Top 8 Lakes around Llannon

The Swiss Valley Reservoir (Lower Lliedi Reservoir) is excellent for both. It features a two-mile woodland walk and is part of the Swiss Valley Cycle Route, which is also National Cycle Route 47. You can enjoy a traffic-free path between Llanelli and Cross Hands. Additionally, Penllergare Valley Woods offers over 12km of walks, including the old Carriage Drive, around its two historic lakes.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. The Swiss Valley Reservoir (Lower Lliedi Reservoir) is popular for its easy walks and cycling paths. Penllergare Valley Woods, with its extensive woodland trails and historic features, is also a great family destination. For wildlife enthusiasts, the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre offers engaging birdwatching opportunities for all ages.

The WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre is a prime location, known for its diverse bird species, including native herons and Caribbean flamingoes. The Swiss Valley Reservoirs are also good for birdwatching and general wildlife spotting. Penllergare Valley Woods is an 'oasis of biodiversity,' home to kingfishers, dippers, otters, and European eels, with vibrant bluebells and wood anemones in spring and summer.

Penllergare Valley Woods is a significant historic site, once a Victorian estate owned by John Dillwyn Llewelyn. It features a spectacular man-made waterfall on the River Llan, created in 1839, and two historic lakes. The Swiss Valley Reservoirs themselves have historical significance as they were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to supply water to Llanelli and Llannon.

At the Swiss Valley Reservoir (Lower Lliedi Reservoir), you can enjoy regulated angling with a permit, as well as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Organized tours are available, or you can self-launch with permission. LiveFree Adventures operates from Swiss Valley, offering equipment hire and courses.

The Swiss Valley Reservoirs offer relatively easy walking paths. The Swiss Valley Cycle Route, which passes the reservoir, is a traffic-free path. For the Lower Lliw Reservoir, there is an accessible path to the South that leads to the Upper Reservoir, though the circular path closer to the shoreline has steep steps in places. Penllergare Valley Woods also has extensive woodland walks, some of which are suitable for various mobility levels.

Car parks are available at the Swiss Valley Reservoirs, with the Lower Lliedi Reservoir car park conveniently located off the A476 Llannon Road. Penllergare Valley Woods also offers a paid car park for visitors.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the vibrant bluebells and wood anemones in Penllergare Valley Woods and for water activities at Swiss Valley. Autumn offers stunning colors in the woodlands. The area is also popular for winter walking, offering a different kind of tranquil beauty.

Penllergare Valley Woods has a community-run coffee shop on-site. For the Upper Lliw Reservoir, there is a cafe in the car park, but note that it only takes cash. The Swiss Valley area has amenities, and efforts are being made to improve visitor facilities, though public toilets have been intermittently closed.

Beyond walking and cycling, you can explore various routes. For mountain biking, consider the MTB Trails around Llannon, which include routes like the 'Mynydd Pysgodlyn – Lower Lliw Reservoir and Café loop'. Running enthusiasts can find trails in the Running Trails around Llannon guide, such as the 'Llyn Llech Owain Lake – Cwtsh Y Coed Café loop'. For general cycling, the Cycling around Llannon guide offers options like the 'Swiss Valley Cycle Path – Cwm Lliedi Reservoir loop'.

Many of the walking trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. The two-mile woodland walk around the Swiss Valley Reservoirs is popular with dog-walkers. Penllergare Valley Woods also welcomes dogs on its extensive woodland trails, making it a great spot for a walk with your canine companion.

The Lower Lliw Reservoir is set amidst stunning mountain scenery and is surrounded by diverse habitats including bracken, scrub, grass, and woodland. This supports a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birding. Keep an eye out for Peregrine, Kestrel, Raven, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Whinchat, Red Kite, and Curlew, all of which have been spotted here.