Llandegfedd Reservoir

Llandegfedd Reservoir lies eight miles north of Newport in south Wales, close to Pontypool, Cwmbran and Usk. The water stretches across 174 hectares and sits where Monmouthshire meets Torfaen along the old Sôr Brook. Cardiff City Council opened it in May 1965, and Welsh Water now manages the site. Nearby Coed-y-paen village overlooks the northern shallows where wildfowl gather. The reservoir forms part of a country park that supports sailing, fishing and conservation. The site divides the water into zones for different uses. Shallow northern waters and shores serve as the main wildfowl overwintering and nesting areas. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing take place in the central and southern sections, while deeper waters near the outlet are set aside for diving. Bank fishing is allowed along selected shores, and boat fly-fishing operates in open water outside conservation zones. A visitor centre with a café and viewing balcony overlooks the lake and its activities. Anglers target rainbow trout, bream, roach, pike and perch, with the reservoir famous for large pike catches. The Pike Anglers’ Club records a 46 lb 13 oz pike caught in 1992 by Roy Lewis. Winter brings flocks of wigeon, teal and pochard, while Bewick’s swan and goosander roost on the water. Great crested grebe, sparrowhawk and buzzard live here year-round, and rarer visitors include osprey and hobby. The surrounding country park offers paths for walking and views across the water.