An easy reservoir circuit and picnic / NEAR BLACKWOOD

Pen-y-Fan Pond, near Blackwood

Follow the surfaced circuit around this historic canal-feeder reservoir near Oakdale. The interest is in a simple walk beside the water, with room to pause on a bench or spread out a picnic on suitable grass. It is a different outing from climbing Pen y Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog, despite the similar name.

Pen-y-Fan Pond near Oakdale and Blackwood — Photo: pennie winkler

Before you go

The main pond circuit is about 1.3km. Swimming is prohibited; canoeing and paddleboarding are for organised groups by arrangement, not casual launch-and-go use.

The practical details

Where to find it: North of Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, signposted from Oakdale, NP11 4EG
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Park access is free year-round. Fishing has its own day-ticket rules. Toilets are normally April–September; kiosk availability is mainly summer. Check parking signs and current notices.
Access and getting around: The main circuit is flat tarmac with benches; the upper car-park approach has a short incline. Disabled bays are available. Toilet provision is seasonal, so check before relying on it outside summer.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: A short circuit and picnic suit a gentler family day. Supervise the water’s edge, follow algae notices and keep pets out of the water.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 45–90 minutes; longer with a picnic for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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