Top 7 Lakes around Talgarth
Best lakes around Talgarth are primarily found within the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering a blend of natural and man-made water bodies. The region is characterized by its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and the Black Mountains, providing diverse landscapes. Talgarth serves as a gateway to these areas, which are significant for their biodiversity and historical features. The lakes contribute to the area's natural beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Talgarth
- The most popular lakes is Talybont Reservoir, a man-made lake that is the largest reservoir in the Brecon Beacons. Completed in 1939, it is surrounded by trails and forest tracks, offering scenic views.
- Another must-see spot is Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan), the largest natural lake in Wales. It is known for its rich wildlife, including various bird species, and offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
- Visitors also love Tor y Foel Summit, a summit offering views over Talybont Reservoir. Its position makes it a vantage point for taking in the Central Beacons massif.
- Talgarth is known for its natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. These offer diverse landscapes for exploration, from glacial origins to constructed water sources.
- The lakes around Talgarth are appreciated by the komoot community. The community has contributed 38 upvotes and 32 photos, showcasing the area's appeal.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Tor y Foel Summit
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Talybont Reservoir Gravel Climb
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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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Talybont Reservoir
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Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan)
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Tips from the Community
There are some lovely gravel rides around the reservoir starting from the base of the East bank, as well as a bumpier ride down the old coal track down into Talybont which conveniently ends at a pub!
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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 is the best time to visit the lakes around Talgarth?
The lakes around Talgarth, particularly Llangorse Lake, are excellent to visit during spring and autumn for birdwatching, as it's a crucial stopover for migrating birds. Starling murmurations are a highlight from September onwards. Winter also offers opportunities to see overwintering birds. For general outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn provides pleasant weather.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Talgarth?
Yes, both Talybont Reservoir and Llangorse Lake are considered family-friendly. Llangorse Lake offers various water activities like boating and pedalos, while Talybont Reservoir is surrounded by excellent trails suitable for walks.
What natural features can I see around the lakes near Talgarth?
You can experience diverse natural beauty. Llangorse Lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation, known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous fish and bird species, reedbeds, and even the scarce blue-tailed damselfly. Talybont Reservoir is set amidst atmospheric forest tracks and offers splendid views of the surrounding hills.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, Llangorse Lake is home to the only known Crannog (an ancient artificial island dwelling) in Wales and England, dating back to 916 AD. The Welsh Crannog Centre provides insights into its history and the daily life of its early medieval inhabitants. You can find more information about the Crannog Centre on Visit Wales.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Talgarth?
Near the lakes, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Llangorse Lake offers boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and pedalos. Birdwatching is also popular, especially from the Llangorse Lake Bird Hide. The areas around both Llangorse Lake and Talybont Reservoir are excellent for hiking and cycling, with numerous trails and forest tracks.
Are there hiking trails near these lakes?
Absolutely. The area offers many hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes around Talgarth, including routes like the Pwll y Wrach Waterfall loop or the Mynydd Llangorse Summit loop. For more details and routes, visit the Easy hikes around Talgarth guide. The surroundings of Talybont Reservoir also feature excellent trails and forest tracks.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Talgarth?
Yes, there are several cycling routes. You can explore challenging routes like the Talybont-on-Usk Lifting Bridge loop or the Bwlch Village loop which offers views of Llangorse Lake. For gravel biking, routes around Talybont Reservoir are available. Check the Cycling around Talgarth guide and the Gravel biking around Talgarth guide for more options.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Talgarth?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from vantage points like Tor y Foel Summit overlooking Talybont Reservoir. The rich wildlife at Llangorse Lake, particularly for birdwatching, is a major draw. The variety of trails for hiking and cycling, and the peaceful atmosphere, are also highly appreciated.
Are the lakes around Talgarth dog-friendly?
Many trails and areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife habitats like around Llangorse Lake, which is an SSSI. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Where can I find parking near the lakes?
Parking is generally available at key access points for the lakes. For Llangorse Lake, there are designated parking areas near the main activity centers and access points. For Talybont Reservoir, parking can be found near the dam and along some of the access roads to the trails. Specific parking details may vary, so it's advisable to check local information upon arrival.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Talgarth?
While some natural bodies of water in the Brecon Beacons are used for wild swimming, Talybont Reservoir, as a water source, is generally not permitted for water recreation activities like swimming. For Llangorse Lake, while boating is popular, wild swimming is not officially promoted due to its SSSI status and potential hazards. Always prioritize safety and respect local regulations and environmental considerations.
Are there any hidden or less-known lakes near Talgarth?
While Llangorse Lake and Talybont Reservoir are the main attractions, there is also a narrow, private fishing lake in Trefecca, Talgarth. This lake is primarily known among local anglers for coarse fishing and is not widely publicized for general public access.
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