Top 11 Lakes around Llwydcoed
Best lakes around Llwydcoed are primarily reservoirs located in the surrounding Taff Fawr Valleys area. These bodies of water provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and nature observation. The region features several notable reservoirs, including Llwyn-on Reservoir, Pontsticill Reservoir, and Lluest-wen Reservoir. These areas are known for their trails and natural features, attracting visitors seeking outdoor recreation and Llwydcoed lakes walks.
Best lakes around Llwydcoed
- The most popular lakes is Pontsticill Reservoir, a man-made lake that serves as a starting point for numerous hiking and biking trails. It features a trail that loops around the entire reservoir, with both tarmac and gravel sections.
- Another must-see spot is Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam, a large reservoir covering 150 acres. Visitors can experience conifer forests along its shoreline and observe various wildlife, including otters and different bird species.
- Visitors also love Lake at Dare Valley Country Park, a lake within a country park. This location offers a visitor centre and cafe, providing facilities for those exploring the area.
- Llwydcoed is known for its reservoirs and natural pools. These include large man-made lakes and smaller natural water features, offering a variety of water bodies to see and explore.
- The lakes around Llwydcoed are appreciated by the komoot community, with 53 upvotes and 50 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
Pontsticill Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam
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Llwyn-on Reservoir
Highlight • Forest
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Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall
Highlight • Structure
Back in 1929 the place set a maximum daily rainfall record for Wales, with 211mm of rain recorded. You have been warned!
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Pontsarn Blue Pool
Highlight • Natural
At the bridge, head downstream on the right bank, following the path, to reach the Pontsarn Blue Pool. The path can be followed as far as desired beyond here, through the nature reserve. After some distance, there are a couple of paths leading up to the Taff Trail (such as one just before a weir in the river, 2 km downstream of the waterfall), which runs along the remains of a dismantled railway line.
The Taff Trail can be followed to the right, eventually crossing over the impressive Pontsarn Viaduct. 350 metres beyond there, a path on the left drops down to a footbridge over the river. On the other side, a path beside the river can be followed to the left, passing under the viaduct again, all the way back to the start of the walk.
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Tips from the Community
The water here is stunning in the sunlight. A good place to take a few moments to rest the legs.
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lovely . ( no phone signal ) bring yourself a drink and enjoy the view
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Nice picturesque reservoir with a great campsite just below it if you are on a bike or hiking tour.
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Zoe has given out a lot of the history of the dam. Let's just add a bit of local information to say that this is a hidden gem of a reservoir. Though well known by locals, it is still an under-visited location. There are lovely walks to be had either around it or through the adjacent forests, there is a cafe and a roadside service van with refreshments on the way around; and the trails are great. The forest views, quaint foot bridges, and views out over the water make it a very scenic area.
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A very pretty and accessible dam, the spillover makes it a lovely scenic addition to your loop of the reservoir or the nearby forest. There are lovely picnic areas on the way around the dam, some eating spots by way of a roadside 'scoff' van in a nearby lay-by on the eastern shore, and the cafe at Garwnant Visitor Centre on the north side of the reservoir.
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The Pontsticill Reservoir is filled by the Taf Fechan via the Pentwyn Reservoir directly upstream. It was built by damming the valley and completed in 1927. The aim was to supply drinking water for the increasingly populated area to the south. You can loop the reservoir for a nice gentle run or follow the longer Taff Trail up the western shore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Llwydcoed?
The lakes around Llwydcoed are primarily reservoirs located in the Taff Fawr Valleys area. These include large man-made lakes like Pontsticill Reservoir, Llwyn-on Reservoir, and Lluest-wen Reservoir, as well as smaller natural water features like Pontsarn Blue Pool.
Are there family-friendly activities at the lakes near Llwydcoed?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Pontsticill Reservoir has picnic areas and a cafe at the Garwnant Visitor Centre. The Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam area is also considered family-friendly, offering opportunities for nature observation. The West Shore Road at Pontsticill Reservoir provides a tarmac route suitable for cycling.
What natural features can I observe around the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural features. At Llwyn-on Reservoir, you can experience conifer forests along the shoreline and observe various wildlife, including otters, great crested grebes, goldeneye, goosander, and coot. Pontsticill Reservoir is known for its stunning scenic beauty and serves as a starting point for numerous trails.
Are there historical points of interest at the reservoirs?
Yes, Lluest-wen Reservoir has a notable history, constructed in 1898. It gained national attention in 1969 due to a major leak and holds the Welsh record for maximum daily rainfall from 1929. The dam wall itself is considered very pretty and accessible.
What kind of hiking and cycling trails are available near the lakes?
The lakes offer a variety of trails. Pontsticill Reservoir is a starting point for many hiking and biking trails, including a loop around the entire reservoir with both tarmac and gravel sections. The West Shore Road offers a tarmac cycleway. You can find more detailed routes for cycling around Llwydcoed here and easy hikes here.
Where can I find easy walks around the Llwydcoed lakes?
For easy walks, consider the trails around Pontsticill Reservoir, which offers scenic routes. The Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall also forms part of attractive loops for walking. You can explore various easy hiking routes in the area by visiting the Easy hikes around Llwydcoed guide.
Are there running trails near the lakes around Llwydcoed?
Yes, there are several running trails. For example, a challenging route includes the 'View of Aberdare Valley – Lluest-Wen Reservoir loop from Aberdare'. You can find more running options in the Running Trails around Llwydcoed guide.
What facilities are available at the reservoirs?
Pontsticill Reservoir is well-equipped with picnic areas, a 'scoff' van for food, and a cafe at the Garwnant Visitor Centre on its north side. Llwyn-on Reservoir also has the Garwnant Visitor Centre nearby for refreshments.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Llwydcoed?
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities. Many enjoy the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, the opportunities for wildlife observation, and the peaceful atmosphere of the conifer forests. The stunning views across Pontsticill Reservoir are particularly popular.
Is there a specific lake known for cycling?
Pontsticill Reservoir is highly regarded for cycling. Its western shore features a tarmac road, ideal for picking up speed, while the eastern shore offers a gravel track. The West Shore Road specifically provides a fun tarmac alternative with great viewpoints.
Are there any hidden gems or unique spots among the lakes?
While not a large lake, Pontsarn Blue Pool is a unique natural feature. It's a lovely spot to sit and rest, located along the Taff Trail and part of a nature reserve, offering a different kind of water experience compared to the larger reservoirs.
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