Llandegfedd Lake: round the reservoir

Launch from the beach outside the watersports centre at the south end of Llandegfedd Lake and paddle a loop of the reservoir: up the eastern shore, into the northern arm, then back down the western side by the long bay towards the dam. The reservoir sits in rolling farmland between Pontypool and Usk, with woods along its shores, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its birds.

It is 5 km round; allow about an hour in a canoe or kayak and 1½ on a paddleboard. The grade is Easy: sheltered water, never more than about 240 m from the shore, with a control boat on the water in every session. A breeze can still raise small waves across the open middle.

Own craft can be launched only in a pre-booked self-launch session, from March to October, with a launch permit and third-party insurance, which Paddle Cymru and Paddle UK membership includes. Paddleboarders must wear a leash, and inflatable craft are not allowed, so check with the centre first if your board is an inflatable. Buoyancy aids must be worn on the water. There is a pay car park by the centre, and Pontypool and New Inn station is about 3 km away. Wear a buoyancy aid and check the conditions before you set off.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap waterways (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.