Llyn Alwen Reservoir Loop

In a remarkable collaboration between Conwy Council, The Forestry Commission, Welsh water and Denbighshire Council, we embarked on a project to craft an intricate network of pathways around the scenic Alwen reservoir. This endeavour involved seamlessly connecting existing forest roads to create a unified and easily navigable loop encircling the Alwen reservoir.

With a commitment to both efficiency and environmental responsibility, we made thoughtful choices when selecting quarry sites around the Alwen reservoir for rock excavation. Out of the three available sites, we focused our efforts on just two. This strategic decision allowed us to construct roughly 7,000 meters of new pathways while maintaining the area’s natural beauty and minimizing our environmental impact.

Our work encompassed a wide range of terrains, from densely forested sections to open moorland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The process involved carefully excavating pathways to find solid ground beneath and then overlaying them with a variety of rock types. These ranged from unprocessed large rocks to provide a stable footing, to finely processed stones for the finished footpath surfaces. In areas designated as SSSI, where excavation was restricted, we employed a method involving laying a material substrate directly over vegetation before topping it with processed stone sourced from on-site quarries.

One particularly soft area posed a unique challenge. To navigate an ancient peat bog, we designed and constructed a wooden floating structure, elevating the path above the delicate ecosystem. Our ability to devise innovative solutions for the varied terrain of the Alwen Reservoir project reflects our commitment to precision and expertise.

The remote location and harsh winter conditions demanded a diverse array of machinery. Specialist tracked dumpers facilitated stone delivery along the entire track while minimizing disruption to the surrounding woodland and its inhabitants. Mini diggers handled path excavation, while larger machines were assigned to areas with hard standing for quarry work. A specialized team provided the essential crusher and large excavators necessary to efficiently supply the thousands of tonnes of stone required for the project.

Water management stood as a pivotal aspect throughout the project, underscoring our commitment to both sustainability and environmental stewardship. A series of strategically placed culverts were installed, playing a multifaceted role in the ecosystem. Not only did these culverts ensure the long-term sustainability of the newly constructed pathways, but they also acted as guardians of the surrounding environment channeling the natural flow of water while safeguarding the delicate balance of aquatic life within the reservoir’s ecosystem.