In the middle of the Carmarthenshire countryside lies Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir with a huge spillway to the River Tywi. The dam is the UK's tallest, standing at a height of 300 ft (91 m) and has excellent hiking and biking opportunities in and around the reservoir.
The main way to access the route is by car as it's a scenic 11-mile drive from the market town of Llandovery through a rugged river landscape. You can also hike or bike to the reservoir and dam if you are feeling adventurous.
This scenic dam regulates the River Tywi in the Cambrian Mountains and impounds water supplies for south Wales. It's believed to be the tallest of its type in Europe and the highest in Britain. A hydroelectric power station was also added 25 years after the dam was completed.
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Construction began in October 1968 and the dam was constructed from crushed rock, larger rock and clay with all of the natural materials having been obtained in the local area.
In October 1972, the first water was released into the river and on the 15th May 1973, Princess Alexandra officially opened the scheme.
Today, visitors can hike or bike in and around the dam and reservoir, or take a picnic to the viewing points and capture some fantastic photos of the water racing down the spillway. At night it’s a stargazing hot spot in the Cambrian Mountains, so you can also try some astrophotography here too.
Here's what you need to know about hiking or biking in the area.
Biking around the Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir
If you're looking for a big biking adventure then the Llyn Brianne route offers 58 miles of challenging cycling through wild Welsh landscapes that are sparsely populated. There are remote single-track mountain lanes around the reservoir and you can bike or hike short sections.
If you are attempting the entire route, then the starting point is the market town of Llandovery. Before you set off on your biking adventure, you can pick up a selection of picnic items from La Patisserie that's located in the middle of the town.
Once you have your food and drink for the day, your biking trip can begin. Head north quieter roads from the start and into the upper Towy valley, tracing the route of the winding river as it heads upstream. Although the peaceful roads and hilly from the start, the first 10km is frankly easy compared to what comes later and it is after the town of Rhandirmwyn.
Shortly after the gradient becomes a tad more constant, gaining height as the road climbs up towards the Llyn Brianne reservoir and dam.
It's worth biking up to see the dam and slipway in all its splendour and to also stop for a rest and grab something to eat. Be aware that on this biking route, there is little in the way of facilities, so you'll need to bring everything with you.
Take a moment to watch the overflowing stream of water tumble downhill on the slipway and take a few snaps to document your adventure.
This area of Wales is very wild and sparsely populated with just a handful of farms and houses between Rhandirmwyn and the next town of Tregaron.
There are a few intriguing features along the route including what was Britain's most remote red phone box, which featured in the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! promo when the series was filmed in Wales. In the 40-second teaser, presenters Ant and Dec stumble across this iconic red phone box while lost in the Welsh countryside.
You can also visit Soar-y-Mynydd Chapel on this biking route, the most isolated chapel in Wales. It’s an understated, whitewashed church that was built in 1822 to serve a hugely scattered congregation of farmers.
Strolling around this spiritual area you might imagine that the chapel was long abandoned? In fact, guest preachers come from all over Wales to conduct services in Welsh.
From Tregaron, the route heads West and tracks another Welsh river, the Teifi, one of the longest rivers in Wales. The road that tracks the river is undulating and is thankfully an easier ride than the roads that came before.
As you cycle on you'll make your way towards the town of Pumpsaint and then continue to Llandovery, which is the endpoint of this loop trail.
Hiking around the Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir
There are several hikes in this area that vary in length and difficulty.
One of the popular walks in this area is a walk over the Dam and around the side of the Llyn Brianne reservoir for picturesque views of the water.
There's also a country lane running along the eastern side of the water that climbs above the reservoir and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area.
The route starts from the car park at the southern end of the water and follows the track through the Tywi Forest before finishing at the bridge at the northern end of the reservoir.
Mountain biking tips
Founder of Roam Bikepacking, Joe Armstrong, has some tips for aspiring mountain bikers thinking of attempting the Llyn Brianne route.
Joe recommends that bikers should also aim to challenge themselves on this route and not shy away from the harder parts of the trail.
He said: "Don't shy away from some hills. It's easy to think that a flat ride will be more enjoyable, but I don't think that is the case at all. A long climb might make you sweat a bit at the time, but it's so satisfying getting to the top, it's where the great views are, plus you get to freewheel down the other side."
There are a few essentials you will need for a long day of bike riding in Wales. Some recommended pieces of bike kit include a bike repair kit, smartphone, GPS or route map, handlebar bag or panniers, bike lock, flashing taillights, headlights and rain covers.
You'll also need to wear breathable layers, a waterproof jacket and a helmet on your trip. Avoid cotton if you can as it holds moisture which will make you feel chilly when the temperatures drop. Wool and synthetics are ideal base layers and can be paired with warm fleeces and a breathable shell jacket.
Food and water are also essentials - make sure to bring a sturdy water bottle and a flask for hot drinks on your biking trip. To sign up for more WhatsOn news from WalesOnline, click here
