Top 8 Lakes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
Lakes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine are nestled in the heart of Wales, providing access to distinct bodies of water. The region features Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales, recognized for its ecological importance and historical significance. Talybont Reservoir, a large man-made stillwater, offers scenic beauty and extensive trails within the Brecon Beacons. These lakes contribute to the area's natural landscape, providing diverse opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine
- The most popular lakes is Talybont Reservoir, a man-made lake that is the largest reservoir in the Brecon Beacons. It is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, offering a pleasant place to spend time.
- Another must-see spot is Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan), the largest natural lake in South Wales. It is a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts and offers opportunities for boating, with permits required.
- Visitors also love Tor y Foel Summit, a summit rising above Talybont Reservoir. Its unique position makes it a vantage point for views of the Central Beacons massif.
- Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine is known for both natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. Visitors can explore ancient natural lakes and modern reservoirs, each offering different experiences.
- The lakes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 photos and over 30 upvotes across various highlights.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Tor y Foel Summit
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Talybont Reservoir Gravel Climb
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Talybont Reservoir
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Seventeen dwellings (including farms) were co-opted during its construction.
Despite its man-made nature, it's a very pleasant place to spend some time.
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Grwyne Fawr Reservoir
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Gwyne Fawr Reservoir -is located in the valley of the river Grwyne Fawr in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. Completed in 1928, it has the capacity to hold 400,000,000 imperial gallons of water... There were Serious water shortages in most parts of the historic county of Monmouthshire. In fact By the end of the 19th-century, The area had seen a massive population increase as a result of the steel and coal industries but the supply of water to the area was complicated due to its high altitude. A site for a New Reservoir was chosen at the head of the Grwyne Fawr Valley mainly because at the height of, 1,725 ft / 526m above sea level making it the perfect plan with it being high enough to allow all of the Reservoirs water to be freely gravity fed to Abertillery and the surrounding areas. Work started 1912, but immediately hit numerous problems.
The road up the valley could not take the weight of the heavy traction engines used for haulage. So It was decided that a new railway would be required. Then hit the first world war and proceedings were put on hold. Work recommenced 1919, the railway was completed, connected to the main line at Llanvihangel Crucorney. A village of construction workers and their families grew in the valley at Blaen-y-cwm. A community of some 300 people lived there with a hostel, canteen, day school, police station and hospital. Workmen quarried 200,000 tons of sandstone for the construction of the dam. Large boulders weighing up to 5 tons each were set in concrete to form the dam, which is 130 feet thick at its base, the walls were then faced with dressed stone. A 16-inch diameter steel pipeline was tunnelled through Coity Mountain carrying water to a holding reservoir in Cwmtillery.
The dam was finally completed in February 1928, after which the railway and structures that served its construction were quickly dismantled including the workers village. The total cost of construction was reported to be £1 million.
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Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan)
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Tips from the Community
Talybont Reservoir is a great asset to the local scenery and is easy on the eye. It is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, but it is disappointing that this big water source can't be used for water recreation purposes.
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I have been coming up here now for about forty years. There are a variety of routes to here, but each one brings you to this one spot. These lumps of stone and the views are drop-dead gorgeous. Top it off with a visit to the pub afterwards, and it's a good day out. It's also a good run—before you get to the pub, of course!
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A fantastic long, slightly downhill gravel stretch high above Talybont Reservoir, this trail delivers both in terms of adrenaline and views! The track is wide and mostly quiet, though the gravel can be loose and a bit chunky in sections, so a gravel bike, sturdy tourer or mountain bike is best.
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Llangasty (St Gastyn's Church). A lovely place to stop on the southern shore of the largest natural lake in south Wales.
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Grwyne Fawr Reservoir nestles in the valley below Waun Fach, the highest summit in the Black Mountains range on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. At the reservoir's northern end a bothy, run by the Mountain Bothies Association, is available for free overnight stays with basic facilities. The reservoir itself is a peaceful place, built in the early 20th century but since decommissioned so it no longer supplies drinking water.
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Highly recommend ❤️ Gwyne Fawr Reservoir -is located in the valley of the river Grwyne Fawr in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. Completed in 1928, it has the capacity to hold 400,000,000 imperial gallons of water... There were Serious water shortages in most parts of the historic county of Monmouthshire. In fact By the end of the 19th-century, The area had seen a massive population increase as a result of the steel and coal industries but the supply of water to the area was complicated due to its high altitude. A site for a New Reservoir was chosen at the head of the Grwyne Fawr Valley mainly because at the height of, 1,725 ft / 526m above sea level making it the perfect plan with it being high enough to allow all of the Reservoirs water to be freely gravity fed to Abertillery and the surrounding areas. Work started 1912, but immediately hit numerous problems. The road up the valley could not take the weight of the heavy traction engines used for haulage. So It was decided that a new railway would be required. Then hit the first world war and proceedings were put on hold. Work recommenced 1919, the railway was completed, connected to the main line at Llanvihangel Crucorney. A village of construction workers and their families grew in the valley at Blaen-y-cwm. A community of some 300 people lived there with a hostel, canteen, day school, police station and hospital. Workmen quarried 200,000 tons of sandstone for the construction of the dam. Large boulders weighing up to 5 tons each were set in concrete to form the dam, which is 130 feet thick at its base, the walls were then faced with dressed stone. A 16-inch diameter steel pipeline was tunnelled through Coity Mountain carrying water to a holding reservoir in Cwmtillery. The dam was finally completed in February 1928, after which the railway and structures that served its construction were quickly dismantled including the workers village. The total cost of construction was reported to be £1 million.
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Great way to get up without tackling the tramway
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine unique?
The region offers a blend of natural and man-made lakes. You can explore Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan), the largest natural lake in South Wales, known for its ecological importance and historical crannog. Additionally, Talybont Reservoir, a significant man-made stillwater, provides scenic beauty and extensive trails within the Brecon Beacons.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
Llangorse Lake is a haven for wildlife. Visitors often spot water voles, otters, and a diverse array of birds such as warblers, coots, swallows, swifts, and large flocks of Canada geese. A bird hide is available for optimal viewing.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, near the shore of Llangorse Lake lies a partially reconstructed 10th-century crannog, a man-made island stronghold, which is the only one of its kind in Wales or England. It is believed to have been a residence of the King of Brycheiniog. Additionally, the area around Tor y Foel Summit, overlooking Talybont Reservoir, is home to an Iron Age hillfort.
What activities can I do at Llangorse Lake?
Llangorse Lake is perfect for wildlife observation, gentle strolls, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. You can also enjoy boating and fishing, though a permit is required for both, and some areas are not accessible by boat due to private ownership. Species like pike, bream, tench, perch, eels, and roach are present for fishing.
Are there walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, both lakes offer walking opportunities. Talybont Reservoir is encircled by hiking and biking trails, including a 9.5km easy route perfect for a tranquil walk through a forest setting. While you cannot walk all the way around Llangorse Lake due to private ownership, there are accessible areas for gentle strolls. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Buckland Hill Trig Point loop from Bwlch' or 'Mynedd Llangorse & Cefen Moel loop from Cwmdu' which are nearby. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine guide.
Are there family-friendly walking options near the lakes?
Yes, the 9.5km route around Talybont Reservoir is considered easy and suitable for families. Additionally, the accessible areas around Llangorse Lake offer gentle strolls. For other easy options, consider routes like the 'Buckland Hill Trig Point loop from Bwlch' or 'Bwlch Village – Buckland Hill Trig Point loop from Bwlch' which are nearby. More family-friendly routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Llanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And Cathedine guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in this region?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like walking, boating, and wildlife viewing, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a serene, quiet experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Can I use the lakes for water recreation like swimming or paddleboarding?
While Llangorse Lake allows boating with a permit, Talybont Reservoir, despite its beauty, is generally not used for water recreation purposes due to its function as a water supply.
Where can I find panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding area?
For stunning panoramic views, consider ascending Tor y Foel Summit, which rises above Talybont Reservoir. Its unique position offers a fine vantage point for taking in the Central Beacons massif and the reservoir itself. The Talybont Reservoir Gravel Climb also offers stunning views halfway up looking back down over the reservoir.
Are the lakes accessible by public transport?
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the lakes can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for services to nearby villages like Llangorse or Talybont-on-Usk, and plan for potential walks or taxi services to reach the lake shores. For detailed information on public transport in Wales, you might find resources on Visit Wales helpful.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the tranquility and scenic beauty of Talybont Reservoir and its surrounding trails. Llangorse Lake is highly valued for its abundant wildlife, opportunities for boating, and its unique historical significance with the crannog. The area's natural landscape and varied outdoor activities are consistently highlighted.
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