A Guide to Recreation Around the Reservoirs of Wales

Recreation 2012 Artwork (e).indd 1 22/05/2012 11:39

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6 789 13

1210

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A470

A470A470

A470

A470

A44

A487

A40

A40

A40

A40

A40

A465

A48

M4

M4

A465A465

A465A449A449

A48

A4042A4042

A487

A5

A470

A55

A483A483

A5

A470

A458

A470

A470

A483A483

A483

A487A487

A55A55A55A550A550

AmlwchAmlwch

HolyheadHolyheadHolyheadHolyheadHolyhead4

Holyhead4

LlandudnoLlandudno

BangorBangorBangor

Caernarfon

DenbighDenbighDenbigh MoldMold

BalaTrawsfynyddTrawsfynyddPwllheliPwllheli

Aberystwyth

RhayaderRhayader

FishguardFishguard

HaverfordwestHaverfordwestHaverfordwestHaverfordwest

Milford HavenMilford Haven

Carmarthen

LlanelliLlanelliSwanseaSwansea

Merthyr Tyd�lMerthyr Tyd�l

BreconBrecon

Ebbw ValeEbbw ValeEbbw Vale

PontypoolPontypoolPontypool

NewportNewport

Cardi�Cardi�BridgendBridgend

Port Talbot

DeesideDeeside

WrexhamWrexhamWrexham

NewtownNewtownNewtownNewtown

AbergavennyAbergavennyAbergavennyAbergavenny

Key to Symbols for site descriptions and maps

Picnic area

Boat hire

Sailing

Diving

280

Acres

360

Height above sea level in feet

Canoeing

Waterskiing

Windsur� ng

Parking

Toilets

Restaurant/Cafeteria

Bird hide

Disabled facilities

Mountain bike hire1 Llyn Alaw 6 Usk 11 Llandegfedd

2 Alwen 7 Beacons 12 Pentwyn (Dol-y-Gaer)

3 Llyn Brenig 8 Cantref 13 Pontsticill

4 Cefni 9 Llwyn Onn 14 Elan Valley Estate

5 Llys-yr-Frân 10 Talybont

0800 085 3968SEE IT • REPORT IT • STOP IT

SEWAGE POLLUTION

Locations


Recreation withDŵr CymruWelsh Water

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water owns 91 reservoirs varying in size from 2 acres to 1,026 acres and manages what is probably the single largest group of still water trout � sheries in the UK. As well as o� ering � shing, many of the sites have a wide range of recreation facilities on and around each reservoir.

Watersports are particularly popular and include: sailing, canoeing, sailboarding and sub-aqua. At some sites equipment hire and tuition are available. For those who prefer to stay on dry land: walking on the many way marked paths and trails; bird watching with the use of bird hides; and access to the Visitor Centres with exhibitions, gift shops and restaurants; provide lots to see and do.

WatersportsSailing and Board Sailing available at Llyn Brenig, Llandegfedd, Llys-y-Frân, Pontsticill.

Canoeing available at Llyn Brenig, Llys-y-Frân, Pontsticill and Llandegfedd (organised groups) only by prior arrangements.

Sub aqua available at: Llandegfedd and Llys-y-frân.

N.B. Sub-aqua diving by prior application only. Divers must be part of a group and a member of WASAC/BASAC.

Water ski training available at: Alwen

Visitor CentresLlyn Alaw, Llyn Brenig, Elan Valley and Llys-y-Frân.

Other FacilitiesInformation on paths and trails, picnic sites, car parks and any sites of archaeological interest are given for each reservoir entry in this booklet.

ConservationWelsh Water has initiated a number of projects at its reservoirs in order to improve the environment including re-planting with deciduous trees and the creation of ponds and ‘wild� ower meadows’. Sites of Special Scienti� c Interest can be found at: Llyn Alaw, Llyn Brenig, Elan Valley, Talybont, Llandegfedd and Llys-y-Frân.

Facilities for the DisabledProvision is made for disabled people at a number of reservoirs, ranging from special boats for anglers and sailors to visitor centres, paths and viewpoints accessible to both wheelchair and ambulant disabled people.

The location and facilities available are separately identi� ed in this booklet.

Corresponence

General enquiries should be referred to the appropriate Area Lands Manager at the address given below.

Llyn Alaw, Alwen, Llyn Brenig, CefniArea Lands Manager, Visitor Centre,Brenig Reservoir, Cerrigydrudion,

Nr Corwen, LL21 9TTTel: (01490) 420463

Elan Valley EstateArea Lands Manager,Elan Valley Visitor Centre,

Elan Valley, Rhayader,Powys, LD6 5HPTel: (01597) 810880

Beacons, Cantref, Llwyn Onn,

Llandegfedd, Talybont, Usk

and PontsticillArea Lands Manager,Sluvad Treatment Works,

Llandegfedd Reservoir,

New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 0TATel: (01495) 769281

Llys-y-FrânArea Lands Manager, Visitor Centre,Llys-y-Frân Reservoir,Clarbeston Road,Pembrokeshire, SA63 4RR

Tel: (01437) 532732 or(01437) 532694


1Llyn Alaw

200 777

The reservoir lies amongst Anglesey’s rolling pastures and is only accessible along � ower lined country lanes.

Llyn Alaw, Llantrisiant,Holyhead.Tel: (01407) 730 762Fax: (01407) 730 037

FACILITIESVisitor CentreOpen all year 8.00am - dusk, 7 days.

ExhibitionFree exhibition featuring natural history, � shing and water supply.

Paths and TrailsA grass path follows most of the lake perimeter and links with circular paths on farmland. Wild � owers, dragon� ies and butter� ies are abundant in summer. Landscaped picnic site and wildlife pond.

Bird HidesTwo bird hides give views of autumn � ocks of mallard and wigeon and smaller numbers of Shoveler, Goldeneye and Whooper swans. Autumn is also the best time for � ocks of curlew and golden plover on the mud banks. In summer, passing raptors make this an important site.

ConservationThis award winning conservation site is designated as a Site of Special Scienti� c Interest due to the wildfowl and wader populations. A comprehensive conservation strategy includes hedge planting, creation of hay meadows and building nesting rafts and boxes.

TOAMLWCH

B5111

Llanerchymedd

Rhosgoch

P

P

PPWC

P


Alwen

1,150 368

Alwen reservoir lies in a narrow heather and tree lined valley high on the Denbigh moors.

WATERSKI TRAINING CENTREThe club o� ers opportunities to ski and train using the club’s pollution-free gas powered boat.

Season: Apr - Oct.

Equipment hire: Skiboat can be hired by organised groups. Boats can be hired with driver by negotiation.

Additional InformationApplications to:Paul Roberts, 19 Glyndwr Road, Wrexham, LL12 8DG

Tel: (01978) 233 519 or 07710 186 662

FACILITIESLakeside clubhouse car parking and slalom course.

Picnic areas/viewpointsA picnic site with tables overlooking the impressive masonry dam, completed in 1916. The herb-rich grassland with its southerly aspect supports some unusual butter� ies and moths.

Walking and Cycling TrailThere is a cycling and walking trail around Alwen (7.5 miles), or for the more adventurous the opportunity to combine a circuit of both Alwen and Brenig (15 miles). Start from either the car park at Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre or at the Alwen dam.

2

TO DENBIGH

Skiing Area

WaterskiWaterski Centre Centre Centre Centre

TO CERRIGYDRUDION

A543

B4501

P

P

P


Llyn Brenig

1,200 920

A large lake, surrounded by heather moorland and spruce forests.

SAILINGSeason: Apr - Nov

Additional InformationThe extended clubhouse has storage and mooring facilities nearby. A special trimaran is available for disabled sailors.

Contact: David Waltho, (01745) 550506. Web: www.llynbrenigsc.co.uk

WALKINGSeason: All year.

Additional InformationRound the lake circuit walk: allow 4 hours for 10.5 miles.

FACILITIESVisitor CentreOpen all year, with extended opening during the � shing season.

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre,Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, LL21 9TT

Tel: (01490) 420 463Fax: (01490) 420 694Email: [email protected]

Cafe and ShopOpen all year, closed Christmas day. Panoramic views of the lake.

ExhibitionWalk through exhibition tells the story of Llyn Brenig.

Paths and TrailsA ½ mile and 1¼ mile nature trail o� ers glimpses of Llyn Brenig’s wildlife.

Picnic Areas/ViewpointsBryn Maen has outstanding views of Snowdonia and the Berwyns, and there is a stream side picnic site at Pont y Brenig.

Bird HidesMallard, teal, goldeneye and goosander seen in October and November. Also, hen harrier, merlin and peregrine.

ConservationMost of the moorland around Brenig is in the Mynydd Hiraethog Site of Special Scienti� c Interest. Moorland management scheme is regenerating black grouse.

Sites of Archaeological InterestBronze age man used Brenig as a burial ground constructing cairn � elds. Foundations of a 16th century farmhouses also form part of the site’s archaeological trail, (2 miles).

Adventure PlaygroundFree usage.

3

A543

B4501

B4501

P

P

P

P

P

P

WC

WC


Cefni

150 172

A secluded reservoir sheltered by coniferous forests lying 1½ miles north of Llangefni.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsFootpaths from the car park follow the north west and south east shores of the reservoir. Red admirals, ringlet and other butter� ies frequent the forest rides.

The surrounding woods resonate to the sound of warblers in summer. Crossbills and siskins are present all year. Migrant hawker and golden ringed dragon� ies are regulars.

Bird HidesClose views of whooper swan, tufted duck, pochard, grebe and ruddy duck in winter.

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BodforddBodfordd

LlangefniLlangefni

B5109

B5111

RAILWAYLINE

P


Llys-y-Frân

310 212

Llys-y-Frân reservoir is set in a peaceful country park of grass and mature woodland with picturesque views of the nearby Preseli Hills.

FACILITIESFor more details on any of the following activities, please telephone: (01437) 532694/532732.

DINGHY, BOARD SAILING AND CANOEINGSeason: March to October.

Equipment hire: Not available.

Charges: Day launch £6.00 per craft, evening launch £5.00 per craft, group launch £5.00, rowing £7.00 per boat.

Canoeing by pre-arrangement only (own insurance cover must be provided, proof of which will be requested before permit is issued).

CYCLING/WALKING/BIRDWATCHINGSeason: All year. Walking and Birdwatching.

Cycling: March - October. Use of own cycle £1 season track permit £25.

Equipment hire: Mountain bikes, charges: 1.5hrs - £5.00, 2.5hrs - £8.50, 2hrs - £6.75, 3hrs - £10.00. Plus £1 extra for each additional half hour.

Restaurant/CafeteriaOpen daily from March to October (from 10.00). Available for special functions by prior arrangement. Sunday lunch available for Winter/Spring period, ring for details on (01437) 532694.

Shop: The craft and gift shop is open from March to October (from 08.00) and for restricted hours in November and December.

Paths and TrailsThe circular footpath is approx 6½ miles and includes a self-guided nature trail (lea� et available) Adventure playgrounds - two, adjacent to the visitor centre. A disabled accessible trail is now open within the wooded area south of the Stilling Basin.

Sites of Historic InterestA derelict cottage - birth place of William Rowlands, composer of the famous Welsh hymn ‘Blaen Wern’. A monument located near to the cottage, was commissioned by Welsh Water in March 1993.

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CLARBESTONROAD

TOHAVERFORDWEST

TOHAVERFORDWEST

Llys-y-FrLlys-y-Frân

B4329

B4313

B4313

TO NARBERTHAND A40

TOCARDIGANTO

FISHGUARDNew Inn

Maenclochog

P

P

WC


Usk

1,050 280

A large upland reservoir surrounded by forest and moorland and situated in the upper reaches of the Usk Valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

CANOEINGCanoeing for organised groups only, subject to arrangement and availability.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsPublic footpaths and cycle track around reservoir.

ConservationCommon woodland and wildfowl bird species includes tufted duck and pochard. The remote upland location of the reservoir provides undisturbed habitat for a wide range of � ora and fauna. Red kite are fairly common.

For information:Tel: (01495) 769281.

6

TO TRECASTLEand A404(T)

PWC


Beacons

1,400 52

The reservoir is situated at the head of the Ta� Valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsAccess to Navvies Line and the Ta� Trail from car park below the dam.

ConservationSome interesting passage birds. Common wildfowl, woodland and moorland species present as well as the occasional visiting osprey in spring and autumn.

Sites of Archaeological InterestFeatures include remains of longhouses that become visible during periods of low water level. One building overlooking the Ta� Fawr has foundations of massive weathered slabs. The other is constructed similarly and is set at right angles to the base wall. Flint tools have been found.

Do not approach remains - serious danger of deep mud.

7

A470(T)

TO BRECON

TOMERTHYRTYDFIL

CantrefReservoir

A4059P


Cantref

1,000 42

Situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounded by coniferous woodland.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsPublic footpath crosses dam and links with Navvies Line and Ta� Trail paths.

ConservationWildfowl and woodland species including tufted duck and pochard may be seen. Mature conifer plantations on the north, east and west banks of the reservoir have been felled and replaced with mixed woodlands of native broadleaves and some conifer species.

8

TO BRECON

To BeaconsReservoir

A470(T)

TOMERTHYRTYDFIL

Llwyn OnnReservoir

P

P

P

WC

WC


Llwyn Onn

800 150

A large reservoir attractively located in the Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounded by woodland.

Area O� ce: (01495) 769281

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsA variety of guided walks or way marked routes available, o� ering splendid views, through picnic areas, etc. Environmental sculptures to be found on both Wern and Willow walks at the Garwnant Centre. The Ta� Trail provides an important link between Cefn Coed and Brecon reservoir. Footpaths available around Garwnant and Llwyn Onn, one bird hide.

ConservationCommon wildfowl and woodland species may be seen, as well as interesting species such as king� sher, dipper and over-wintering water rail. Passage periods can produce uncommon species including waders when water levels are suitable, and osprey.

.

9

TOPENDERYN

A470(T)

P

P

P

P

P

P

WC TO BRECON

TOMERTHYRTYDFIL


Talybont

620 318

A picturesque reservoir set in a wooded valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

LOCAL NATURE RESERVEWelsh Water is developing a small nature reserve on the site of the former camp site in conjunction with the National Park and local community. The site will include wildflower meadows, two small ponds, improved hedgerows and a community orchard.

There will be parking for two or three cars near the interpretation panels together with a small number of picnic tables which will be available for use by visitors. These will be accessible by wheelchairs.

Camping is not permitted within the reservoir boundary.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsPublic right of way across dam and footpaths linking with Ta� Trail adjacent to the east bank.

Camping is not permitted within the reservoir boundary.

Picnic Areas/ViewpointsViewpoint at west bank car park.

ConservationReservoir designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest and local nature reserve. An important area for wintering wildfowl and passage migrants which may be viewed from the road. The area is botanically interesting. One bird hide suitable for the disabled.

10

TO BRECON

B4558

Dol-y-gaerReservoir P

WC


Llandegfedd

280 429

A large reservoir set in the beautiful rolling landscapes of east Gwent.

Rangers: Mar - Oct (01291) 673722

Winter: Nov - Feb(01495) 769281

Sailing School: (01291) 673002

SAILING AND BOARDSAILINGSeason: 1 Mar - 31 Oct

SailboardsAdult season: £130.00Day permit: £7.00Evening permit: £5.50

DinghiesAnnual: £175.00(second craft £120.00)

Season: £150.00(second craft £95.00)

School annual: £120.00School season: £100.00

Winter storage: £65.00

Day permit: £7.00Evening permit: £5.50

Equipment HireAvailable from the sailing school on site.

Additional InformationSafety boat cover available. Buoyancy aids and insurance covering third party liability essential.

CANOEINGCanoeing for organised groups only, subject to arrangement and availability.

GENERAL ACCESSSeason: Mar - Oct.

BIRDWATCHINGSeason: Mar - Oct.Day: £2.00Season: £8.00

November – February, key access only to north end car park, keys available from Ranger’s o� ce at £5.00 each (season permit holders only).

11


A4042(T)

PontypoolPontypoolPontypool

Glascoed

Coed-y-paenCoed-y-paen

A472TO USK

P

P

P

WC

WC

WC

Additional InformationSite of Special Scienti� c Interest important for wintering wildfowl. Passage migrants present spring and autumn.

FACILITIESRefreshment kiosk in eastern car park. Shop at sailing school for permit holders.

Car ParksEastern, Sor Brook & Sluvad car parks for public use. Sailing Bay and North End car parks for permit holders only.Paths and Trails Pettingale, 1 mile self guided. Sor Brook, 1 mile self guided. Eastern car park ½ mile self guided.

Picnic Areas/ViewpointsEastern car park picnic area with toilets, viewpoint and interpretive panels. Sor Brook car park with open area.

ConservationDesignated as a Site of Special Scienti� c Interest in recognition of its value to over wintering wildfowl and passage migrants.


Pentwyn (Dol-y-Gaer)

750 96

An attractive reservoir set in a wooded valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

FACILITIESPicnic Areas/ViewpointsPicnic areas at Pentwyn car park with views over Ponsticill reservoir.

ConservationNorth end of the reservoir is designed as a conservation area. Wildfowl present in winter and some interesting passage birds including tufted duck, goldeneye, goosander and teal.

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TO TALYBONTRESERVOIR

P


Pontsticill

1,000 253

A large reservoir set in a wooded valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

SAILING AND BOARDSAILINGSeason: All year (subject to weather conditions).

Equipment hire: Not available.

Charges and Additional InformationMerthyr Tydfil Sailing Club. Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre provides sailing training, contact (01685) 721751.

CANOEINGSeason: All year.

Charges: Pre-booked organised groups only £3.50 per canoe. Apply to Llandegfedd office (01495) 769281.

Additional InformationDolygaer Outdoor Education Centre provides canoeing training for groups. Also available to organised groups by prior arrangement via office.

FACILITIESPaths and TrailsBridleway along part of east bank links with the Ta� Trail.

Picnic Areas/ViewpointsAt west bank and Llyngeren.

ConservationCommon wildfowl and woodland bird species area.

Sites of Archaeological InterestRemains of old buildings become visible when water level is low.

Do not approach remains - serious danger of deep mud.

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Pontsticill

TOMERTHYR

TYDFIL

BRECONMOUNTAIN

RAILWAY

P

P


Elan Valley Estate

2,000 1,500

The 45,000 acre Elan Estate is situated in an extremely picturesque part of Mid Wales close to the market town of Rhayader.

Information Desk:(01597) 810898

Rangers O� ce:(01597) 810 880

There are 6 reservoirs with a total area of 1,500 acres.

BIRDWATCHINGSeason: All year, best May/June

Charges: None.

Additional InformationHide at Dolymynach. A Special Protection Area under the European Wild Birds Directive. 180 species recorded. 80 breed annually.

WALKINGSeason: All year.Charges: None.

Additional InformationFrom the rangers’ o� ce.

Open access over 180 square kilometres. Nearly 180 kilometres of lea� eted walks from 1 to 15 kilometres as well as the Cnwch Wood Nature Trail and Elan Valley Trail. Picnic tables and bird watching at many locations.

FACILITIESVisitor CentreOpen all year, 10.00 - 17.30.

Cafe over looking the River Elan, shop, audio visual theatre, exhibition, on the wildlife, water supply and history of the area.

Picnic AreasMore than 50 picnic tables at car parks and beside the reservoirs. Large picnic areas surrounding the visitor centre by the River Elan.

Play AreaLarge, children’s play area by the visitor centre with swings, slides and climbing bars etc.

Nature ConservationAs well as being a Special Protection Area, the Elan Valley Estate has 12 Sites of Special Scienti� c Interest and Woodland and Upland Bog Special Areas of Conservation.

There are 80 hectares of oak woodlands, several � ower rich meadows, some large areas of heather moorland and important raised mires. The estate includes the 800 hectare Claerwen National Nature Reserve.

Extensive events programme and educational visits available throughout the year.

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A Guide to Recreation Around the Reservoirs of Wales

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