Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Lakes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales

Caerphilly

Top 6 Lakes around Caerphilly

Best lakes around Caerphilly provide a range of outdoor experiences within a landscape shaped by both nature and history. The area features several notable lakes, from historic castle moats to tranquil country park reservoirs. These bodies of water are integrated into the region's valleys and green spaces, offering opportunities for recreation and connection with the local environment.

Best lakes around Caerphilly

  • The most popular lakes is Roath Park Lake and the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, a lake that is a central feature of one of Cardiff's well-regarded parks. This location offers walking paths, views of a lighthouse, and facilities such as a café.
  • Another must-see spot is Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, a trail area encompassing two reservoirs. Visitors can expect a mix of grassland, woodland, and waterside habitats, with a fully accessible Visitor Centre and nature trails.
  • Visitors also love Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir, a trail through woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir. This area features maintained dirt paths suitable for walks.
  • Caerphilly is known for its reservoirs, park lakes, and historically significant moats. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests from walking to nature observation.
  • The lakes around Caerphilly are appreciated by the komoot community, with 19 photos and 33 upvotes contributing to their popularity.

Last updated: June 16, 2026

Roath Park Lake and the Scott Memorial Lighthouse

Highlight • Lake

Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most loved parks, it was recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag award to recognise its high quality and its importance to Cardiff.

In the centre of the park sits the wonderful Roath Lake, a peaceful place to walk around with sights of ducks, birds, and an impressive lighthouse stood in the water. There is a lovely little café and plenty of places to picnic, so take a seat and enjoy the view.

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff. The mix of grassland, woodland, scrub and waterside habitats offers opportunities for all kinds of wildlife and nature. There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and much of the grassland and woodland outside of the SSSIs is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
Dogs are permitted on the café balcony, car park and Grab & Go seating area only and are not permitted anywhere else on the site, including the paths. Natural Resources Wales has advised that the risk from dogs to the fungi is too great. Waxcaps are very sensitive to changes in habitat such as fluctuations in soil moisture, temperature and nitrate levels which can reduce the production of fruiting bodies. In particular, sudden changes to nitrate levels on the site – from dog urine specifically – can have a detrimental effect on the fungi.
There is a fully accessible Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets, free wi-fi, room hire, equipment hire, changing rooms and other facilities include the boathouse, bird hide, education centre, nature trails and paths, bike parking/shelters and car parking.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Enjoy a pretty stroll through the woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir.

Well-maintained dirt paths will lead you around the forest where there is a rope swing and stream to discover, a little something for the kids to enjoy too.

Tip by

Save

Roath Park Lake

Highlight • Lake

Roath Park Lake has stunning vistas and tree-lined pathways. Lots of birds relax on the shores.

Tip by

Save

In 1960, a private bill sponsored by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament to develop a water reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley. The development would include the flooding of Capel Celyn. By obtaining authority via an Act of Parliament, Liverpool City Council would not require planning consent from the relevant Welsh local authorities and would also avoid a planning enquiry at Welsh level at which arguments against the proposal could be expressed. This, together with the fact that the village was one of the last Welsh-only speaking communities, ensured that the proposals became deeply controversial. Thirty-five out of thirty-six Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs) opposed the bill (the other did not vote), but in 1962 it was passed. The members of the community waged an eight-year effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to prevent the destruction of their homes.

When the valley was flooded in 1965, the village and its buildings, including the post office, the school, and a chapel with cemetery, were all lost. Twelve houses and farms were submerged, and 48 people of the 67 who lived in the valley lost their homes.[2] In all, some 800 acres (3.2 km²; 320 ha) of land were submerged. A new reservoir, Llyn Celyn, was formed. Many of the stones from the original chapel were re-used in the construction of the new Memorial Chapel.

The water in the reservoir is used to maintain the flow of the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) so that water may be abstracted downstream,[3] and additionally to improve the quality of white-water sports on Afon Tryweryn.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Caerphilly.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Caerphilly

Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty

Road Cycling Routes around Caerphilly

Cycling around Caerphilly

Hiking around Caerphilly

Running Trails around Caerphilly

Gravel biking around Caerphilly

MTB Trails around Caerphilly

Other adventures around Caerphilly

Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty

Hiking Collection by

Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

Peter Turner
July 30, 2025, Roath Park Lake

Roath Park Lake has stunning vistas and tree-lined pathways. Lots of birds relax on the shores.

1

0

Liam
May 4, 2025, Roath Park Lake

lovely part of Cardiff, particularly on a sunny day. good spot for a stroll but very busy with families and people walking so not very suited for cycling

0

0

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff. The mix of grassland, woodland, scrub and waterside habitats offers opportunities for all kinds of wildlife and nature. There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and much of the grassland and woodland outside of the SSSIs is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Dogs are permitted on the café balcony, car park and Grab & Go seating area only and are not permitted anywhere else on the site, including the paths. Natural Resources Wales has advised that the risk from dogs to the fungi is too great. Waxcaps are very sensitive to changes in habitat such as fluctuations in soil moisture, temperature and nitrate levels which can reduce the production of fruiting bodies. In particular, sudden changes to nitrate levels on the site – from dog urine specifically – can have a detrimental effect on the fungi. There is a fully accessible Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets, free wi-fi, room hire, equipment hire, changing rooms and other facilities include the boathouse, bird hide, education centre, nature trails and paths, bike parking/shelters and car parking.

1

0

Enjoy a pretty stroll through the woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir. Well-maintained dirt paths will lead you around the forest where there is a rope swing and stream to discover, a little something for the kids to enjoy too.

2

0

Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most loved parks, it was recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag award to recognise its high quality and its importance to Cardiff. In the centre of the park sits the wonderful Roath Lake, a peaceful place to walk around with sights of ducks, birds, and an impressive lighthouse stood in the water. There is a lovely little café and plenty of places to picnic, so take a seat and enjoy the view.

2

0

Must see if you are in Wales !!

Translated by Google

0

0

St Fagans National Museum of History (Welsh: Sain Ffagan: Amgueddfa Werin Cymru), commonly referred to as St Fagans after the village where it is located, is an open-air museum in Cardiff chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people. The museum is part of the wider network of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. It consists of more than forty re-erected buildings from various locations in Wales, and is set in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. In 2011 Which? magazine named the museum the United Kingdom's favourite visitor attraction. A six-year, £30-million revamp was completed in 2018 and the museum was named the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2019.

2

0

In 1960, a private bill sponsored by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament to develop a water reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley. The development would include the flooding of Capel Celyn. By obtaining authority via an Act of Parliament, Liverpool City Council would not require planning consent from the relevant Welsh local authorities and would also avoid a planning enquiry at Welsh level at which arguments against the proposal could be expressed. This, together with the fact that the village was one of the last Welsh-only speaking communities, ensured that the proposals became deeply controversial. Thirty-five out of thirty-six Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs) opposed the bill (the other did not vote), but in 1962 it was passed. The members of the community waged an eight-year effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to prevent the destruction of their homes. When the valley was flooded in 1965, the village and its buildings, including the post office, the school, and a chapel with cemetery, were all lost. Twelve houses and farms were submerged, and 48 people of the 67 who lived in the valley lost their homes.[2] In all, some 800 acres (3.2 km²; 320 ha) of land were submerged. A new reservoir, Llyn Celyn, was formed. Many of the stones from the original chapel were re-used in the construction of the new Memorial Chapel. The water in the reservoir is used to maintain the flow of the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) so that water may be abstracted downstream,[3] and additionally to improve the quality of white-water sports on Afon Tryweryn.

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lakes around Caerphilly for family activities?

Several lakes in the Caerphilly area are ideal for families. Roath Park Lake offers walking paths, a café, and plenty of space for picnics. Pen-y-fan Pond is known for its safe, flat, open spaces perfect for picnicking, flying kites, and ball games, along with an 'Alien Invasion Trail'. Parc Cwm Darran Lake, within Parc Cwm Darran, features a playground, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and an obstacle course for older children, plus a campsite.

Are there any dog-friendly lakes in the Caerphilly region?

Yes, Parc Cwm Darran Lake is dog-friendly, offering clearly marked walking routes and dog bins within Parc Cwm Darran. Pen-y-fan Pond is also generally considered dog-friendly for walks around its perimeter. However, please note that at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, dogs are only permitted on the café balcony, car park, and Grab & Go seating area, not on the paths, due to ecological concerns.

Which lakes offer accessible routes for wheelchairs or pushchairs?

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs features a fully accessible Visitor Centre and nature trails. Pen-y-fan Pond also offers easy, flat rambles around its perimeter, making it suitable for pushchairs and some wheelchairs.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Caerphilly?

Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Caerphilly Mountain and Rhymney Ridgeway Loop' or 'Castell Coch – Fforest Fawr Woodland Trail loop'. Running enthusiasts can try trails such as the 'Corn Mill loop' or 'Forest Cycle Path – Castell Coch loop'. Many of these activities are detailed in guides like Hiking around Caerphilly and Running Trails around Caerphilly.

Where can I go fishing in the Caerphilly area?

The Caerphilly Castle Moat is a premier coarse fishing destination, especially known for specimen carp and pike, though fishing is exclusively for full members of the Caerphilly & District Angling Association. Pen-y-fan Pond also permits fishing with a day ticket, obtainable from Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre or the Islwyn & District Angling Club's website. Parc Cwm Darran Lake is stocked with small carp, roach, and perch, offering another option for anglers.

Are there any historical lakes or moats to visit near Caerphilly?

Yes, the Caerphilly Castle Moat is a historically significant site, forming part of the impressive Caerphilly Castle. Pen-y-fan Pond is also historic, originally built between 1794 and 1796 as a canal feeder reservoir. Parc Cwm Darran, surrounding Parc Cwm Darran Lake, includes historical elements like a restored Powder Store from the former Ogilvie Colliery.

What facilities are available at Parc Cwm Darran Lake?

Parc Cwm Darran, where the lake is located, offers a visitor centre, a café, a playground, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities. There's also an obstacle course, a smaller playground for younger children, and a campsite with electric hook-ups, hot showers, and washing facilities. An audio trail is available around the lake.

Can I find cafes or refreshment options near the lakes?

Yes, Roath Park Lake has a lovely café. Pen-y-fan Pond offers a refreshment kiosk during the summer months. Parc Cwm Darran Lake is situated within Parc Cwm Darran, which has a café at its visitor centre. Additionally, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs features a fully accessible Visitor Centre with a café.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

The lakes provide habitats for various wildlife. Roath Park Lake is known for its ducks and birds, and the adjoining Roath Park Wild Gardens are a meeting place for many bird types. Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs offers a mix of grassland, woodland, scrub, and waterside habitats, supporting diverse wildlife and nature, including two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a bird hide.

Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes?

Yes, Parc Cwm Darran Lake is a popular spot for cycling, with trails available within Parc Cwm Darran. While specific cycling routes around other lakes aren't detailed, many areas offer paths suitable for leisurely rides. For more extensive cycling, you can explore guides like Running Trails around Caerphilly which includes routes like the 'Forest Cycle Path'.

What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6442391" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs</a> unique?

This area encompasses two reservoirs and is recognized for its significant ecological value, including two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). It offers a mix of grassland, woodland, and waterside habitats. The site also boasts a fully accessible Visitor Centre with a café, toilets, Wi-Fi, and educational facilities, making it a hub for nature and community engagement.

Can I find shaded walking paths around the lakes?

Yes, Parc Cwm Darran Lake offers strolls through shady woodlands. Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir provides a pretty stroll through woodland surrounding the reservoir, featuring maintained dirt paths.

Most popular routes around Caerphilly

Road Cycling Routes around Caerphilly

Most popular attractions around Caerphilly

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found your perfect lake around Caerphilly? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

PembrokeshireYstradfellteMaescarLlangynidrTalybont-On-UskLlanfrynachGlyn TarellCrayLlanwrtyd WellsLlangattockBreconCeredigionCrickhowellPen TranchTrevethinCarmarthenshireAbersychanLlanrhidian HigherNew InnBedwas Trethomas & MachenPontprennauOld St MellonsRadyr and MorganstownPontarddulaisMawrPonthirLlangorsLlanfihangel Cwmdu With Bwlch And CathedineRhondda Cynon TafTawe-UchafRisca WestMonmouthshireLlywelCyncoedLisvanePentwynCymer And GlyncorrwgWhitchurchGwynfi And CroeserwLlanddewSwanseaRudryAbercarnCwmbran CentralLlantarnamHenllysRhiwbinaLlandaff NorthLlanishenHeathRoathCathaysPenylanCardiffRisca EastYstradgynlaisPentyrchGowertonPontlliw And TircoedPenllergaerLlwchwrGorseinonGrovesend And WaungronTalgarthCrumlinNewbridgeFairwaterLlanyrafonUpper CwmbranAber ValleyLlangennith, Llanmadoc And CheritonLlanrhidian LowerTongwynlaisPenyrheol Trecenydd & EnerglynGlynneathUpper KillayIlstonPennardMumblesTrallongFelin-FachCoedffrancCroesyceiliogPontnewyddPantegPontymoileLlanbradachYnysdduThe Vale Of GrwyneyCrosskeysBlaengwrachVanHonddu IsafOnllwynResolvenPelennaSkettyDunvantKillayMargam MoorsTai-BachPort TalbotBrynAberavonMargamSandfields EastCockettPenderryLlangyfelachBlaenavonYscirDyffryn ClydachMerthyr TydfilBon-Y-MaenLlansamletMorristonLandoreClydachBirchgroveMynyddbachVale of GlamorganBronllys

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Van

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy