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WELSH BORDERS - 29/08/11

Photographs from around the Welsh Borders, including Lake Vyrnwy, Whittington Castle and Pistyll Rhaeadr, the tallest single drop waterfall in the UK are featured on this latest update to Boots and Paws.

The first few images on this page feature Lake Vyrnwy located in Mid-Wales, in the North of Powys and to the south of Bala. The lake is known for its spectacular scenery and impressive waterfalls falling into the Lake, in total there are 31 streams, waterfalls, and rivers that flow into Lake Vyrnwy. The Lake was created by the Victorians who built a dam to flood the valley and submerged Llanwddyn Village to supply water to the Merseyside area. The photo on the left above shows the reservoir's straining tower and aqueduct which was built to filter the water before beginning its journey along the aqueduct to Merseyside.
More photos of Lake Vyrnwy above include the dam that took 7 years to construct commencing in 1881. The lake created is 4.75 miles long and is Severn Trent's largest reservoir. A road runs around the perimeter which is very popular with visitors to the area for walking and cycling and is 11.75 miles in length.
A little off the beaten track but well worth a visit is Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall located in Powys, near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant. The waterfall, (right photograph) is the highest in Wales and England at 74m high. After heavy rainfall the waterfall is an impressive sight as it drops through the mountains, it is counted as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Another view of the picturesque Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall and the final two photographs taken back in England and show Whittington Castle near Oswestry in Shropshire. The romantic ruins of the Norman Home are thought to be the only castle in England which is run by the community. A popular tourist destination, the Castle is today utilized for a variety of uses including weddings and functions and has a tearoom and bookshop for visitors.