
Welcome to Lliw Reservoirs
Set in the stunning mountain scenery that characterises the Mawr, north of Swansea, the Upper and Lower Lliw Resevoirs are open to the public all year round.
With walking routes, fishing, watersports, cafe and a sculpture trail, there’s plenty on offer for the visitor.
There are walks for everyone; from a short wander round a reservoir to an open moorland route of over ten miles. There’s also a four mile route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The lower and upper Lliw reservoirs are surrounded by a mosaic of habitats including bracken, scrub broadleaved woodland lowland acid grassland.
Both sites support a wide diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are considered rare. Birds identified on site include: peregrine, kestrel, raven, wheatear, meadow pipit & skylark, whinchat, red kite and curlew.
Walking

Take the Two Reservoirs Trail and discover the solitude of the Upper Lliw Reservoir and to join the Gower Way. The well-surfaced and gently inclined road is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles. Take care on the access road to the Upper Lliw reservoir as it is in regular use by residents, service and maintenance vehicles. Please ensure children are supervised at all times.
Follow the Lower Lliw Trail and see if you can spot the wildlife sculptures along the way. Pick up free activity sheets from the Lower Lliw Cafe before setting off!
Wildlife Sculptures

Walk the Lower Lliw Trail and discover sculptures of the native wildlife, carved out of Welsh oak by Swansea sculpture artist, Ami Marsden. The beautiful wood carvings include a rabbit, grey heron, trout, hedgehog, otter, owl, red kite and Pipistrelle bats.
All of the sculptures have been created using various techniques including hand carving, chainsaw carving, sanding, torching and oiling.
The location of each piece has been chosen carefully so each animal carving is placed near to its natural habitat.
Fishing

You will need a permit from the South Wales Fishing Society. Permits cannot be purchased on the reservoir banks.
In addition to your permit, you will also need to purchase a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Fishing Rod License, which is legally required in order to fish in freshwater.
There is no fishing from the dam, pontoon or overflow.
Watersports

Our pontoon provides easy access onto the reservoir for paddlers of all abilities.
Swansea Adventures is the licensed watersports operator. It offers both kayak and SUP board hire plus instructed group and private lessons. Their instructors are qualified and highly experienced making sure you get the best out of your session.
Self-launch now available!
There is strictly no unauthorised access to the water.
Fun Learning

Free activity sheets – available from the cafe in Welsh or English – feature the eight wildlife sculptures as well as a fact-file, worksheet and other fun tasks.
Check out the new Lliw Reservoirs Activity Station! Be inspired to take part in natural art or make a nature stick by collecting objects such as leaves, twigs and feathers to take home a souvenir.
Playground

Playing outdoors in natural environments benefits children’s development as well having a positive effect on their overall health and wellbeing.
The playground has been recently refurbished to create an inspiring natural timber play area where children can have fun, learn and connect to the natural environment. Suitable for ages 3 to 12.
Lower Lliw Cafe

Lliw Cafe offers local freshly prepared food that’s made to order. Take some time to browse the adjoining shop for locally-made artisan crafts.
March – October | 9:00am – 4:00pm
November – February | 9:00am – 3:00pm | Closed at Christmas & New Year
Find Us

From J46 of M4 travel north towards Felindre and then follow signs to the reservoir.
There is no vehicle access for visitors from the Lower to the Upper Reservoir. Traffic is limited to Welsh Water staff, Lliw residents and deliveries.
Car Parking

Open Daily | 8am – 6pm/dusk | £2.50 per day
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water wants to provide a clean and well-maintained environment at Lliw Reservoirs for visitors to enjoy. All monies raised through the parking charges will be reinvested in the site. Please ensure your vehicle is removed from the car park by the advertised times as the entrance gate is locked overnight.
Annual parking permits are available for local community – please enquire at cafe.
Dogs

We love four legged friends but please always keep them on a lead to help protect neighbouring farm animals and ground nesting birds.
Sorry dogs are not allowed in the Café but you are welcome to order drinks and food to take away.
Please pick up your dog waste as it contains diseases that can make animals and people sick and can pollute the drinking water supply.
Customer Experience Survey
Please click the link below to answer a few short questions about your experience of visiting Lliw.
Thank you and we hope you enjoyed your visit.
Other Welsh Water Adventures
Lower Lliw Reservoir
Felindre
Swansea
SA5 7NP

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Registered office: Linea, Fortran Road, St Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0LT.