Top 6 Lakes around Crosskeys
Best lakes around Crosskeys are found in a region of South Wales, offering a variety of aquatic landscapes from urban boating lakes to tranquil reservoirs nestled within woodlands. This area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and nature observation. The natural environment features a mix of developed parklands and more secluded forest settings, often with accessible paths.
Best lakes around Crosskeys
- The most popular lakes is Cwmbran Boating Lake, a viewpoint that is only a few minutes walk…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Cwmbran Boating Lake
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Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs
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Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir
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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.
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Ponthir Reservoir and Afon Llwyd River
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Greenmeadow Community Farm Nature Reserve Stream
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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.
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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.
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Located next to the Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran this reserve contains ancient woodland and a series of ponds and wetlands which are important for a range of wildlife.
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Cwmbran Boating Lake is only a few minutes walk from Cwmbran town centre. Enjoy a stroll around the lake and feed the geese and ducks; have an ice cream in the café, picnic in the park or have fun in the children's play area. Cwmbran Boating Lake has something for everyone. During the Summer it hosts the very popular Cwmbran Big Event.
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Ponthir is primarily a residential area, with several new housing estates around the older village. It has a primary school, (Ponthir Church in Wales Primary School) which was for some time under threat of closure but was reprieved, and it now has the best SATs results in Torfaen. It also changed its category to a Voluntary aided school (church) school.[5] Ponthir has many amenities such as two nurseries, two children's playgrounds, two churches, a village hall, a cricket club, a football club (Ponthir AFC), 2 pubs - The Ponthir House and The Star, a grocery shop, a doctor and a dentist. There used to be a railway station but it closed in 1962. The railway is still in use. It is surrounded by the rolling hills of Monmouthshire, many farms, and the Afon Llwyd (meaning "grey river") runs through the village.[3] A Welsh Water sewage and water treatment plant for the surrounding area is located here, and this was where bacteria were first used to treat sewage sludge using an electrically powered aerator to circulate the sludge and ensure good microbial digestion. This process saved the local authority money as well as reducing noxious odours.[6]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit around Crosskeys?
Among the most popular lakes in the Crosskeys area are Cwmbran Boating Lake, known for its easy strolls and family-friendly amenities, and Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, which offers diverse habitats and a fully accessible Visitor Centre. Another favorite is Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir, perfect for a woodland stroll.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Crosskeys?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Cwmbran Boating Lake features a children's play area and a cafe, making it ideal for a day out. Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir has well-maintained dirt paths, a rope swing, and a stream for kids to explore. The Greenmeadow Community Farm Nature Reserve Stream, adjacent to the farm, also offers a family-friendly natural setting with ancient woodland and ponds.
Which lakes offer easy walking trails near Crosskeys?
For easy walks, Cwmbran Boating Lake provides a flat, easy stroll around the lake. Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir offers pretty woodland paths that are well-maintained. Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs also has accessible nature trails and paths suitable for leisurely walks.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible lakes or facilities near Crosskeys?
Yes, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs boasts a fully accessible Visitor Centre with a cafe, toilets, and accessible nature trails. Cwmbran Boating Lake is also noted for its accessibility, offering a flat and easy walk around the lake.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes in Crosskeys?
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Cwmbran Boating Lake, you can feed geese and ducks. Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), offer diverse habitats attracting various wildlife, including birds which can be observed from a dedicated bird hide. The Greenmeadow Community Farm Nature Reserve Stream also features ancient woodland, ponds, and wetlands important for a range of species.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Crosskeys?
Beyond walking around the lakes, the Crosskeys area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore cycling routes like the 'Muddy Forest Trail – Cwm Carn Campsite loop' or 'Monmouth and Brecon Canal – Pontymoile Basin loop'. For road cycling, consider the 'Pontymoile Basin – Monmouthshire Canal Towpath loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle trails such as the 'Cafall red trail' or 'Twrch red trail' at Cwmcarn Trail Centre. Find more details on these activities in the cycling, road cycling, and MTB guides for Crosskeys.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?
Yes, Cwmbran Boating Lake has a cafe. Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs features a fully accessible Visitor Centre with a cafe, toilets, free Wi-Fi, and changing rooms.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Crosskeys?
Dog policies vary by location. At Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, dogs are permitted only on the cafe balcony, car park, and Grab & Go seating area, but not on the paths or other parts of the site due to the risk to sensitive fungi. It's always best to check specific rules for other locations before visiting with your dog.
What makes Ponthir Reservoir and Afon Llwyd River unique?
Ponthir Reservoir and Afon Llwyd River is situated near a residential area with local amenities, offering a blend of natural beauty and village life. The area is surrounded by the rolling hills of Monmouthshire, and the Afon Llwyd (meaning 'grey river') runs through the village, providing a picturesque setting for intermediate walks.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Crosskeys?
The lakes around Crosskeys can be enjoyed year-round. During the summer, Cwmbran Boating Lake hosts the popular Cwmbran Big Event. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and observing nature, while winter can provide tranquil, crisp views. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots among the lakes?
While the guide focuses on well-loved spots, exploring areas like the Greenmeadow Community Farm Nature Reserve Stream, with its ancient woodland and series of ponds, offers a quieter experience next to the farm. Similarly, the woodland trails around Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir can feel like a secluded escape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Crosskeys?
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered, from the easy, flat walks and family amenities at Cwmbran Boating Lake to the diverse natural habitats and accessible facilities at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs. The opportunity for peaceful strolls through woodlands, like those at Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir, and the chance to observe wildlife are also highly valued.
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