What's on this Page?

• Dol y Gaer Reservoir
• Ponsticill Reservoir
• Other Attractions

These two reservoirs, barely separated by a small causeway, lie approximately three miles downstream of the smaller Upper Neuadd and Lower Neuadd Reservoirs and are also fed by the small Taf Fechan river. They are easily reached by an unclassified road that runs North-East from the main A470 Merthyr Tydfil - Brecon road to the Talybont Reservoir (see Map 9).

Dol y Gaer Reservoir

The smaller of the two waters, at 96 acres, Dol y Gaer (also known as Pentwyn on some maps) is also relatively shallow. It is beautifully landscaped and commands fine views of the surrounding mountains within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Aside from the coniferous plantations spread all over the valley, this is a most peaceful and unspoiled area, where a very pleasant day can be spent trying to attract the wild trout to be found in this water. Access to the water is very good, with the road running along the whole of one side. Boats are not allowed on Dol y Gaer and wildlife is encouraged. Coarse fish, including pike, perch and roach, are also present, so you never know what you might catch. Fly fishing, spinning and worming are permitted. Trout can be taken between mid-March and mid-October. Tickets (£5.00 in 2007) can be obtained from the tackle shop, 185 High Street, Cefn-coed (just to the North of Merthyr Tydfil).

Ponsticill Reservoir

At 253 acres, this water is much larger and deeper than its neighbour, Dol y Gaer. It contains wild brown trout and coarse fish. On calm days pike can be seen near the surface and some very large specimens have been taken here. Any fishing method is permitted and the season for trout is the same as for the neighbouring water. Boating is permitted on Ponsticill and there is a small yacht club and launch facilities on the Eastern shore, accessed by a small track leading from the dam to the South. Access to most parts of the reservoir is very easy, although fishing from the dam is not permitted. Many anglers seem to prefer the Northern end and near the small feeder streams. Tickets (also valid for Dol y Gaer) can be obtained from Cefn-coed, as above. Refreshments and toilet facilities are available at the charming little Ponsticill Station on the Eastern shore (see below).

You can get more information about both of these reservoirs from the Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association. If you plan to fish these and other local waters over a longer period it may even be worth your while joining this excellent angling club.

Other Attractions

As with the other reservoirs situated in the central Brecon Beacons, the main alternative to fishing is walking, for which there are countless opportunities in this area. You can either have a gentle stroll around the Ponsticill Reservoir itself, or through the adjacent forests. Alternatively, if you are up to it I can recommend some of the many trails leading up into the hills, for which you are advised to obtain a good map beforehand. Mountain biking is also very popular here and cycles can be hired at many locations throughout the National Park, especially in Brecon.

For a very pleasant alternative to walking, look no further than the Brecon Mountain Railway that runs along the Eastern shore of Ponsticill Reservoir. This delightful little steam railway has been lovingly restored and there are plans to extend it further along the valley, if funds permit. Join the train in the village of Pant, just North of Merthyr Tydfil, where you will find plenty of road signs to guide you. There are two engines, one German and one American, together with some restored carriages (try to ride in the one immediately behind the engine). Between 1100 and 1600 from March to October the train twists its way uphill from Pant and then stops briefly at the Northern end of the reservoir before returning to the little Ponsticill Station, where it stops for some twenty minutes. You can get light refreshments and ice cream here from an old carriage that has been partially sunk into the ground. Then you can either return to Pant or, alternatively, go for a good walk or picnic and catch the next train back. This is great entertainment for children and grown-up children who can still remember the days of steam. At Pant Station there is a good railway-oriented gift shop and you can also visit the workshops to see the restoration work being carried out. Please check the web site for details of opening hours and departure times.

Back to Fishing Map