
Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Wales
A serene reservoir nestled in the dramatic Black Mountains of Wales, offering stunning views and peaceful hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer people

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir Wales
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene reservoir nestled in the dramatic Black Mountains of Wales, offering stunning views and peaceful hiking trails.
"Lovely hike up to the reservoir and dam. Impressive views all along the route."

🚗 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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 50 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Grwyne Fawr Valley
Keep an eye out for red kites, common lizards, and even wild horses in this rich natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Navigating the Trails and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The valley offers impressive views all along the route, perfect for photography.
🗺️ Stick to the Path
Follow the main trail to the reservoir and back to avoid private farmland and potential issues.
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.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The track can be uneven, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes for a pleasant walk.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The valley offers impressive views all along the route, perfect for photography.
🗺️ Stick to the Path
Follow the main trail to the reservoir and back to avoid private farmland and potential issues.
🌦️ Embrace Welsh Weather
Be prepared for changeable conditions; sunshine, fog, and rain can all appear in one day!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Some visitors mention driving for hours to reach this scenic spot.
Yes, there is spacious and free car parking available at the bottom of the valley, near the start of the walking trail.
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.
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.
Public transport options to this remote location are limited. Driving is the most practical way to reach the reservoir and its car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir and the surrounding walking trails is free. The car park is also free to use.
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.
The car park at the Mynydd Du Car Park and Picnic Area is free to use for visitors.
Yes, you can visit Grwyne Fawr Reservoir year-round. However, be prepared for potentially challenging weather conditions and shorter daylight hours in winter.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
The walk from the Mynydd Du Car Park to the reservoir typically takes around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.
Yes, it's often recommended as a family-friendly spot, with some areas offering shallow spots and rope swings for kids. The walk is manageable for most families.
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.
Expect impressive views of the valley, the dam, and the lake. The scenery can be particularly dramatic when shrouded in mist.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Misty conditions can also create a unique, atmospheric mood.
The dam itself is a striking subject, as is the expansive reservoir. The surrounding valley and mountain landscapes also provide stunning backdrops.
Drone usage is generally permitted in open outdoor spaces, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The entire walk offers scenic vistas. The area around the dam and the higher points overlooking the reservoir provide excellent vantage points.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit