A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
A Walker's Guide to
The Reservoirs of Wales
Raising funds to support
The Prince’s Trust
All net proceeds donated to The Prince’s Trust. A registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter, in England and Wales (1079675) and Scotland (SCO41198).
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Welcome to the Reservoirs of Wales! The reservoirs of Wales offer endless possibilities for pleasurable indulgence. They are set in wild, dramatic and beautiful landscapes and whether looked down on from soaring mountain tops, admired from lapping lakesides, or viewed from the cockpit of a kayak they offer the perfect setting for a great day out. Maybe you’re content standing at the waters edge, casting your fly and soaking in the peace and quiet. Perhaps you prefer feeling the surge of the boat beneath your feet as the wind gusts and the sails fill. Or possibly you just want to relax with family and friends, enjoying the facilities on offer and soaking up the warmth of the sun. No matter what you enjoy, you can find plenty to do. This guide is intended to give visitors all the information they need to enjoy five of the best reservoirs in Wales. For every reservoir there is a description of one or more walking routes which we hope you will enjoy, as well as details of facilities and activities on offer. The wildlife and scenery forms a spectacular backdrop for whatever you get up to.
Thank you for supporting our guide and The Prince’s Trust
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
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Contents Safety 4 Map of The Reservoirs
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A History of The Prince’s Trust
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Llys-y-Fran 7 Young Ambassador Jamie-Lee’s Story
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Pontsticill 12 Elan Valley Estate
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The Water Cycle
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Did You Know...
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Llyn Brenig
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Llyn Alaw
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Places to Stay
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Sponsors 33
Key Picnic area
Windsurfing
Boat hire
Parking
Sailing
Toilets
Acres
Restaurant/Cafeteria
Height above sea level in feet
Bird hide
Canoeing
Disabled facilities
Waterskiing
Mountain bike hire
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Safety No Swimming in the Reservoirs Every year people in Wales and the rest of the UK put themselves at risk of drowning when swimming in reservoirs. The ice cold water can cause shock, numbness and hypothermia. An average adult has only a 50/50 chance of surviving 50 minutes in water at 100C. Don’t take the chance of becoming another tragic statistic. Obey the warning signs at reservoirs.
"Don’t swim in the reservoirs. It just isn’t worth the risk." Leave no trace In the interest of safeguarding the environment, wildlife and the enjoyment of future visitors we ask that you take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time. Thank you. The outdoor environment The outdoor environment can be a dangerous place if appropriate care is not taken. Likewise outdoor activities such as hill walking, sailing and kayaking involve a certain amount of risk. It is essential that those taking part in activities in the outdoor environment are suitably experienced, or appropriately supervised, and that all have the relevant equipment required to participate safely.
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A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
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Five Reservoirs of Interest‌ Amlwch
Llyn Alaw
Llandudno
Holyhead
A55
A470
Bangor Caernarfon
Mold A483
Llyn Brenig
A487
Pwllheli
A550 A55
Denbigh
A5
Deeside
Wrexham
A5
Bala
Trawsfynydd A470
A458 A470 A483 A487
Newtown
A470 A44
Aberystwyth
A483
Rhayader
Elan Valley
A470
A487
Fishguard
A40 A40
Llys-y-Frân
Haverfordwest
Carmarthen
A40
Brecon A40
Pontsticill Ebbw Vale
A48
Llanelli Swansea
A465
A470
A40
Milford Haven
A470
M4
Merthyr Tydfil
A449
Pontypool
A465 A470
Port Talbot Bridgend
Abergavenny
A465
M4 A48
A4042
Newport Cardiff
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
The Prince’s Trust Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. Youth unemployment costs the UK economy £10 million a day in lost productivity, while youth crime costs £1 billion every year. The Prince’s Trust addresses this by giving practical and financial support to the young people who need it most. They offer a range of opportunities including training, personal development, business start up support, mentoring and advice, helping young people develop key skills, confidence and motivation, and enabling them to move into work, education or training. The trust was established in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales, starting with just 21 pilot projects around the UK. Today The Trust has become the UK’s leading youth charity, helping over 54,000 young people in 2011. This guide was made to raise funds for The Prince's Trust. You can support The Prince’s Trust using our JustGiving site. Please visit our JustGiving site at: http://www.justgiving.com/PrincesTrust-Team to donate and make a difference in the lives of young people in the UK.
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Llys-y-fran
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Llys-y-fran is a haven of peace and tranquillity with an abundance of wildlife both on and off the water. It is suitable for the keen nature or the summer family picnic walker. The reservoir itself is in a 350 acre country park set in the heart of Pembrokeshire, with the main focus of the park being its reservoir and the 100ft high dam, which sends water crashing down into the River Syfynwy.
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Directions From the B4313, Fishguard/Narberth, turn when signed Llys-y-fran at Maenclochog. From B4329, Haverfordwest/Cardigan, turn when signed to Walton east, and then towards Llys-y-fran. Postcode: SA63 4RR Grid Ref: 203902, 224272; SN0390224272
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Walking and Cycling The reservoir perimeter is surrounded by a 12km bike trail which is also suitable for walking. The Cycle trail continues back down the western edge of the reservoir. The terrain here is a little bit more challenging but is still walkable for those wishing to complete the full 12km circuit on foot. Although this is called a cycle trail, walkers have the right of way at all times. Throughout the trail look out for the information posts along the route which will tell you about the various types of wildlife which can be found in the area, which is abundant and a real treat for birdwatchers. There are also several clearings along this section of the route where you can rest or have a picnic. When you reach the car park on the west side of the dam you will find a number of information boards and fine views across the reservoir. If you continue to the edge of the reservoir and look down stream, you will see more fine views of the whole area south of the reservoir. By following the road down to the bottom of the dam and back up to the eastern side, this will bring you back to the visitor centre where you can perhaps put your feet up with a nice cup of tea at the cafÊ after a satisfying walk, or pick up a memento at the visitor shop. The visitor centre is located on the eastern side of the dam, with car parking on either side. If you begin your walk along the eastern edge of the reservoir from the visitor centre, you will find the children’s play area on your right hand side. The family trail is a nice gentle section of the walk which is a 2.4km stretch to the stream crossing at the far end of the reservoir. Along this stretch you will find plenty of picnic spots to stop and admire the view.
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Nature Reserve
Llys-y-fran Reservoir Walk Map
Woodstock Wood
Llys-y-fran Reservoir and Country Park
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Slipway Visitors centre Valve Tower
Playground
St Meilyrs Church
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Further Information Visitor Centre The gift shop is available for souvenirs, toys,
Activities ■
The restaurant and tea room have beautiful views and sun patio that is open during summer months. A function room is also available for wedding receptions, private parties and seminars. ■
There is ample parking with a large pay and display adjacent to the building. There are also disabled facilities with ramped access to the gift shop.
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Family With picnic tables sited at all of the parks vantage points it is a favourite venue for picnics. Adventure playground fun can be had for children of all ages and there is also a second especially for the smaller children next to the restaurant. Information Points are sited around the park to tell the stories behind the dam, the reservoir and the abundance of wildlife you can see at Llys-y-fran.
with a population of wild trout; and it is also stocked. With its beautiful spots it is a favourite with enthusiasts and beginners alike. All the tackle you need can be hired at the Llys-y-fran shop and tuition is available on site. Sailing with easy launch facilities if you want to bring your own sailing boat, windsurfer or canoe. Rowing boats are available for hire with life jackets included. Cycling. A track will take you around the perimeter path of the reservoir. Bikes and helmets can be hired from the shop. Note that pedestrians have right of way on the trail.
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Young Ambassadors
Jamie-Lee Wood meeting HRH The Prince of Wales at a Prince’s Trust showcase event
Jamie-Lee Wood Jamie-Lee is 18 years old and from Merthyr BTEC in Outdoor Leadership after taking part in a Prince’s Trust ‘Team’ programme aimed at
She said: “When I was growing up there were lots of things I dreamed of becoming but could never really see myself in a successful career. I didn’t really have much of a clue about what to do and pretty much expected to end up on the dole. I wasn’t the cleverest at school and was always a bit of a joker. My mum, step-dad and grandparents had all had dead-end jobs all their lives, and I pretty much expected the same for myself. But my mum and stepdad really wanted me to have a better future and opportunities than they had so they have encouraged me as much as possible.
I joined The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Merthyr after trying to study childcare at school and not getting on with the course. The programme really helped me to think about the future and what I want to achieve. Through the work experience I did, I realised that I wanted to work as an outdoor leader or a sports coach for the disabled. I received help in applying for college and now I’m six months into a two year course and really enjoying it. It’s really shown me that life doesn’t have to end
Jamie-Lee has recently been a Young Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, sharing her experiences and helping to inspire and encourage others.
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Pontsticill
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Pontsticill is situated in the Taff Fechan valley in the central area of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. This is a popular area within the National Park surrounded by picturesque hills and beautiful forestry. The Brecon Mountain Railway and Merthyr Tydfil sailing club are on the eastern side of the reservoir and there are several places to park along the roadside on the western side, including one with a path to a picnic area. There are a few small pubs in the area for refreshments and food and the reservoir cafÊ with a children’s play area. Directions Head towards Merthyr Tydfil on the A465 (Heads of the Valleys Road) and follow the brown tourist signs indicating the way to the Brecon Mountain Railway. Follow these signs but instead of turning into its car park continue straight on. Postcode: CF48 2UP Grid Ref: 305640, 213058; SO0564013058
High quality photographs of Pontsticill Reservoir, such as the one above, can be purchased from phildee@viennatec.co.uk and the galleries viewed on www.fotolibra.com
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Brecon Mountain Railway Excursion Visiting Pontsticill provides the opportunity to ride the Brecon Mountain Railway, an all weather vintage steam locomotive which takes you through the wonderful Brecon Beacons along the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-Y-Gaer. You can board from Pontsticill at Pant Station. Pant Station The main station at Pant was built and enlarged between 1982 -1996 to provide visitor facilities as well as a workshop. In addition to a restaurant, shop, toilets and booking office there are facilities for disabled visitors.
Circular Reservoir Walk (8.9km) To start the walk, leave the station by the gateway at the bottom of the ramp and walk along the road to the dam. At the dam, turn right across the dam, joining the Taff Trail and follow the road to the left until you reach a road junction. Here, turn sharp right and follow the road ahead. The road then climbs up hill, with trees appearing first on your right and then on the left. About 27 meters after entering the woodland, fork left onto the Taff Trail. Follow the path for 2.5km, where you will then reach a waterfall and stream. On reaching these, bear right and proceed downhill through the forest. Once you reach the road at the end of the forest, bear left and continue to the road junction. At the junction continue ahead and cross the dam of the Pentwyn reservoir. Continue along the road until reaching the railway bridge. Just before reaching the bridge turn right onto the bridleway which will take you to the edge of the reservoir. Continue walking on
the bridleway close to the railway boundary fence until you reach Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club. Continue along the track adjacent to the reservoir and follow this route until reaching the outward route at the Pontsticill station gateway. Turn sharp left through the station gateway and you will be back at the train station.
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Po nt y
Llw
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yn
Brecon M R ountain
Pentwyn Reservoir
ailway
Outdoor Pursuits Centre
PW
Sailing Club
Taf Fechan Forest
Taf Fechan Forest Picnic Area
Pontsticill Reservoir
Pontsticill Reservoir Walk Map
Railway Station
Taff Trail Taf Fechan Forest
Dam Water Treatment Works
PH
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Further Information Activities ■■ Go dinghy sailing with Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club ■■ Go fishing with Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association ■■ Enjoy the countryside walks ■■ Catch the Brecon Mountain Railway line which runs along the historic Brecon- Merthyr rail link. Open from 10am, dogs allowed ■■ Try canoeing! Contact Llandegfedd on 01495 769281 ■■ Have a day wildlife and bird watching. For Children ■■ Draw the reflections in the water ■■ Find out about the water cycles on our education page ■■ Spot the steam train in the hills.
Contacts ■■ Canoeing Contact. Tel: 01495 769281 ■■ Sailing Club: http://www.mtsc.org.uk ■■ Brecon Mountain Railway. Tel: 01685 722988 http://www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk
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Elan Valley
2000
Located to the west of the historic market town Rhayader, the Elan Valley Estate is a must visit. In an area of spectacular beauty, ripe with wildlife and amazing scenery, the 45,000 acre estate has plenty to offer for visitors including multiple walks, cycle trails, fishing and picnic areas. Directions The Elan Valley Visitor Centre can be easily accessed from Rhayader, where the town intersects the A470. From here follow the B4518 south west for 4.8km to where the visitor centre is sign posted. Postcode: LD6 5HP Grid Ref: 292843, 264647; SN9284364647
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Walking Route Around Caban Coch Reservoir Start: Elan Valley Visitor Centre (SN9284364647) Map: OS Landranger 147 or Explorer 200 Distance: 11km Duration: 4 hours From the visitor centre (1) walk towards the dam, through the gate and over the arched bridge, behind the turbine house and up the steep path to the top of the dam (2). Follow the track beside the reservoir for about 200 metres and then take the steps up the bank. Follow the track on the edge of the woodland overlooking the reservoir. Soon the path bends around to the left (3) beside the remains of Nant-y-Gro Dam which was blown up to test the explosives used in the Dambuster raids of WW2. The path turns uphill alongside the plantation. This is a fairly steep section of about 300 metres. At the top end of the plantation the path continues up the hill through the bracken. Behind you are views to the north-west of Caban Coch and Garreg Ddu Reservoirs and the hills beyond. You soon reach an isolated clump of conifers and the ruins of Ty’n-y-Pant Farmhouse (4). Turn right in front of the trees and take the track down and over the stream towards the large conifer plantation. A short way along the track by the plantation you come to a gateway (5). You can either take the path down through the woods to the main forestry track or continue along the track, which follows the fenceline ahead with hills to your left and the plantation on your right. Either way you end up on the track past Llannerch y Cawr Farm after 3km or so. Cross the road bridge at Llannerch y Cawr and turn right at the telephone box along the road for about 150 metres to the layby and interpretive panel by Dol-y-Mynach Reservoir (6).
From here take the track up the hill to the gate at the edge of the plantation. Take the track through the woods for about 2.5km crossing the road up to Penglaneinon Farm and on to where another track forms a crossroads. Turn right down the steep path (a bridleway) to Nantygwyllt Church (7). Cross over the viaduct and turn right through the gate and onto the Elan Valley Trail beside Caban Coch Reservoir. Follow the trail for about 2.5km past Caban Quarry and dam down to the visitor centre. *Route can alternatively be started from Llanerch-y-Cawr car park (6) or Nantygwyllt Church (7) and is also easy to follow anticlockwise. Note: Several other walks are available, alongside a number of marked woodland walks. For more information visit the Elan Valley visitor centre, where a number of publications are available.
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Elan Valley Walk Map
Old Railway Caban coch Visitors centre 1 2Dam Garreg Ddu Reservoir 7 Church
Caban -coch Reservoir
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5
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Elan Village
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Further Information Facilities Visitor Centre Opening times: 10am – 5.30pm (all year). The visitor centre consists of a café overlooking the River Elan, a shop, and various exhibitions including an audio visual theatre, and an insight into the history of water supply in the area.
Play Area Large children’s play area alongside the visitor centre including swings, slides and climbing bars. Fishing at Elan Valley Among one of the few remaining “true” wild reservoir, further down has 15km of bankside
This is also an “Education Ranger” consisting of an indoor classroom, with plenty of activities arranged for school visits in accordance with the national curriculum. Picnic Areas There are more than 50 picnic tables dotted alongside the picturesque reservoirs and surrounding the visitor centre adjacent to the River Elan and its car parks.
Charges – Full day: £7.00, Conc: £5.00 Season – 20th March – 17th October Permits – Day permits only available from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and from Mrs D Powell, Newsagent, Garth House, West Street, Rhayader. Boats – None
reservoir in the conservation area.
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Water Sports Canoeing and kayaking can be arranged through the Elan Valley Lodge. Wildlife The Elan Valley Estate is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA under the EC Habitats Directive) including a further 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Couple this with 80 hectares of oak woodlands and some 800 hectares of the Claerwen National Nature Reserve, the estate provides plenty of natural conservation and biodiversity interest.
Did You Know The dams constructed at the Elan Valley Estate provide more than just the crucial amenity of drinking water. Since 1997 hydropower turbines have been introduced to utilise the pumped storage potential of the reservoirs. The combined output of the schemes is 4.2 Megawatts (MW)of electricity, which is enough
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to provide energy for over 4000 homes, or a town twice the size of Rhayader! Elan Valley Contact Details For further information contact the Visitor Centre on: Information Desk/Shop: 01597 810898 Rangers Office: 01597 810880 CafĂŠ: 01597 810899 Fax: 01597 810206 Elan Valley Trust Elan Estate Office Elan Village Rhayader Powys LD6 5HP Tel: 01597 810449 Fax: 01597 811276 Elan Valley Lodge: Tel: 01597 811143 www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk
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The Water Cycle Where does our water come from?
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The Water Cycle 1
Evaporation The Sun‛s heat turns water into an invisible gas called water vapour which rises into the air.
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Condensation Clouds are formed when water vapour cools and turns back into tiny water droplets.
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Precipitation When the water droplets grow larger and heavier they fall back to Earth as rain, hail, sleet or snow.
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River Water flows from the land to the sea through streams and rivers and lets the water cycle continue.
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Transpiration Plants take in water through their roots and get rid of excess water through their leaves.
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The Drainage Basin 1
Source The source is the starting point of a river - it may be a spring where water bubbles out of the ground.
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Stream The water flows into small mountain streams which join together to make fast flowing rivers.
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Valley In mountain and hilly areas the constant flow of a river wears away the land to create a V-shaped valley.
Activity
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Confluence The place where two or more rivers join is called the confluence. Three rivers meet at Brecon.
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Lake Some rivers flow into hollows in the ground and form lakes. Dams create artificial lakes called reservoirs.
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Floodplain When a river floods, the water leaves lots of silt to create a large flat area called a floodplain.
Can you find... A reservoir? An estuary? A tributary? A meander?
ow what (If you don’t kn mean, use aia these wordsen cyclopaed dictionary or to help you.)
‘What has no taste, no smell, and is something you can’t live without? You guessed it,water!’ Water is absolutely incredible. It’s so much more than just something to drink or bathe in. Did you know that the water you put in your squash contains the molecules that dinosaurs drank billions of years ago? Or that you need water more than you need food? Water is the coolest resource on the planet, and the diagram above shows you how it travels around the world. However, we do not have an unlimited supply, so please do not waste it! To learn more about how amazing water is, please visit: http://www.livingandlearningwithwater.com
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Did you know… • • • • • • •
Building an embankment or dam to preserve a supply of water for irrigation is an ancient practice; India and Egypt have some of the oldest and largest reservoirs. The world's largest reservoir is in Lake Volta in Ghana, Africa. A major loss of water from reservoirs is through evaporation. Five thousand years ago, the craters of extinct volcanoes in Arabia were used as reservoirs by farmers for their irrigation water. The term reservoir can mean manmade lake to store and provide water, but it also means underground stores of water and oil. When Brenig was being constructed, remains of a Bronze Age settlement were found, including a sacrificial burial site. You can visit Brenig today and follow the “Bronze Age Trail” to find out more. Brenig is famous for fishing. The National, International and World Championship Fly fishing competitions have all been held there.
Water is a worldwide resource, but please don’t waste it as it is in increasingly short supply in many different areas around the world, including Europe !! In fact, did you know that a dripping tap can waste a bath full of water a week? If you spot a water leak whilst exploring Wales, please call Welsh Water on FREEPHONE: 0800 281432
Remember… NEVER SWIM IN RESERVOIRS. Why are they so dangerous? Reservoirs are so dangerous because they are so cold. Also the reservoirs are very deep with very steep sides and there is equipment below the surface that may start to operate suddenly without warning. This equipment will be used to take huge volumes of water from the reservoir into the works where it is treated to become drinking water. So remember - obey the warning signs and never swim in reservoirs.
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Llyn Brenig
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This beautiful lake – actually a reservoir is one of the largest areas of inland water in Wales. It has an excellent visitor centre including a cafÊ with views over the water serving delicious homemade cake. A variety of marked walking trails can be found beside the reservoir including an archaeological trail and a nature trail. The reservoir was built between 1973 and 1976 to help supply water to the river Dee, it has a capacity of 61,500 megalitres, refilled from a 2,200 hectare catchment. Directions Llyn Brenig is clearly sign posted from the A5. If travelling from Betwys-y-Coed (road towards Llangollen) look for a brown sign post to the left about 21km after Betws-y-Coed, directing you onto the B4501. The lake is signposted from here. Postcode: LL21 9TT Grid Ref: 296650, 1354816; SH9665054816
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Way marked walks Llyn Brenig nature trail Distance: 2.4km, Time: 1.5 hours. The nature trail with exciting points of interest is described in detail below. Archaeological trail Short trail: 100 metres Long trail : 3.2km, Time: 2 hours. Walk through important archaeological sites including evidence of stone age hunters searching for food and later Bronze age burial monuments. The detailed leaflet ‘Man at Brenig’ is available at the visitor centre and gives more information. Two lakes trail Distance: 22.5km, Time: 5 hours. If you want a longer walk with spectacular views and diverse scenery follow the trail which goes around both Llyn Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir. Llyn Brenig trail walk / cycle Distance: 15.3km, Time: 4 hours. Follow this trail around the edge of Llyn Brenig with fantastic views across Hiraethog. This trail can also be cycled in 2-3 hours, finishing for a treat at the café! Llyn Brenig nature trail Distance: 2.4km, Time: 1.5 hours. The trail starts at the car park to the north east of Llyn Brenig near Pont y Brenig. As you make your way around the trail you’ll come across posts at points of interest, some of the highlights are: Posts 1 and 2 – Near post 1 you can see marine fossils formed from mud deposits in ancient Silurian Seas , 400 millions years ago. Next to the stream look out for Mayflies and Stoneflies, as well as native Brown Trout that live and feed in the Afon Brenig, before migrating to the lake.
Between posts 3 and 4 – Between these posts you are walking through a Sitka Spruce plantation. Look out for woodland birds such as Crossbills and Redpolls, or a shy fox. In the autumn the forest floor is a great place to find fungi. Post 4 – The shoreline is a place to glimpse waterfowl such as Mallard and Great Crested Grebe. You may also see rings of ripples on the lake surface as a Rainbow Trout sips down a sedge or Daddy-longlegs. Between posts 5 and 6 – You are now walking across the moor of Mynydd, covered in Ling Heather. This provides the habitat and food for many animals such as Red Grouse and Hares. Also look out for Buzzards. The trees here include our native Rowan (Mountain Ash) trees with Bilberry growing beneath.
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Llyn ElanBrenig Valley Walk WalkMap Map
Archaelogical Trail
Picnic area
Enclosure (Bronze Age Burials found)
Pont y Brenig Nature Trail
Water Sports Centre Jetty
Llyn Brenig Reservoir
Sailing Club 5 B4 01
Llyn Brenig and Two Lakes Trail
Warden and Information Centre
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Dam
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Further Information Facilities Visitor centre, shop and café Open everyday except Christmas day, 8am to 4pm, slightly later on weekends. Llyn Brenig has an excellent visitor centre and a lovely café which overlooks the water and serves its delicious own-recipe bara brith!
Cycling There are a variety of cycling routes in the area from those suitable for families such as the circumnavigation of Llyn Brenig to more challenging routes for the serious mountain biker, which can be found at www.ridenorthwales.co.uk
This is an ideal starting point for a walk or cycle. You can pick up walk routes and information about the local wildlife in the shop and at the information point.
Contact details Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, LL21 9TT Tel: 01490 420463
Car parking and toilets There is a pay and display car park with toilets at the visitor centre open from 8am until dusk, and other car parks situated around the lake at the start of the way marked walks (see map). There are picnic sites along the shore line and a play area for young children by the visitor centre. Fishing The waters and heather and spruce lined shores of Llyn Brenig have an international reputation for fly fishing. The reservoir has played host to 'The World Fly Fishing Championships' and regularly staging fly fishing internationals with rainbow trout, brown trout and tiger trout in the 920 acre still water. Fishing here is open to anyone who wants to have a go. Day permits cost upto £16 and are available from the visitor centre. Fishing can be done from the banks, or boat hire is up to £19 per day, including boats specifically for anglers with a physical disability. Bank fishing: 8am to 1 hour after sunset. Boat fishing: 9am to half and hour after sunset. The rainbow trout season runs from mid March to mid October.
Further information www.hiraethog.org.uk has lots of information things to see and walking trails in the area.
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Llyn Alaw
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Set in an idyllic agricultural landscape among rolling pastures and flower filled country lanes, Llyn Alaw is the largest body of water on the Isle of Anglesey. Despite its natural appearance, the two concrete dams elude to the fact that it was constructed in 1966 to feed Alaw Water Treatment Works, which supplies the northern and western part of Anglesey with drinking water; a role it continues to perform today. The Llyn is home to fantastic birdlife including rare breeds, great trout fishing and the start and end of the Nico cycle route.
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Directions From the A55 Llyn Alaw is well signposted from Junction 5 using a fishing symbol. From Junction 5 take the A4080 until a cross-roads. Here go straight over onto the B5112. Continue following the signposts, taking a left onto the B5109. Take the next right and continue for 4km until reaching Llantrisant. Take a left here, continuing until a signpost marks a right turn leading to the car park on the left. Postcode: LL65 4TW Grid Ref: 237253, 385575; SH3725385575 Note: Sat Nav will not take you directly to the car-park so it is recommended that you use the directions above.
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Reservoir Walk There are a variety of walks available around Llyn Alaw, though a full circumnavigation of the Llyn is not possible due to the Nature Reserve at the North-Eastern end which has restricted access. Grass paths head off in both directions around the edge of the Llyn from the visitor centre. We recommend you set off in a clockwise direction – a path which will take you to a bird hide around 2.5km away, and continues for a further 1.5km after that. If you do not want to walk this far simply turn around when you have gone far enough. The paths can be overgrown in places; however, there is fantastic opportunity to view wildlife. Anyone exploring these paths on the shores of the Llyn are recommended to consider their choice of footwear, especially following wet weather, as the grass path can be muddy in places. Unfortunately these paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The NICO Cycle Trail This trail begins and ends at Llyn Alaw Visitor Centre. ‘Nico’ is Welsh for ‘Goldfinch’ and the route is so called as the small brightly coloured birds can be seen amongst the hedgerows along the route. The main route is 32km long and takes around 3 hours, winding a lovely route through the country lanes stopping off at various points of interest such as the 16th Century Llynnon Mill; the only working windmill in Wales. More information can be found on page 30. The Mill is open daily from April to September and is well worth a visit!
Wildlife around Llyn Alaw Llyn Alaw is a great place to sit and admire a great diversity of wildlife. It is an award winning conservation area and a site of special scientific interest where sightings of rare breeds are common place. The lake is a particularly good place for glimpses of overwintering birds such as the teal. Other species include the tern who nest on the Llyn’s small islands in the summer months, warblers who feed off the rich insect life and linnets with their melodious song. There is also a plethora of butterflies and beautiful wild flowers like the bee orchid.
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Llyn Alaw Walk Map
Llyn Alaw Reservoir Natural Reserve
Visitors centre
Pumping Station
Reservoirs Dam
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Further Information Facilities Llyn Alaw has a small basic visitor lodge containing a free exhibition featuring natural history, the water cycle and how drinking water is supplied. The lodge is open all year round, 8am until dusk, 7 days a week. There are also toilet facilities located down a small pathway from the lodge. Disabled access is possible to both the lodge and the toilets, though the toilets need to be accessed from the road for this purpose. Parking is available next to the visitor lodge and costs £1.50 per day. There are also picnic benches adjacent to the car park commanding a lovely view over the Llyn. There are two bird hides located on opposite sides of the Llyn which can be accessed on foot via lengthy paths from the visitor centre, or by car for which there is parking not far away. Fishing at Llyn Alaw Llyn Alaw is one of the best trout fishing lakes in Wales, being well stocked with rainbow trout and home to wild brown trout. The excellent feeding on offer produces fine specimens with catches of 7 pound brown trout and 14 pound rainbow trout in the past; admittedly landings of 3 to 4 pound trout are more commonplace. Bait can be purchased from the visitor lodge. A permit is required to fish at the lake, although parking is free to anglers. There are a variety of permits available. Day Permit: £18.50 Day Permit (concession): £17.50 Evening Permit (after 4pm): £16.50 Concession applies to OAP’s, anglers with a disability, unemployed and anglers under 17 years of age. There are also season permits available from the lodge.
Llynnon Mill Llynnon Mill is now the only working example of the windmills that used to be common across the Anglesey Landscape. Records show that construction of the mill, completed in 1776, cost just over £529. The mill worked grinding flour until it was damaged by a severe storm in 1918. It was neglected until 1978 when it was restored to its former glory at the cost of £120,000 by Anglesey Borough Council. In 1986 it was reopened and has been a fully operational working mill ever since. You will notice on your trip to Llyn Alaw that wind power continues to be prominent on the island today. The wind farm which can be seen from the Llyn today consists of 34 turbines which produce 60,000KWh every year – enough to power 14,000 homes. Contact details Visitor Lodge, Tel: 01407 730762 General Enquiries Area Lands Manager, Visitor Centre, Brenig Reservoir, Cerrigydrudion, Nr Corwen, LL21 9TT Tel: 01490 420463
A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Places to Stay The following accomodation can be found around the reservoirs in the guide:
Pontsticill Ty Gronfa B&B Within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Ty Gronfa is a family run B&B, set in it’s own grounds in the Welsh countryside, just outside the quaint village of Pontsticill. CF48 2UP 01685 371399 Ty Taf Fechan B&B Why not stay in this converted church in the heart of the Brecon Beacons in Wales? This is a tranquil house close to Pontsticill reservoir, an ideal B&B perfect for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing and sightseeing. CF48 2UR 01685 371176 The Farmhouse Located in the village of Pant on the outskirts of the historic town of Merthyr Tydfil, its location offers stunning views of Brecon National Park and easy access to many places of interest in the surrounding area like the Morlais Castle Golf Club, Cyfartha Castle and Taff Trail. CF48 2UY 01685 722822 Llys-y-Fran Twmpath This former early 19th century long house overlooking the picturesque Preselli Mountains, is just 25 minutes away from the towns of Haverfordwest and Narberth and is an ideal base for touring, walking, fishing or just relaxing. SA66 7RL 01437 532 990 Brynhaul B&B Nestling at the foot of Foel Cwm Cerwyn, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Preselli Mountains and the surrounding rural landscape. SA66 7JX 01437 532476
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A Walker's Guide to The Reservoirs of Wales
Places to Stay The following accomodation can be found around the reservoirs in the guide:
Elan Valley Elan Valley Hotel This is a paradise for walking, pony trekking, watching birds, fishing, photography and mountain biking. Rhayader, a thriving market town, is approximately 3km away. LD65HN 01597 810448 The Horseshoe A charming 18th Century Guest House, situated in the ‘old town’ area of the rural market town of Rhayader, with the river Wye just 3-4 minutes walk away. LD6 5AT 01597 810982 Brynteg B&B A 3–star B&B , located just a two minute walk from Rhayader. LD6 5EA 01597 810052 Llyn Brenig Llwyn Onn Guest House (North Wales) A small, family-run B&B is set within an area of natural beauty at the gateway of The Snowdonia National Park. LL24 0TW 01690 770124 Castle House B&B Offers stunning views of the Clwydian Mountains. LL16 3SN 01745 816860 Llyn Alaw Ardudwy B&B Located just outside the small village of Brynsiencyn it is ideally placed for all locations. It promises to leave you well refreshed and ready to explore the surrounding countryside and miles of the fantastic Anglesey coastline. LL61 6NJ 01248 430928 Fferam Y Llyn B&B A working farm within the offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Snowdonia National Park and of course Llyn Alaw. LL66 0BW 01407 710103 Hen Bont Farm B&B A charming 18th Century Farm House and 100 acre working sheep farm, which promises the warmest of welcomes. LL65 4AH 01407 731013
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This guide has been supported by:
www.ukclimbing.com
www.ukhillwalking.com
www.walkinwales.com www.dwrcymru.com
We hope you enjoy visiting the beautiful reservoirs that Wales has to offer. We look forward to providing information on even more reservoirs next year and thank you for supporting The Prince’s Trust!