Best lakes around Glyn Tarell are situated within a picturesque valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys, Wales. This region is characterized by its dramatic moorland and steep ridges, offering a landscape shaped by natural and man-made water bodies. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes and reservoirs that provide access to walking trails and scenic viewpoints. The area presents opportunities to experience both natural glacial lakes and significant Victorian-era engineering.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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lovely . ( no phone signal ) bring yourself a drink and enjoy the view
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When coming off the mountain to go down towards the car park it’s quite a steep scramble and can be slippery
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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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Area with nice views over the former reservoir, a couple of lost places and newly set up path and benches - an interesting mix of old and new and still in transformation.
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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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Lower Neuadd Reservoir is located in the Brecon Beacons, 5km north of Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales. The reservoir, which is an embankment dam, was constructed in 1884. It is the middle of a cascade of three reservoirs, with Upper Neuadd situated 3km upstream of the much larger Pontsticill Reservoir. Lower Neuadd Reservoir had a capacity of 195,454m3 with a top water level of 427.6mOD. Lower Neuadd Reservoir was no longer used for water supply and did not form part of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Water Resources Management Plan. Furthermore, there was concern regarding the age of the dam and the deteriorating spillway channel. Taking this into consideration along with the high cost to bring the dam back into safe operations and to comply with the Measures in the Interest Of Safety (MIOS), it was proposed to discontinue Lower Neuadd Reservoir.
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Glyn Tarell offers a diverse range of water bodies, from natural glacial lakes to expansive man-made reservoirs. You can find remote mountain tarns like Llyn Cwm Llwch, known for its pristine glacial waters, and significant Victorian-era engineering marvels such as Talybont Reservoir and Pontsticill Reservoir.
Yes, Llyn Cwm Llwch is a notable natural glacial lake situated beneath Pen y Fan and Corn Du. It's a wild and remote spot, ideal for peaceful picnics, wild camping, and even wild swimming in its clear, fresh water. A local legend speaks of an enchanted island inhabited by fairies.
Near Llyn Cwm Llwch, you can find the Tommy Jones Memorial. This obelisk marks a historical spot where a young boy tragically died in 1900 and offers spectacular views on clear days. It was moved by the National Trust some years ago to its current location near the path.
Beacons Reservoir is a popular destination for trout fishing. However, please note that a permit is required for fishing activities. Swimming in Beacons Reservoir is generally not advised.
Yes, several reservoirs, including Pontsticill Reservoir and Talybont Reservoir, offer scenic surroundings with walking and biking trails suitable for families. The area around Talybont Reservoir, for instance, is known for its excellent trails and atmospheric forest tracks.
The lakes around Glyn Tarell are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, gravel biking, and mountain hikes. For example, there are routes like the 'Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk' for hiking, and 'Talybont Reservoir – Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal loop' for gravel biking. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Glyn Tarell and Gravel biking around Glyn Tarell guides.
For challenging hikes with spectacular views, consider the area around Lower Neuadd Reservoir. This area offers an upland mountain walk that takes you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons, including steep climbs and ridge walks. Be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather and ensure you have appropriate gear.
Llyn Cwm Llwch is a cherished spot for wild swimming, offering clear, fresh water for those seeking a refreshing dip. However, swimming in reservoirs like Beacons Reservoir is generally not advised.
Pontsticill Reservoir is a vast water store completed in 1927, offering scenic beauty and serving as a starting point for many hiking and biking trails. There is a trail that goes around the entire reservoir, though parts involve road walking. Visitors should be mindful of their belongings as thefts from unattended vehicles have been reported.
Yes, the area around Talybont Reservoir offers excellent gravel biking. The Talybont Reservoir Gravel Climb is a great alternative to the road, featuring a lovely gravel track that is part of the Taff Trail and provides stunning views. You can find more routes in the Gravel biking around Glyn Tarell guide.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning views, especially from spots like the Tommy Jones Memorial and along the Talybont Reservoir Gravel Climb. The extensive network of hiking and biking trails around reservoirs like Talybont Reservoir and Pontsticill Reservoir are also highly valued for their scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities.
The Brecon Beacons National Park, where Glyn Tarell is located, experiences changeable mountain weather. While beautiful year-round, visiting during clearer weather allows for the best enjoyment of the spectacular views. Always be prepared for sudden changes in conditions, especially on upland walks.


Still not found your perfect lake around Glyn Tarell? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.