Here I am on my short summer break, taking a well-deserved rest at Lake Vyrnwy in Wales.

And you are very welcome to join me.

Lake Vyrnwy lies to the south of the Snowdonia mountains in an area known as Montgomeryshire, just like many parts of Walses it consists of wide open countryside, with lush green hills and many cattle farms.

The lake itself makes up a large part of a nature reserve and country estate.

The nature reserve is a haven for tourists, hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers, who come to this beauty spot each summer to get away from life in the busy towns and cities for a while.

The village is very small and only consists of a few houses, a cafe, some gift shops, and an information centre.

There is also an RSPB shop there, for those who are keen on Ornithology. Ornithology means the study of birds.

If you are a keen birdwatcher like myself, then there are plenty of places to stop off at and observe them.

This hide has been constructed so as to allow people to watch the birds up close and personal, without disturbing them.

There are several of these small buiding around the lake.

The lake itself is artificial. It is in fact a reservoir which was constructed towards the end of the nineteenth century.

Construction of the large dam began in 1881 and it took seven years to complete.

The feat of constructing this enormous structure took many months of designing.

Keeping the millions of gallons of water captured would need a very tall and wide building indeed. It would also have to be strong.

The water from the Vyrnwy reservoir is sent all the way to the city of Liverpool 68 miles away, through three 42 inch (diameter) pipes, that deliver to 50 million gallons of water per day to smaller local reservoirs that in turn supply Liverpool with its much needed drinking water.

The old village of Llanwddyn had to be evacuated and demolished, as the area sat right where the lake was going to be.

Thirty seven domestic houses, ten farmhouses and three inns were demolished, so the reservoir could be created.

New building, including two new churches were constructed elsewhere and even the dead people who were buried at the old site were-along with the living – moved one by one.

It is still possible to see parts of the old village, during extra dry summers, when the water level is very low.

There are two very noticeable features at the reservoir.

The first being the tall tower, which from afar looks a little like something from a fairytale.

The purpose of this tower is to strain (clean) the water before it makes its way along the aqueduct.

An aqueduct is a pipe or channel, used for transfering water over long distances.

The aqueduct from Lake Vyrnwy is mostly hidden underground.

The straining towards is not open to the public.

The other very obvious feature at Lake Vyrnwy is of course the dam.

This is what keeps all the water in place. The dam is 44 metres high from the bottom of the valley and is 39 metres thick at the base.

The structure measures 357 metres in length and has a road bridge running along the top.

Over 25 arches sweep majestically along the length of the dam.

The purpose of these is to allow the excess water to escape during heavy rain.

The dam is also made up of two small towers, one of which contains a water-powered generator which at one time was the only source of power in the area.

Water is constantly being released from the dam, so as to prevent the nearby River Vyrnwy from drying out.

Between 5 and 10 millions gallons of water is released through this valve everyday.

When the water level of the reservoir becomes too high, this whole side of the dam is transformed into a huge foaming waterfall, as the excess water is steadily released, so as to prevent the surrounding land from becoming waterlogged.

It is common for people to confuse the word dam with dyke. They are actually not the same thing.

A dam is used to keep water in. It captures the water.

While a dyke is used to keep water out. It is often used as a defence against the sea, when the tide is unusually high.

Wales is well known for its stunning scenery. It expansive green valleys and the rolling hills play host to countless wild animals.

But no creature is more commonly seen in Wales, than the sheep.

The distinctive while dots created by the many flocks are a common sight here.

Especially during springtime, when the lambs are born.

This period is called the “lambing” season. Sheep are a source of two items.
Its fleece is used is used to make wool. And its meat is a popular food for humans.

Especially that of the lamb. Meat from the mature sheep is called mutton.

As I mentioned before, there are many birds to be found here are Lake Vyrnwy.

Some of which are very tame indeed. Just look at this friendly Robin.

He is such a brave little bird. Taking grain straight from Mr Steve’s hand.

This particular bird has very good table manners – don’t you think? Isn’t nature fun?

I hoped you have enjoyed my little tour around Lake Vyrnwy and that you will join me again for another lesson very soon.

This is Misterduncan in Wales saying, thank you for watching me, teaching you and of course ta-ta for now.

Escaping to the countryside is the perfect way to relax yourself.

Wales is a beautiful place indeed and attracts thousands of people to its picturesque valleys every year.

Lake Vyrnwy is a heaven for those who want to leave the crazy world behind even if it is just for a few days.

I will definitely be returning here again very soon. Maybe someday you will get a chance to visit here. I hope so.