Grwyne Fawr Reservoir - Image 1
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Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Wales

4.8
·50 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene reservoir nestled in the dramatic Black Mountains of Wales, offering stunning views and peaceful hiking trails.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-week mornings

Peaceful, fewer people

CrowdLow
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Grwyne Fawr Reservoir - Image 1

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Wales

Best Time

Mid-week mornings

Peaceful, fewer people

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene reservoir nestled in the dramatic Black Mountains of Wales, offering stunning views and peaceful hiking trails.

4.8
(50 reviews)

"Lovely hike up to the reservoir and dam. Impressive views all along the route."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smart

Utilize the spacious, free car park at the bottom. Avoid attempting to loop back via the small road to prevent private property issues.

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The track can be uneven, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes for a pleasant walk.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 50 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Impressive Dam and Reservoir

The Impressive Dam and Reservoir

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir

A striking feat of engineering, the dam holds back a vast, serene lake amidst the Black Mountains.

Misty Mountain Vistas

Misty Mountain Vistas

Black Mountains

Experience a mystical, otherworldly landscape, especially when shrouded in mist, creating a painterly scene.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Grwyne Fawr Valley

Keep an eye out for red kites, common lizards, and even wild horses in this rich natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To truly soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, aim for weekdays, especially mid-week. This avoids the weekend crowds and allows for a more solitary experience amidst the stunning Welsh landscape. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Navigating the Trails and Access

While the walk to the reservoir is generally considered easy to moderate, be aware of uneven terrain. Some online maps might suggest a circular route back via a road, but local advice indicates this can lead to private farmland. Stick to the main path to avoid trespassing and ensure a smooth return to the car park.

Best Times

When
Mid-week mornings
Why
Peaceful, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Circa 3000 BC, the craters of extinct volcanoes in Arabia were used as reservoirs by farmers for their irrigation water. . . 📍Grwyne Fawr reservoir . . . #reservoir #ukhikers #hikersuk #hiking #breaconbeacons #southwales #wales #adventure #getoutside #getoutanddoit #onlyliveonce #vistwales #breaconbeaconsnationalpark #breconbeacons #adventure #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #drone...
tommy_and_otis
70 likes • 1.1K views

🚗 Park Smart

Utilize the spacious, free car park at the bottom. Avoid attempting to loop back via the small road to prevent private property issues. Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The track can be uneven, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes for a pleasant walk. Reddit

Wales has so many hidden treasure spots! Here’s a new we discovered ⬇️ 📍 Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Park at Mynydd Du Car Park And Picnic Area for a nice easy stroll of just 40mins, over to the beautiful reservoir 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💎⛰️ #hiddengems #waleshiking #abergavennymountains #blackmountains #grwynefawr #grwynefawrreservoir #explorewales #mountainwalks #hikingtrails #hikeinwales #walesneverfails
colddip_therapysisters
37 likes • 800 views
There are some incredible wild swim spots near Little Mill, but Forest Coal Pit, by the The Grwyne Fawr Reservoir is my favourite one to go to with kids. It’s surrounded by forest, plenty of shallow spots, and a couple of rope swings. What sunny days in Wales are meant for. #wildwales #visitwales #welshnature #breaconbeacons #welshwaterfalls #wildswimmingwales #wildswimminguk
little_mill_abergavenny
438 likes • 17.4K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The valley offers impressive views all along the route, perfect for photography. Reddit

🗺️ Stick to the Path

Follow the main trail to the reservoir and back to avoid private farmland and potential issues. Reddit

Stumbled around this amazing hike exploring South Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 📍Mynydd Du, Pen y Gadair Fawr, Grwyne Reservoir 12th September 2024 Music: Lifestream Musician: Dream Machine URL: https://icons8.com/music/ #hike #walk #trail #southwales #peak #mountain #stream #reservoir #wuanfach #walk #mynydddu
austinsreal
36 likes • 129 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smart

Utilize the spacious, free car park at the bottom. Avoid attempting to loop back via the small road to prevent private property issues. Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The track can be uneven, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes for a pleasant walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The valley offers impressive views all along the route, perfect for photography. Reddit

🗺️ Stick to the Path

Follow the main trail to the reservoir and back to avoid private farmland and potential issues. Reddit

🌦️ Embrace Welsh Weather

Be prepared for changeable conditions; sunshine, fog, and rain can all appear in one day! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(50 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Grwyne Fawr Reservoir for its beautiful scenery, impressive dam, and peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays. The free parking and relatively easy walk make it an accessible natural escape. Some caution against attempting a circular route via private roads.

"Lovely hike up to the reservoir and dam. Spacious car parking at the bottom but a fairly quiet walk, perfect to enjoy the scenery. Impressive views all along the route."

Hannah Young

"We did enjoyed our walk, some maps shows you can go back at road from Reservoir but than you reach farm and is polite note "no entry without permission ",so you might need back to bridge and road what will take you to circuit walk."

Izabela “Bella” Wyremska

"Free car park and relativity easy walk to the reservoir. Lovely valley and impressive dam and lake. Don't try and walk back along the small road to the car park, the farmer and large dog won't let you through!"

Mikeee H

What People Like

Beautiful valley views
Impressive dam and lake
Peaceful and secluded

What People Dislike

Uneven walking track
Avoid private roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common access point is via the Mynydd Du Car Park and Picnic Area. From there, it's a relatively easy stroll to the reservoir. Instagram Some visitors mention driving for hours to reach this scenic spot. Instagram

Yes, there is spacious and free car parking available at the bottom of the valley, near the start of the walking trail. Reddit

The recommended route is to park at Mynydd Du Car Park and follow the trail up to the reservoir. This walk is often described as easy to moderate. InstagramReddit

While cycling might be possible on some tracks, the primary access for visitors is on foot. The terrain can be uneven, making it more suitable for hiking. Instagram

Public transport options to this remote location are limited. Driving is the most practical way to reach the reservoir and its car park. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir and the surrounding walking trails is free. The car park is also free to use. Reddit

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

The car park at the Mynydd Du Car Park and Picnic Area is free to use for visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Grwyne Fawr Reservoir year-round. However, be prepared for potentially challenging weather conditions and shorter daylight hours in winter. Instagram

While there are no strict entry restrictions, visitors are advised to respect the natural environment and private property. Avoid trespassing on farmland when returning from the reservoir. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is generally described as a nice, steady walk, though it can be uneven in places. It's considered a relatively easy to moderate hike. InstagramReddit

The walk from the Mynydd Du Car Park to the reservoir typically takes around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Instagram+1

Yes, it's often recommended as a family-friendly spot, with some areas offering shallow spots and rope swings for kids. Instagram The walk is manageable for most families. Instagram

While some visitors enjoy wild swimming in the area, particularly near Forest Coal Pit, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of water safety. Instagram

Expect impressive views of the valley, the dam, and the lake. The scenery can be particularly dramatic when shrouded in mist. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Misty conditions can also create a unique, atmospheric mood. Instagram

The dam itself is a striking subject, as is the expansive reservoir. The surrounding valley and mountain landscapes also provide stunning backdrops. Instagram

Drone usage is generally permitted in open outdoor spaces, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Instagram

The entire walk offers scenic vistas. The area around the dam and the higher points overlooking the reservoir provide excellent vantage points. Reddit

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