Lakes
Eirias Park Lake
This is a small boating lake in a public park in Colwyn bay. Access arrangements can be made through the leisure centre manager on 01492 533223.
Grid reference SH859786
Marine Lake
A 29 acre lake used by the local water ski club and occasionally by canoeists. The lake is saltwater and enclosed by concrete sides and bottom. Car parking is available for a fee. Paddling is permitted by day permit, available on site.
Grid reference SH999805
Llyn Tegid
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is a 1100 acre lake in North Wales. There are toilets and picnic areas, as well as a lakeside railway and proximity to the town of Bala. Launching fees are payable to Bala Watersports Centre http://www.balawatersports.com
Grid reference SH920355
Llyn Clywedog
This is the large (615 acre) lake at the top of the river Clywedog, and has a visitor centre, car parks, slipways, picnic sites and a warden. Charges and access arrangements for canoeing are available through the sailing club www.clywedogsailing.org.uk
Grid reference SN901877
Llyn Vyrnwy
This large lake controls the flow regime on the river Vyrnwy and, at 454 acres, provides ample space for paddling. There’s a visitor centre and car parks, and the reservoir is also used for sailing and angling. For more information on booking conditions, contact Dave Proctor on 01691 870 615.
Grid reference SJ015192
Llyn Trawsfynydd
This large lake was extended to provide storage for the water needed by Trawsfynydd nuclear power station. Call the Power Station visitor centre for more details on 01766 540622.
Traws-Newid are responsible for Trawsfynydd Lake and if anyone is interested in canoeing on the lake or setting up a canoe club there it may be useful if they contact the Traws-Newid manager, telephone 01766 540400.
Grid reference SH703354
Llyn Geiryonydd
This lake is between Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst. The launch point is a slipway on a small slate beach. There is a car park available and toilets at peak times. A charge for launching is made through an honesty box in the car park. It is a very popular watersports destination and is used for windsurfing, waterskiing and, of course, canoeing.
Grid reference SH761603
Llyn Gwynant
Lake Gwynant is a 113 acre natural lake on the Afon Glaslyn and is popular with centres and in summer. The campsite controls fees for launching.
Grid reference SH645520
Llynau Mymbyr
This is a popular lake near Capel Curig, popular as a starting point for a trip down the river Llugwy. Parking is available in lay-bys along the A4086. Access is available by arrangement with Plas y Brenin www.pyb.co.uk
Grid reference SH705573
Llyn Padarn
In Llanberis, Llyn Padarn is a popular lake for watersports in Snowdonia. Access to the water is easy, with sheltered bays which are a good location for instructing if other locations are too windy. There are car parks available – for more details call 01286 870 892.
Grid reference SH572610
Llyn Pontsticill
This is a large (253 acre) reservoir, just north of Merthyr Tydfil, with paths, trails, picnic areas, toilets and viewpoints. There are two car parks and canoeing is allowed by arrangement with Welsh Water on 01495 769 281.
Grid reference SO061119
Llyn Cosmeston
This natural lake is located between Barry and Penarth in a 200 acre Country Park that was built on derelict land that used to be a quarry. Facilities at the lake include picnic and barbeque areas, visitor information, toilets and parking. Cosmeston Country Park is mainly used for informal recreation: angling, sailing, sub-aqua, model boating, rowing and, of course, canoeing are all regular activities. The Local Authority manages the lake and its associated facilities - for more information call 02920 701678
Grid reference ST178692
Llyn Cyfartha
Just outside Merthyr Tydfil, Llyn Cyfartha is run by the local authority.
Please contact Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for Details.
Grid reference SO039073
Llys-y-Fran
This is a reservoir at the top of the Afon Syfynwy in Pembrokeshire, not too far from Haverfordwest. It is popular for canoeing, walking, birdwatching and angling. There is a visitor centre with a café, shop, toilets, trails and picnic areas and parking for over 300 cars.
Canoeing is allowed from 15 March to 31 October, and there is a charge for launching.
For more details, phone the visitor’s centre on 01437 532273.
Grid reference SN037250
Llyn Lliedi (Swiss Valley Reservoir)
There are two reservoirs built in Cwm Lliedi (also known as the Swiss Valley), and paddling is allowed on the bottom reservoir. Just north of Llanelli, it was built in 1878 to provide water for the area’s growing metalwork industries and domestic needs. There is a small car park but no other facilities, and the 34 acre lake is used for canoeing, angling and sailing.
For organised groups, call Welsh Water on 01495 769 281 to arrange details.
Grid reference SN515042
Llyn Llech Owain
Managed by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llyn Llech Owain is located in Parc Gwledig, near Llanelli. The 10 acre lake is surrounded by peat bog with a network of paths from the visitor centre.
Limited canoeing is allowed between August and February. For more details, call the visitor centre on 01269 832229.
Grid reference SN568150
Cwmbran Lake
A small (3 acre) lake in Gwent that is used for canoeing and angling. Car parking is available and a charge is made for launching. Call 01633 867 642 for more details.
Grid reference ST304940
Llandegfedd Reservoir
This is a large (429 acre) reservoir with several car parks, refreshments, picnic areas and trails and a shop at the sailing school. It is used for a variety of watersports and paddling is permitted between 1st March and 31st October. Canoes and equipment are available to hire from the sailing school – buoyancy aids and insurance are essential. A day charge is made for launching.
Grid reference ST328986
Llangorse Lake
Near to Brecon, this is a large lake that is popular for a variety of watersports. The 400 acre lake has car parking facilities, picnic sites, camping and toilets. Permits are available from the Caravan Park and can be purchased either daily or as season tickets.
Grid reference SO128270
Usk Reservoir
West of Sennybridge, this 280 acre reservoir’s near the source of the Usk. Access is only available to organised groups – for more information contact Welsh Water on 01495 769 281
Grid reference SN832286