Llandegfedd Reservoir in the Summer

Hey Friends! ☀️

Last weekend, Matt and I decided to escape the hustle and bustle so we headed nearby to the Llandegfedd Reservoir. What an absolute gem of a place! If you're passionate about nature and wildlife, this is a must-visit. 

On first inspection, Llandegfedd Reservoir is impressively clean with bins conveniently placed around the site. There’s ample parking, free for the first hour and then £3 via a payment meter. Disabled parking is available next to the center, with a lift providing easy access to the café upstairs. This thoughtful setup ensures a comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Llandegfedd Reservoir, a sprawling 434-acre water supply reservoir, was originally constructed in the early 1960s by Cardiff Corporation to provide clean drinking water for the rapidly growing city of Cardiff. Now under the care of Welsh Water, this beautiful site has evolved into a vibrant hub for health, wellbeing, and recreation, offering a perfect escape for everyone to enjoy.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the team at Llandegfedd is dedicated to creating a haven for wildlife. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with plenty of areas left wild to encourage local flora and fauna. As we walked through the trails, it was amazing to see how vibrant and alive the place felt. Birds chirping from the many surrounding trees, seabirds and ducks enjoying the reservoir, butterflies fluttering and bees bumbling by – I expected to see more wildlife here than I did on this occasion, but I am hopeful the biodiversity efforts will change this, the most exciting bird I have seen here previously has been the cormorant taking a dive for one of the many types of fish found here including rainbow trout & pike. 

After a leisurely walk along a small part of an impressive trail where we found the tallest thistle plants we have ever seen, we found a perfect spot for a picnic. There are numerous picnic benches scattered around, each offering stunning views of the reservoir. We settled down at one, enjoying the peaceful sight of the water shimmering under the midday sun. Watching a lone sailing boat glide gracefully across the lake was incredibly relaxing – a perfect backdrop for our picnic lunch.

For more information on the trails here : https://llandegfedd.co.uk/walking-routes/ 🌿✨

One of the highlights of the visit was the panoramic landscape. For miles around, we could see rolling hills and even the distant mountains of Abergavenny. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Llandegfedd Reservoir offers the chance to experience a wide variety of watersports, and it brings back fond memories of my younger days as a Girl Guide, trying out different activities on the water. It’s heartwarming to see that today, the tradition continues. Whether you bring your own gear or opt to hire equipment and book tuition, the reservoir caters to all levels of experience and enthusiasm.

As I wandered along the shore, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of people enjoying the water. Watching them brought back a rush of nostalgia, and I imagined how relaxed or exhilarated they must feel, creating their own memories here. There’s something incredibly joyful about witnessing the simple pleasure of sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding against the backdrop of this beautiful reservoir. Whether you’re reliving old adventures or trying something new, Llandegfedd offers a perfect setting to embrace the joy of watersports.

More information regarding watersports can be found here : https://llandegfedd.co.uk/watersports/

Llandegfedd Reservoir is also committed to sustainability, which is evident from their recycling efforts. There are bins with multiple sections to ensure proper waste segregation. For the kids, there are adorable blue penguin bins that make recycling fun and engaging. It’s a great way to teach the younger generation about the importance of taking care of our environment.

Dog lovers rejoice – your furry friends are welcome here! We saw so many happy pups enjoying the trails and open spaces. It's a very pet-friendly spot, adding to the warm and inclusive atmosphere of the reservoir.

Before we headed home, we visited the delightful café located upstairs. The café is a 5* rating for hygiene and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and leads out onto a balcony with a glass barrier. This clever design ensures that the spectacular views can be enjoyed in all their glory. This is a great spot to sip a coffee, soaking in the moments of tranquility, and feeling grateful for places like Llandegfedd that offer such a perfect escape. 

We packed our own picnic but I have since discovered you can actually order these made fresh from the café at £13.90 per person, you can enjoy a delicious meal in a picturesque setting. Just make sure to book for at least two people, and remember that picnics must be pre-ordered. A deposit is required for the picnic basket, but you'll get it back when you return the basket. They cater to all dietary preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy a tasty and relaxing picnic by the water.

For more information on booking a picnic : https://llandegfedd.co.uk/lakeside-cafe/

In short, our visit to Llandegfedd Reservoir was nothing short of magical. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family with kids, a dog owner, or just someone looking for a peaceful retreat, this place has something special to offer. Can't wait for our next visit!

Things to pack when visiting here :

• Sunscreen & a hat - even if it is overcast! 

• Comfy footwear, the trail has rocky paths and can be slippery in other areas.

• A camera because I guarantee you will want to take photos! 

• Bug repellent & bite cream, just incase! ;) 

Catch you later! 🌿✨

Miss Whimsy xx

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