In the depths of Lake Vyrnwy, the largest man-made lake in all of Wales, lies the submerged village of Llanwddyn. In the 1880s, the building of a colossal stone dam led to the flooding of the shops, farms, homes and church that had formerly been known as Llanwddyn and transformed the landscape, in order to supply water to Liverpool and Merseyside.

Fortunately, the Liverpool Corporation built a new village for the residents of Llanwddyn, who can still spot the remains of their former home when drought conditions bring the water level down low enough. The transformation of the area led to Llanwddyn becoming a haven for birdlife and Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve and Estate are now jointly managed by Severn Trent Water and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Rare birds that breed in the area include Peregrin Falcons, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Siskins and Wood Warblers, along with many others amongst a rich variety of birds that attract ornithologists from far and wide. The dawn chorus in springtime is something to behold and visitors can join locally organised tours to hear the birds on spring mornings.

The area is spectacularly beautiful and visitors to the area are spoilt for choice by attractions such as the waterfalls of the River Vyrnwy, the sculpture trail in the valley below the dam and of course the dam itself, which was the first of its kind in the world when constructed and remains a wonder of engineering.

Whether you head to Llanwddyn to cycle, ride horses, rock climb or sail, you will be stunned by the beauty of the area. The village offers a number of self-catering cottages for those looking to create their own experience of this Welsh treasure.