Llandegfedd Reservoir

• General details
• Directions
• How the winds work
• Tidal conditions
• Hazards
• Facilities
• B&B's / Campsites
• Pubs & eateries

General details:

Llandegfedd Reservoir is a large reservoir north of Newport. The reservoir itself is run as a country park and supports a sailing club and windsurfing school with rescue cover provided by the park wardens. Not surprisingly, with the upkeep of this service there is a charge for sailing on the reservoir, payable as either an annual fee or a day ticket (special rates can be negotiated for groups.)

There is a R.Y.A. Recognised Sailing & Windsurfing School on site that operates from Easter to October. Dinghies, Windsurfers & Canoes can also be hired.

The reservoir itself covers an area of 434 acres, of which a large expanse can be used for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. The water opens up at the top by the dam and again at the bottom where several valleys all join in together.

As with most hydro electric reservoirs, the lake is surrounded by hills on both sides, however when the wind is running along the valley or down the valleys at the bottom end, it can offer some excellent sailing in very pleasant surroundings.

Fishing is another common activity on & around the lake.

For all the low-down check the Gwent Adventures website

Click the thumbnails for bigger pics...

Panorama, looking to the N	Looking SW over launch area

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Directions to the right place:

Heading west along the M4, exit at Jn 25A & turn North on the A4042 towards Pontypool. Avoid going into Cwmbran if at all humanly possible.

Follow the A4042 for approximately 6 miles. On a roundabout signposted Cwmbran (A4051) to the L, take the 3rd exit towards New Inn.

Head up the hill, and when the road bends left as it approaches a village, fork right as though carrying on the direction you were going.

After a further 500m, take the second right turning which is signposted to the lake (although the sign does tend to get overgrown).

You eventually drop down into the valley and approach the lake from the opposite side of the sailing area, drive across the dam and turn left into the country park and go past the ranger station. Having crossed the ranger's hand with the appropriate pieces of silver/plastic, park where you fancy and enjoy your sail.

Click here for location map

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How the winds work:

A point of view from Mike who runs Gwent Adventures: The reservoir works with anything with North in it. Good in Westerlies and Southerlies

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Tidal conditions:

The "tide" tends to go out a bit towards the end of the summer, but it always remains sailable during the summer months. The park is closed during the winter season so check with the rangers before travelling. If the park is shut, the nearest coastal location is Cold Knap, Barry.

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Hazards:

Entrance fees and the regulations which insist you wear a harness or a buoyancy aid. (How long ago was it that harnesses ceased to offer any form of buoyancy?). In May 2011, the Windsurfer fees were £7.00, but be prepared to show proof of insurance that is required to let you on the water.

Don't sail too close to the hills on the other side of the launch area, it is very easy to sail in on a gust/apparent wind, then have to swim yourself out.

Angler's lines.

Bridge tolls on the Severn crossing.

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Facilities:

Picnic tables, toilets & showers up by the sailing centre building.

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B&B's / campsites

If you overshoot the entrance to the park and head on up the hill, you shortly come to a small village with a pub. The pub allows camping in its paddock for very reasonable fees, however don't expect many facilities other than a loo. That said, this paddock makes a great location for a weekend camp.

I am not aware of any B&Bs in the area.

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Pubs and eateries

The Carpenters Arms is just up the hill in the nearby village (Coed-y-Paen), at the top of the hill if you overshoot the entrance to the park. We've received a strong recommendation for the food there, and they take credit cards. [Anon update - May 2007]

The nearest chippy is in the village of New Inn, about 5 minutes drive from the reservoir.

There's also the pub at the top of the hill.

[Anon recommendation, Aug, 2010] if you want pub grub theres the Horse and Jockey pub at the end of Usk Road toward Abergavenny.

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Content supplied byand Terry Sculley. Anon update, Aug 2010. Update from Graham Utteridge, May 2011.

Note: All comments and opinions mentioned in this section of the site are the personal opinions of the various contributors. Inevitably, one person's favourite may be another person's least favourite.

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This page last updated: 6th Nov, 2020.