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Join us for a leisurely yet scenic walk around and near Llangorse Lake, just a few miles east of Brecon.Llangorse Lake is the largest natural lake in southern Wales (others in the region are man-made reservoirs) – and arguably the most beautiful. It lies cradled beneath the smaller peaks of Mynydd Llangorse and Mynydd Troed, surrounded by golden reeds, lush farmland, and ancient churches and settlements. In the distance, the high peaks of Pen y Fan and Cribyn form a dramatic backdrop.
Formed by glacial activity, the lake owes its existence to the retreating glaciers that sculpted the landscape, leaving behind a basin that filled with meltwater to become the lake we see today.
Llangorse Lake is a haven for wildlife, especially birdlife, with over 200 species recorded in the surrounding area. The reedbeds and nutrient-rich waters create an ideal habitat for many birds. You might spot great crested grebes, reed warblers, and coots, while red kites and ospreys often soar above. Seasonal visitors include sand martins and swallows, and during migration periods, species such as common sandpipers and Eurasian oystercatchers can be seen. This is also one of the last breeding sites of the curlew in South Wales – in spring, its haunting call echoes over the water. With a little luck, you might even catch sight of an otter along the shoreline.
The starting point of our walk depends on the day of the week and the weather forecast. Beginning on the southern shore of the lake allows for a mid-walk lunch break in Llangorse – a pub lunch is possible on Saturdays, while on other days a small café near the lakeshore offers a weatherproof alternative. If the weather is kind, we’ll start from the northern shore and enjoy a picnic lunch instead. The route itself remains the same. The final decision will be made ca 48 hours before the walk, when the forecast is clearer.
Walk Description for the start on the northern shore of Lake Llangorse
Public toilets (donations appreciated), a café, and a small shop are available at the car park.
After a look at the ancient crannog (a 9th-century artificial island) and a short introduction to its history, we’ll head off towards the village of Llangorse, passing through it and into a small nature reserve. From there, our path leads into fields and lush farmland. After about an hour’s walk, we’ll reach the foot of Mynydd Llangorse.
We’ll take it slow and easy on our way up – it’s a short climb of about 100 metres, taking around 10 to 15 minutes at a gentle pace. Soon we’ll reach a path that runs level along the mountainside, offering stunning views without too much further effort. The peaks of Pen y Fan and Cribyn — the highest mountains in southern Britain — are a spectacular sight to the southwest.
We’ll follow the path along the shoulder of Mynydd Llangorse for a while before gradually descending westwards. After a short stretch along quiet country lanes, we’ll turn back towards the southern shore of the lake, passing through lovely countryside with views of Mynydd Llangorse and Mynydd Troed in the background.
We’ll make our way to the ancient site of Llangasty-Talyllyn, home to an 18th-century church built on one of the earliest Christian sites in Wales, and admire Treberfydd House – a Gothic gem from the 19th century.
From here, we follow the lakeshore through green fields and marshland, enjoying the reedbeds and open vistas. The terrain is generally easy-going, though some fields may be muddy underfoot. Soon we’ll curve back around to the northern shore and return to our starting point.
Public toilets, café, and a small shop are available at the car park at the start and end of the walk. Additional shops and pubs can be found in the village near the starting point. Please note: there are no facilities along the route itself.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join us.
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