Hike to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, Wales
This is one of my all-time favorite hikes, and it also happens to be pretty easygoing, with ample parking and well-marked paths. It’s a there and back route, but there are plenty of footpaths in the area, plus the option to climb a bit higher and to view Grwyne Fawr Reservoir from the neighboring ridgeline.
The full route is just under 14km, but you can cut it short by turning back once you reach the reservoir (about half way).
Where to park
Park at Mynydd Du Car Park And Picnic Area. There’s ample parking for cars and larger vehicles, but be warned, the entrance lane becomes very narrow. We made it down comfortably in our Jumbo Transit, but wider motorhomes may struggle.
There aren’t any bins here, so take your rubbish home and respect that signage not to camp or light fires.
The walk to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir
Starting at the car park, turn right onto the single-track lane and walk until the path forks. The road continues straight to a dead end, while the forked footpath path is unpaved and rocky, steeply sloping up.
Follow this path upwards; you can’t go wrong. There’s only one way to go. As you climb higher, the views become more spectacular. Be sure to stop and look back the way you came and catch your breath while you’re at it.
Eventually, you will see the reservoir wall in front of you. This makes for a great photo. Keep walking.
Once at the reservoir, either turn left and soak in the views from the reservoir bridge before returning the way you came or stay on the same path and continue your hike.
The path remains obvious, steadily climbing above the reservoir. Stay on it, ultimately ending up on Rhos Dirion.
Here, either turn back the way you came and enjoy the descent. Or, if you wish, look at circular routes that will continue your adventure.
How hard is the hike to Grwyne Fawr Reservoir?
The difficulty of this hike really will depend on your level of fitness, but it is suitable for most with the correct footwear. The paths are well marked but also very rocky and have suffered serious erosion by the relentless Welsh rain. Wear sturdy shoes, and don’t even think about bringing a buggy!
The good thing about this hike is you can stop and turn back whenever you like. The only way is up on the ascent and down on the descent.
Do you need to have your dog on a lead?
Pretty much all year round, sheep and cattle graze the land around the reservoir, so you will need to have your dog on a lead for certain sections. (Unless you 100% know they will not chase the livestock; even then, is it worth the risk?). If there are no sheep in sight, then you’re probably safe, but keep your eyes peeled, they pop up from nowhere!
