Best Lakes in the Brecon Beacons & Cambrian Mountains
Some of the most picturesque, wild and remote lakes in Wales are in the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. Discover mountains with deep glacier lakes tucked in at their feet, remote upland tarns that see no one from week to week, and languid reservoirs with impressive dams, perfectly reflecting the woodland and hills along their edges.
Best for wild walks
2. Llyn Gynon, Cambrian Mountains
If you’re feeling fit and ready to skip across bogs and ankle twisting molinia, another hour on from the Teifi Pools is remote Llyn Gynon. The only person you may see is a fisherman as there are brown trout here. This is seriously wild and remote, but the best things in life are rarely the easiest.
3. Llyn Y Fan Fach and Fawr, Brecon Beacons National Park
Two large glacier lakes under the spectacular ridge of Bannau Sir Gar, or the Carmarthen Fans, in the wild west of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Walk to each individually or do the whole loop along the ridge and back around.
4. Nant Y Moch & Llyn Llygad Rheidol, Cambrian Mountains
Two for the price of one in a mountain wilderness. If you climb up Pumlumon Fawr, the tallest peak in the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll see the sinuous Nant Y Moch reservoir snaking along on one side. On the north side nestles Llyn Llygad Rheidol an atmospheric hidden lake, that was eventually dammed and now provides water for Aberystwyth. Good for sunsets and contemplation. For guided walks we recommend Dafydd at Pumlumon Trails
5. Llyn Cwm Llwch, Brecon Beacons National Park
Beautiful glacier lake tucked in under the peak of Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. A long climb up but well worth it and a cracking one to swim in, away from the crowds at the top of Pen Y Fan.
6. Glaslyn Nature Reserve, Cambrian Mountains
Stunning upland lake at the top of nature reserve on the Owain Glyndwr Way. Visit in late June to August to drink up the spectacular show of cotton glass followed by the blooming heather moorland. The reserve also has spectacular views towards Snowdonia. Upland moorland bliss.
Best for cycling
7. Gwrynne Fawr reservoir, Brecon Beacons National Park
Remote reservoir in the Black Mountains in the eastern Brecon Beacons National Park. Brilliant for mountain bikes and also sits in the middle of an all day horseshoe walk.
8. Usk reservoir, Brecon Beacons National Park
The combination of its exceptionally pink sandstone and blue waters makes this the Cotes D’Azure of the Brecon Beacons. Lovely peaceful reservoir to walk and cycle around with great views of the Carmarthen Fans, Pen Y Fan and its neighbouring peaks.
9. Llyn Brianne, Cambrian Mountains
Sensational drive and ride around a fabulous lake on a twisting, single track road. The best bits to stop at and visit include the ruins at Trawsnant, The lookout point half way around and the Fannog peninsula, where you can get lakeside.
Best for driving
10. Elan Valley, Cambrian Mountains
Extraordinary Victorian engineering and a sequence of beautiful lakes. A series of narrow roads wind around reservoirs and dams. Spectacular, but not so secret - expect to share it with other visitors and very busy in summer. Elan Valley is also a Dark Sky Park, so head out with a camera at night for incredible night sky shots.
11. Talybont reservoir, Brecon Beacons National Park
Large and usually quite busy reservoir. You can drive along one side of it and the Taff Trail for cycling and walking runs along the other side. The best views of it are if you climb up Tor Y Foel, the peak just next to it. You can carry on driving from here to Pontiscill reservoir and there’s also a lovely waterfall walk. Added benefit of two local pubs in a nearby village for a social distancing drink afterwards.
Cambrianescapes
How to start wild swimming: 121 open water swimming experiences and adventures in the Brecon Beacons
