Water Sports in the Brecon Beacons

Kayak and Canoe
Brecon Beacons National Park offers a rich diversity in waterways for paddlers, from the fast flowing white water of the River Usk to the tranquil calms of Llangors Lake and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
There are several hire, guide and instruction companies operating in the Park that will be pleased to assist you.

The River Usk flowing down the Usk Valley from Brecon to Abergavenny provides for good sporting kayaking, and after wet weather the section from Talybont on Usk to Crickhowell is particularly popular. The river is not navigable through out its length and access restrictions apply.

Perhaps the most famous of the Park's rivers is the Wye, touching the eastern end of the Park as it meanders its way from high up in central Wales to journey's end at the Severn estuary. Access restrictions apply. In normal circumstances the river can be canoed throughout the year from the tiny village of Glasbury above historic Hay down to the castle town of Chepstow, where the river flows into the Bristol Channel. The more expeditious visitor can accompany the river for several days, staying at accommodation along the way. Again, local companies will be able to advise and assist.

For the less experienced the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal provides a tranquil and less rapid waterway that can be navigated for several miles south and east from the canal basin in Brecon. There are a number of launch points (see British Waterways), from whom a license will also be required if you are using your own boat.

Sail and Windsurf
Brecon Beacons National Park provides great sailing opportunities in spectacular settings at Llangorse Lake and Pontsticill Reservoir. Boat Hire facilities are available at Llangorse Lake. You can bring your own boat and sail independently at Llangorse Lake or through one of the two local sailing clubs.
Llangors Lake

This is the largest natural lake in South Wales. Activities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, rowing, fishing and water-skiing. The lake is privately owned. It is used extensively by Llangorse Sailing Club (Tel: 01874 658596).

Apart from the sailing club, there are launching, mooring and storage facilities for boat owners. Launch fees apply.

You can also hire sailing dinghies, windsurfers, canoes, and rowing boats from a landing stage and slipway by the lake shore.

Pontsticill Reservoir

Nestling amongst the mountains, a few miles north of Merthyr Tydfil Pontsticill Reservoir also provides excellent sailing and windsurfing at Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club which is open to non-members by arrangement.

Useful Links

• Celtic Canoes
• Paddles & Pedals