Lake Vyrnwy Straining Tower

The Gothic revival straining tower is the iconic feature of the historic, yet still functional Lake Vyrnwy reservoir in Powys, North Wales. built in the 1880s to supply Liverpool with fresh water. It flooded the head of the Vyrnwy valley and submerged the small village of Llanwddyn. The Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve and Estate that surrounds the lake is jointly managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Severn Trent Water is a popular destination for ornithologists, cyclists and hikers. The reserve is designated as a national nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, and a Special Area of Conservation. Yes, we had permission to fly there, and we were above the hotel, elevated somewhat on the hillside!