Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

Pontsticill Reservoir

Reservoir

Place photograph

7.1

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideForestHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersFamiliesDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.1

An upland reservoir framed by wooded slopes and the Beacons, with a distinctive bell-mouth overflow at its dam and the Brecon Mountain Railway running along the opposite side of the water.

The appeal is the combination of open reservoir views, forest tracks and a striking piece of water infrastructure. A sourced circular route links these landscapes, making this more than a brief waterside viewpoint.

Peaceful · Dramatic · Big-sky

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Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

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The experience

Walk the reservoir circuit for changing views across water, forest and upland scenery. The route description includes the dam’s bell-mouth overflow, a stretch beside the Brecon Mountain Railway and a return through Taf Fechan Forest. Allow around 2–2.5 hours for the cited 5.3-mile loop; confirm route conditions before setting out.

Things to do

Walk the Pontsticill circular

Follow the described loop from Pontsticill village around the reservoir, through Taf Fechan Forest and back. AllTrails lists it as 5.3 miles, moderate, with 390 ft of elevation gain.

2–2.5 hours

See the bell-mouth overflow

The circular route passes the dam, where the reservoir’s distinctive bell-mouth overflow is a notable feature.

Look across the reservoir towards the Beacons

The route description highlights views of the water with Pen y Fan and neighbouring peaks beyond; visibility depends on conditions.

Follow the forest section

The circular route returns through Taf Fechan Forest, contrasting woodland paths with the open reservoir and moorland sections.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Check before visiting; no short-route duration is established by the supplied sources.

The dam and reservoir views

01
Visit the reservoir-side area and take in the water and mountain backdrop.
02
If following the circular route, continue to the dam to see the bell-mouth overflow; check route access and conditions first.

Half day · About 2–2.5 hours walking, according to AllTrails; allow extra time for stops.

Make a half day of the reservoir circuit

01
Start in Pontsticill village, as described for the circular route.
02
Follow the loop by the dam and bell-mouth overflow, then along the eastern banks and towards the northern end.
03
Cross back through Taf Fechan Forest and return to the southern end.
04
Pause for the reservoir, forest and moorland views; verify route conditions before departure.

Verified history

The supplied Tripadvisor description says the reservoir was completed in 1927 to supply South Wales. It identifies the bell-mouth overflow as a distinctive feature. No further historical detail is established by the supplied sources.

Hidden details

The bell-mouth overflow — The dam’s distinctive bell-mouth overflow is an easily identifiable engineering feature and a highlight of the circular route.

A railway on the far side — The AllTrails route description notes the Brecon Mountain Railway running parallel to the path on the reservoir’s eastern side.

When to go

· Choose a clear, calm period for views; no specific time of day is verified.

The supplied sources describe the reservoir as suitable to visit throughout the year but do not establish a seasonal highlight. Weather and visibility will affect the mountain views and walking conditions.

Check the forecast and route conditions before walking; the route includes gravel paths, an uphill section and a footbridge.

The route

ascent: 390 ft
surface: Paved road and gravel path; forest section and footbridge also described
distance: 5.3 miles
duration: 2–2.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
start point: Pontsticill village, according to AllTrails
parking start: Check before visiting; the supplied route source does not confirm parking arrangements.

Pontsticill Reservoir dam and bell-mouth overflow
Reservoir views with the Beacons as a backdrop
Eastern banks alongside the Brecon Mountain Railway
Moorland views near the northern end
Taf Fechan Forest

Worth pairing with

Brecon Mountain Railway

The railway runs along the eastern side of the reservoir according to the circular-route description. Check separately for current operating information before planning a visit.

Taf Fechan Forest

Included in the reservoir circular route, making it a sourced landscape pairing within the walk rather than a separate detour.

What to look for

At the dam, look for the distinctive bell-mouth overflow. On the circular walk, notice how the route shifts between reservoir shore, forest and open moorland views.

The story

Water supply and reservoir infrastructure

Best time to go

All year; choose a clear, calm day for the best mountain and water views. Check conditions before walking.

A clear, calm day should give the best views across the reservoir towards the surrounding mountains. No more precise seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Families · Dogs

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Merthyr Tydfil

Google rating

4.8 · 262 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A reservoir-side circular walk is described by AllTrails. Check current access, route conditions and any restrictions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting; supplied sources do not confirm parking arrangements.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

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Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The described circular route includes paved road, gravel paths, a gentle uphill section and a footbridge; accessibility suitability is not confirmed. Check conditions and route details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Reservoir