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Lliw Reservoir

1.9 miles (3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This is a nice walk between Lower Lliw Reservoir and Upper Lliw Reservoir, using a section of the Gower Way long distance trail. It's about a 2 mile walk between the reservoirs, so 4 miles there and back. It's a resonably flat road with a moderate climb towards the end as you approach the upper reservoir. Please take care on the road between the reservoirs as it is often used by vehicles from Welsh Water employees, residents and deliveries.
The reservoirs are in a delightfully quiet spot with lovely views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Look out for wildlife including Canadian geese on the water.
The walk starts of from the Lower Lliw Reservoir car park. There's also a visitor centre and cafe which sells a variety of cakes and snacks at reasonable prices.
After leaving the car park you follow the trail north along the eastern side of the lower reservoir. It then continues along the Afon Lliw (River Lliw) to the upper reservoir. If you would like to extend your walk you can continue north along the Gower Way through the woodland at the upper reservoir to Penlle'r Castell where the trail actually starts/finishes. Here it links with St Illtyd's Walk which you can use to further explore the area.
The site is located a few miles north of Swansea.

Postcode

SA5 7NH - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Lliw Reservoir OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Lliw Reservoir Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a nice cafe at the visitor centre but if you prefer a pub lunch then you could head to Shepherds Country Inn in Felindre. The rural village is located just south east of the reservoirs and includes an old watermill and the pub. Here you can enjoy a fine meal and sit out in the pleasant garden area with views of the countryside. You can find them at postcode SA5 7ND, about a mile from the lower reservoir car park.

Dog Walking

The lakeside paths and the woods make for a fine dog walk. You are requested to keep them on leads as there are grazing animals in the area. The on site cafe is dog friendly outside with water bowls provided.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

North end of Upper Lliw reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 95718

North end of Upper Lliw reservoir. This is a shot taken looking west from the edge of Brynllefrith Forest. The reservoir continues south out of the left side of the picture and is fed from two streams, the west-most of which can be seen running out to the right of the picture along the base of Mynydd Garn Fach.

118 Upper Lliw Valley Reservoir 25th Sept 2010 (37) (6378213783)

Upper Lliw Valley Reservoir. Look out for wildlife including curlew, peregrine, kestrel, wheatear, meadow pipit & skylark, whinchat and red kite.

Lower Lliw Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 740669

The upper reaches of Lower Lliw Reservoir. Completed in 1863, the Lliw reservoirs were built to provide water for Swansea and its surrounds.

Dam wall and weir at Lower Lliw Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 60568

Dam wall and weir at Lower Lliw Reservoir. This is taken at the southeast corner of the reservoir close to the car park

The pumping station at Lower Lliw reservoir (geograph 3005167)

The pumping station at Lower Lliw reservoir

Footbridge over the Afon Lliw - geograph.org.uk - 3441198

Footbridge over the Afon Lliw. You'll follow the river between the two lakes.

The Gower Way passing through Brynllefrith Forest (geograph 6876281)

The Gower Way passing through Brynllefrith Forest. There's some nice peaceful woodland trails through this forest on the eastern side of the upper reservoir.

Upper Lliw reservoir from Tor Clawdd - geograph.org.uk - 6829410

Upper Lliw reservoir from Tor Clawdd. Mynydd y Gwair wind farm is seen beyond the reservoir.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lliw Reservoir.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Lliw Reservoir.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)