Top 12 Lakes around St. Hilary
Best lakes around St. Hilary, a village in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, are found in the surrounding Glamorgan and Cardiff area. This region offers a selection of aquatic destinations, including country parks with various water features. The landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and watersports. Visitors can explore woodlands, grasslands, and formal gardens alongside these water bodies.
Best lakes around St. Hilary
- The most popular lakes is Mousehole Village and Harbour, a settlement that features narrow, bustling streets and a picturesque harbor. Dylan Thomas described the village as the loveliest in England.
- Another must-see spot is St Ives Harbour, a picturesque fishing harbour and seaside town. Visitors can explore cobbled streets, independent shops, and traditional eateries.
- Visitors also love The Loe and Loe Bar, a natural monument featuring a shingle bank separating a freshwater lake from the sea. This location allows for views of both the sea and the lake.
- St. Hilary is known for various types of water bodies, including natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, and coastal harbours. The area offers a variety of aquatic environments to see and explore.
- The lakes around St. Hilary are appreciated by the komoot community, with 361 upvotes and 197 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
St Ives Harbour
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Mousehole Village and Harbour
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The Loe and Loe Bar
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Mousehole Harbour
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Penrose Estate
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Tips from the Community
A lovely National Trust property, with a fantastic walk through the estate leading to the sea.
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For me, St. Ives is one of the most idyllic places on Cornwall's coast. Here you will not only find shops, pubs and nice cafés, but also many small art galleries.
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The Penrose Hill Estate is owned by the National Trust. The estate comprises of woodland, a coastal lake, Stable cafe plus traffic free cycling and walking tracks. For further details see their website nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose/features/new-cycling-at-penrose
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On Saturday mornings Penrose becomes the site of West Cornwall's Parkrun with around 200 runners taking on the 5km course each week. The running route follows the old Victorian roadway through woodland and parkland with views of Loe Pool and beyond. It is very busy at that time.
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A picturesque little place.
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A great place that is occasionally admired in Rosamunde Pilcher films.
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On Saturday mornings, Penrose becomes the venue of West Cornwall's Parkrun with around 200 runners each week completing the 5km course. The running route follows the old Victorian carriageway through woodland and parkland with views of Loe Pool and beyond. At that time it is very busy.
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This is a nice combination. From Loe Baar you have a view of the sea on one side and a view of a freshwater lake on the other. This allows you to walk completely around the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water features can I find near St. Hilary?
Near St. Hilary, you can explore a variety of water features including natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, and country parks with ponds and rivers. These range from the ornamental lake at Bryngarw Country Park to the large reservoir of Llandegfedd Lake, offering diverse aquatic environments.
Are there family-friendly lakes around St. Hilary?
Yes, several lakes near St. Hilary are great for families. Bryngarw Country Park offers an adventure playground, den building, and pond dipping. Pen-y-fan Pond has a circular footpath suitable for easy walks, picnics, and an engaging 'Alien Invasion Trail' for children. Cwmbran Boating Lake provides pedal and row boats, along with well-maintained pathways for leisurely strolls.
Which lakes are good for walking and easy strolls?
For easy walks and strolls, Bryngarw Country Park features nature trails suitable for all ages and abilities, including a peaceful path around its ornamental lake. Pen-y-fan Pond offers a circular, surfaced footpath perfect for leisurely walks, and Cwmbran Boating Lake has well-maintained pathways through its picturesque setting.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near St. Hilary?
Absolutely. Pen-y-fan Pond is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout, with day tickets available. Cwmbran Boating Lake also offers fishing opportunities for species like carp, bream, perch, and pike. Llandegfedd Lake is renowned for its fishing, holding the British pike record and regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
What watersports are available at lakes near St. Hilary?
Llandegfedd Lake is a hub for various watersports, including sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. Equipment hire and tuition are available there. Cwmbran Boating Lake also offers boating activities such as pedal boats and row boats.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching near St. Hilary's lakes?
Yes, Llandegfedd Lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a haven for birdwatchers, with over 240 recorded bird species, making it an important site for overwintering birds in Wales. Cwmbran Boating Lake's larger lake also serves as a habitat for various wetland birds.
What historical significance do any of these lakes hold?
Pen-y-fan Pond is a historic man-made reservoir, originally constructed in the late 18th century to feed the Monmouthshire Canal. Its creation played a role in the region's industrial history.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling along the River Garw at Bryngarw Country Park. Llandegfedd Lake offers land activities like axe throwing and archery in addition to its extensive watersports. For more structured outdoor activities, you can explore running trails, MTB trails, and hiking routes in the broader area around St. Hilary.
Are there any lakes with cafes or facilities nearby?
Llandegfedd Lake features a lakeside cafe with panoramic views, perfect for refreshments. Bryngarw Country Park and Cwmbran Boating Lake are also public parks that typically offer visitor facilities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water features in this guide?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of aquatic environments, from peaceful strolls around ornamental lakes to active watersports on larger reservoirs. The combination of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching makes these locations highly enjoyable.
Are there any hidden gems or unique features among the lakes?
Llandegfedd Lake, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers a unique opportunity to observe a vast array of bird species. Pen-y-fan Pond's 'Alien Invasion Trail' provides a distinctive and engaging activity for children, blending nature exploration with adventure.
What are the most popular water-related highlights mentioned in this guide?
According to the komoot community, popular water-related highlights in this guide include Mousehole Village and Harbour, known for its picturesque setting, St Ives Harbour with its charming fishing village atmosphere, and The Loe and Loe Bar, a unique natural monument separating a freshwater lake from the sea.
Most popular attractions around St. Hilary
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