A. Park at Bethania Adventure boathouse, pay your launch fees and launch from either the concrete slipway or gravel foreshore. Turn left and paddle away from the dam, keeping the wooded bank on your left.

B. Paddle past beautiful old growth broadleaf and conifer forest. Buzzards and sparrowhawks are often seen in this woodland.

C. The Llechwedd-du picnic area is a big grassy area with picnic tables next to the lake. Access is via a low grass bank.

D. Follow the banks of the lake into a shallow bay with two waterfalls dropping in under the road. Lake Vyrnwy (Llyn Efyrnwy) is possibly one of the most scenic reservoirs in Wales. After the second waterfall, which has a large stone bridge across it, it’s time to head across the lake to the opposite shore. Aim to the left of the obvious dip/valley. As you cross the lake, look to the far/north end. On a clear day there are great views to the Berwyn mountains.

E. Reach the far bank and turn right, heading towards the dam. This is a beautiful section of forest with some very old and big trees.

F. Paddle into the small bay, where the Afon Cedig flows into the lake. At the edge of the bay is a large grass and gravel picnic spot among the trees, with benches and good views. Access is across a rock and grass bank (5m). There is parking above, which is the starting point of the Giants of Vyrnwy Trail (accessible). The Giant is a sculpture made from what was the tallest Douglas Fir in Great Britain.

G. The next major ‘landmark’ is the straining tower. There is a 10m safe zone around the tower, so please keep your distance and paddle around the outside of it. Built in 1881 and standing 47m tall, the tower filters out material in the water before it flows to Liverpool.

H. Follow the shoreline to a large stone bridge, Pont Cynon. Paddle under the bridge and into the hidden pool beyond. There are moorings here and an old boathouse, which make this secluded spot worth exploring.

I. The dam will be obvious at the end of the lake. There is a buoyed safe zone in front of the dam, so please keep your distance. Paddle across the dam then turn to return to the Bethania Adventure boathouse.