Alwen Reservoir

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The Alwen Reservoir is a large artificial reservoir near Pentrellyncymer, in Wales, held back by the Alwen Dam, built in 1920 to supply water to the growing settlements in Birkenhead. It is also part of the River Dee regulation system.

It was first built in 1920 to supply large amount of water to Birkenhead, near Liverpool. A large water treatment facility was built below the dam, and a pipe to Birkenhead was built. The dam is a masonry arch gravity dam. The original water treatment buildings are still standing, but the equipment inside has long gone, replaced by modern standards in a new building.

Today the dam was a scheme to teach children about the importance of water, and offers guided tours of the water treatment works to schools. Being close to recreational facilities at Pentrellyncymer which house such children of school trips, the centre teaches several children to that of a Key skills 2 standard.

The reservoir is very close to Llyn Brenig, but being at the end of a valley, and having no through routes around it for vehicles. However the reservoir has an extensive network of trails (public foot paths as well as forest roads suitable for horse riding, mountain biking and walking).

Footpaths around the lakeshore have recently been upgraded (2005/2006) providing better access to the general public and allows greater exploration of the North and South Alwen forests.

Fishing is permitted through permit (which can be purchased from the visitors centre at the nearby Llyn Brenig visitors centre).

Vehicular access is limited due to Forestry Commission controlled gates which are padlocked.