Call for Paddlesport Providers at Lower Lliedi Reservoir (Swiss Valley)

Llanelli Rural Council (LRC) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced providers to provide paddlesport activities (e.g. stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking etc.) based at the Lower Lliedi Reservoir, Swiss Valley, Llanelli in South Wales.

As you may remember, LRC which manages this body of water opened the Swiss Valley reservoir to self-launch paddlers in October 2021 (read the news here). Previously, the Lower Lliedi had only been accessible to registered providers, clubs and organised groups.

Graham Williams, Technical & General Operations Manager at Llanelli Rural Council, comments:

"Having a professional paddle sport provider based on site at the Lower Lleidi Reservoir will complement the facility greatly. We saw an increasing number of people using the facility last summer and because of its relatively sheltered location, people have continued to access the water through the winter months. The site itself has attracted more than 70,000 visitors from January 2021 to January 2022. 

The site is increasingly popular with walkers who come to enjoy the peaceful environment; likewise angling continues to be popular at the reservoir, and of course paddle sports enthusiasts are increasingly seeking out the venue. The sheltered, still waters make it an ideal venue for the less experienced to hone their skills, and having someone to hire equipment, teach and advise on site will be a great benefit.

LRC continues to improve the facilities by improving the car parking areas, the footpaths, and providing new angling pegs and paddle launch sites. We work closely with the angling and paddle sports communities to ensure the water is open to all.

There are further opportunities for recreational outdoor pursuits and education that are being explored and developed, and we hope to be able to provide a range of outdoor pursuits and activities that will complement each other."

Our Places to Paddle Manager Phil Stone, who has been involved in discussions regarding access opportunities, comments:

"Canoe Wales is pleased to see the Lower Lliedi reservoir being made available for paddlers of all abilities. This location is one of a very small number of inland sites that is open for paddlesport activities in such an idyllic setting. Llanelli Rural Council has worked hard with water safety specialists and insurance companies to make sure that suitably equipped paddlers are welcome to self launch. We look forward to working with Llanelli Rural Council to help them develop the site further."

Please note that the reservoir will still be available to those with their own equipment that wish to self-launch.

Submitting an expression of interest

For further information from LRC and to submit an expression of interest in providing paddlesport activities on the Lower Lliedi Reservoir, please email Graham Williams on graham.williams@llanelli-rural.gov.uk

Download a flyer calling for providers here (PDF)