Usk Reservoir Trail, Glasfynydd Forest
Powys
Usk Reservoir sits high on the western edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, where the River Usk is dammed below the Black Mountain, and it is fringed by the conifers of Glasfynydd Forest. The reservoir is owned by Welsh Water, while Natural Resources Wales manages the forest and waymarks the Usk Reservoir Trail, an easy 8.7km loop for dogs off lead in the forest sections, from the Glasfynydd Forest car park. Most of it follows a level, wide stone track around the shore and across the dam, with a short climb at the start, a brief stretch of quiet public road, a gate halfway round and picnic tables along the way. NRW puts the total climb at just 100 metres, and the views across the water to the Black Mountains are the highlight. It can be muddy after rain.
This is a relaxed dog friendly walk on a wide, easy surface that suits dogs of most ages, and the forest stretches give shade and shelter. With few other walkers on this remote side of the National Park, a dog with good recall has some freedom on the track, but it is a shared route with cyclists, so call dogs in when bikes approach, and keep them on a lead on the road section and anywhere sheep are grazing near the open ground. Streams feeding the reservoir give a drink along the way. There are no toilets or cafe, just a picnic bench in the free car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Forest
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on route; picnic bench in the car park and picnic tables along the trail.
- Parking
- Glasfynydd Forest car park, Natural Resources Wales, free, no overnight parking; overflow at the Welsh Water car park by the dam.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Usk Reservoir Trail, Glasfynydd Forest, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Bramble Cottage Mountain Retreat
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £657 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in PowysFrequently Asked Questions
Is Usk Reservoir Trail, Glasfynydd Forest dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The wide, level stone track is easy on paws, the forest gives shade, and the reservoir is quiet compared with the busier parts of the Brecon Beacons. The main caveats are that the trail is shared with cyclists, there is a short road section, and there are no facilities at all, so bring everything your dog needs.
Can dogs be off lead at Usk Reservoir Trail, Glasfynydd Forest?
Yes, on parts of it. The track around the reservoir is wide and usually quiet, so a dog with reliable recall can be let off in the forest sections. Keep a lead handy for cyclists, who share the whole route, and use it on the short stretch of public road and wherever sheep are grazing on the open ground by the water.
What should I know before visiting Usk Reservoir Trail, Glasfynydd Forest with my dog?
Usk Reservoir is remote, about four miles from the A40 at Trecastle along narrow lanes, and there are no toilets or cafe. The Glasfynydd Forest car park is free, and if it is full you can start from the Welsh Water car park by the dam. The track gets muddy in places after rain, and the weather changes quickly at this height, so pack a layer and water.
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