Talybont Reservoir

Talybont Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Talybont Reservoir

Mountain biking

5.0

(81)

Hiking

5.0

(32)

Cycling

5.0

(7)

Road cycling

5.0

(5)

Gravel riding

5.0

(2)

Running

5.0

(2)

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

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Location: Talybont-On-Usk, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Tips

October 15, 2018

Mountain biking

The largest reservoir in the Brecons, Talybont reservoir was completed in 1939. It supplies water to Newport, further south.

Seventeen dwellings (including farms) were co-opted during its construction.

Despite its man-made nature, it's a very pleasant place to spend some time.

Alex Foxfield

September 6, 2021

Hiking

Talybont Reservoir and its surroundings are a lovely place to explore in your hiking boots. Built in the 1930s to supply water to the Newport region, today it is surrounded by excellent trails and atmospheric forest tracks. The views from the dam are splendid and it makes for a good objective for a walk from Talybont if you don't have time for a full loop around the reservoir.

David Howells

February 5, 2024

Hiking

Talybont Reservoir is a great asset to the local scenery and is easy on the eye. It is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, but it is disappointing that this big water source can't be used for water recreation purposes.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Talybont Reservoir

3.8

(5)

riders

#1.

Talybont Reservoir and Brinoire Tramroad loop — The Brecon Beacons National Park

21.4km

02:13

560m

Get ready for a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Talybont Reservoir and Brinoire Tramroad loop. This 13.3-mile (21.4 km) route features a varied terrain of smooth grass, gravel, rocks, and ruts, with sections of forest roads and technical paths. You'll climb about 1852 feet (564 metres) over roughly 2 hours and 12 minutes, navigating both gentle descents on the historic Brynore Tramroad and faster fire roads. Enjoy splendid views of the Talybont Reservoir, the largest in the Brecons, and panoramic vistas across the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, including the Black Mountains. This trail requires good fitness and advanced riding skills. You can expect a diverse landscape as you ride through the Talybont Forest and past the impressive Talybont and Pentwyn Reservoirs. The Talybont Reservoir dam offers particularly pleasant views.

To start your ride, head to Talybont-on-Usk, which serves as a convenient hub for mountain bikers. Here, you will find amenities such as parking, pubs, and cafes to prepare for your journey or relax afterwards. The trail is generally classified as moderate, so be sure you are comfortable with varied surfaces and some technical sections. While the research does not specify seasonal closures or best times, the diverse terrain suggests it's best enjoyed in dry conditions.

This loop offers more than just a ride; it's a journey through history and nature. The route often integrates parts of the Taff Trail and prominently features the historic Brynore Tramroad, adding a unique historical dimension to your mountain biking experience. The man-made Talybont Reservoir, completed in 1939, is a significant landmark providing a serene backdrop. While this specific loop doesn't include

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