January, using Terminal 5. However, some changes to the timetable had to be made due to the limited capacity at the port. Johan Edelman, Stena Line's Trade Director for the Irish Sea South, expressed optimism about the upcoming reopening. "We are pleased with the news that Holyhead Port plan to have T3 returned to operation on July, 1," he said. "Whilst the frequency of our ferry services on the Dublin-Holyhead route have not been impacted by the closure of T3, we have had to make some minor adjustments to our sailing timetable." Mr Edelman also thanked Stena Line's customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our freight and travel customers for their understanding over the last several months," he added. Stena Line's customer service teams have already begun informing freight and travel customers about the reopening of T3, and the company will update its web booking system and social media channels with the revised sailing timetable, which will come into effect on 1 July. The reopening of Terminal 3 will restore full operational capacity to Holyhead Port, ensuring normal service levels for passengers and freight. Article continues below