Top 9 Lakes around Mountain Ash East
Best lakes around Mountain Ash East, a community in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, are set within a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and industrial heritage. The area features several notable lakes and reservoirs, including those within Dare Valley Country Park and Cwm Clydach Countryside Park, as well as Lluest-wen Reservoir and Llwyn-on Reservoir. These bodies of water offer diverse natural features and recreational opportunities, from tranquil fishing spots to accessible walking trails. The region's lakes provide a blend of natural havens and historical sites, reflecting its past and present.
Best lakes around Mountain Ash East
- The most popular lakes is Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam, an other man-made structure that is part of the largest of three reservoirs in the Taff Fawr Valleys area. This reservoir covers 150 acres and provides an ideal habitat for wildlife such as otters and various bird species.
- Another must-see spot is Lake at Dare Valley Country Park, a lake known for its family-friendly environment. Visitors can expect a visitor centre and cafe, with paths that can be wet at times.
- Visitors also love Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall, an other man-made monument. This reservoir was constructed in 1898 and gained national attention in 1969 due to a major leak, highlighting its historical significance.
- Mountain Ash East is known for its reservoirs, natural pools, and country park lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from large water supply reservoirs to smaller, secluded natural attractions.
- The lakes around Mountain Ash East are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and over 25 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam
Highlight • Structure
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Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall
Highlight • Structure
Back in 1929 the place set a maximum daily rainfall record for Wales, with 211mm of rain recorded. You have been warned!
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Pontsarn Blue Pool
Highlight • Natural
At the bridge, head downstream on the right bank, following the path, to reach the Pontsarn Blue Pool. The path can be followed as far as desired beyond here, through the nature reserve. After some distance, there are a couple of paths leading up to the Taff Trail (such as one just before a weir in the river, 2 km downstream of the waterfall), which runs along the remains of a dismantled railway line.
The Taff Trail can be followed to the right, eventually crossing over the impressive Pontsarn Viaduct. 350 metres beyond there, a path on the left drops down to a footbridge over the river. On the other side, a path beside the river can be followed to the left, passing under the viaduct again, all the way back to the start of the walk.
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Lake at Dare Valley Country Park
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The paths can be wet and boggy at times, and if you're following the Penrhiwllech trail over the plateau of Tarren y Bwlfa, be aware of cliff edges!
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Gravel Roads by Lluest-Wen Reservoir and Wind Farm
Highlight • Lake
Great in the sun, but not so good with the wind in your face, it's an ideal way to cover round fast and stay off the tarmac.
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Tips from the Community
The water here is stunning in the sunlight. A good place to take a few moments to rest the legs.
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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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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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Dare Valley Country Park has a visitor centre and cafe, check opening times before relying on facilities.Dare Valley Country Park has a visitor centre and cafe, check opening times before relying on facilities.
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Lluest-wen Reservoir was constructed in 1898, but came to national attention in 1969 when a major leak caused an evacuation of residents down-valley while emergency repair work was carried out. Back in 1929 the place set a maximum daily rainfall record for Wales, with 211mm of rain recorded. You have been warned!
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Lluest-wen Reservoir was constructed in 1898, but came to national attention in 1969 when a major leak caused an evacuation of residents down-valley while emergency repair work was carried out. Back in 1929 the place set a maximum daily rainfall record for Wales, with 211mm of rain recorded. You have been warned!
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Dare Valley Country Park has a visitor centre and cafe, check opening times before relying on facilities. The paths can be wet and boggy at times, and if you're following the Penrhiwllech trail over the plateau of Tarren y Bwlfa, be aware of cliff edges!
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Llwyn-on reservoir, built in 1926, covers 150 acres and is the largest of the three in the Taff Fawr Valleys area. Walking along the shore you can be immersed in the fresh smells of the conifer forest and lapping sounds of the deep blue water - an ideal habitat for otters, great crested grebes, goldeneye, goosander and coot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Mountain Ash East are suitable for families?
For families, the Lake at Dare Valley Country Park is an excellent choice, offering a visitor centre, cafe, and adventure playgrounds. Paths are generally suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam also provides well-maintained walking trails, picnic spots, and the Garwnant Visitor Centre with amenities, making it ideal for family outings.
Are there accessible walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, Dare Valley Country Park features waymarked trails with options suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Cwm Clydach Countryside Park also offers easily accessible paths for various fitness levels. Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam has a scenic 5 km circular walk with well-maintained trails.
What historical significance do the lakes in this region hold?
Many lakes in the area have a rich industrial past. Cwm Clydach Countryside Park, for instance, was transformed from a former colliery site and includes historical markers dedicated to the Cambrian Colliery disasters. Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall, constructed in 1898, gained national attention in 1969 due to a major leak. Llwyn-on Reservoir, completed in the 1920s, was built to supply water to Cardiff and features the ancient Pont ar Daf bridge, visible when water levels are low.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes are havens for wildlife. Dare Valley Country Park is home to abundant wild birds and waterfowl. Cwm Clydach Countryside Park boasts Kingfishers, herons, butterflies, and newts, with an island on its bottom lake hosting various bird species. Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam provides an ideal habitat for otters, great crested grebes, goldeneye, goosander, and coot.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lluest-wen Reservoir is known for pike, perch, and wild brown trout, with fishing generally considered free for those holding a freshwater rod license. Castell Nos Reservoir also shares similar fish species. At Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam, fishing for rainbow and wild brown trout is permitted with day tickets.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming in the area?
The Pontsarn Blue Pool is a picturesque natural attraction known for its enchanting blue pool and waterfalls, making it a suitable spot for wild swimming, though necessary precautions should always be taken.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The region offers various cycling opportunities. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the 'Rhigos Mountain Fire Roads – View of Treherbert Basin loop' or 'Winding Path and Archway – Gravel Road Through Wind Farm loop'. Road cyclists might enjoy the 'Cwm Cadlan Nature Reserve – Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam loop'. You can find more details on these and other cycling routes in our gravel biking guide, road cycling guide, and general cycling guide for Mountain Ash East.
Are there cafes or visitor facilities at the lakes?
Yes, several locations offer facilities. Dare Valley Country Park has a visitor centre and cafe. Cwm Clydach Countryside Park also features an on-site cafe. For Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam, the Garwnant Visitor Centre on the north shore provides amenities like toilets and refreshments.
What makes Lluest-wen Reservoir a unique place to visit?
Lluest-wen Reservoir offers a remote and serene experience, requiring a 2-mile walk to reach its banks, ensuring a secluded visit away from road access. It's a deep, 20-acre lake known for its fishing opportunities and historical significance, having undergone emergency repairs in 1969.
Where can I find a tranquil, less-crowded lake experience?
For a more secluded experience, Lluest-wen Reservoir, nestled at the top of the Rhondda Fach Valley, is an excellent choice. Its remote setting and the required walk to access its banks ensure tranquility. Castell Nos Reservoir, located nearby, also offers a more intimate fishing and walking experience.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Mountain Ash East?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, wildlife spotting, and picnics. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter offers crisp, quiet walks, though paths can be wet and boggy at times, especially at Dare Valley Country Park. Always check local conditions before your visit.
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