pen-y-fan-pond | Your Green Spaces

The name of this wonderful water body is a little bit misleading as it's not really a pond at all. Pen-y-Fan Pond is one of the last remaining canal feeder reservoirs in Wales. Built around 1794, its purpose was to supply water to the nearby Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Now, this popular summertime family destination offers safe, flat, open spaces for you to picnic, fly a kite, kick a ball or take an easy ramble.

A historic and protected industrial monument the pond is surrounded by fields and trees on three sides. This green space may only be small but it continues to be a popular magnet for our local communities.

The reflection of autumn leaves in Pen-y-Fan Pond

What to see and do

Relax and unwind

Water always attracts, water also calms and helps you unwind. What better than to enjoy a short stroll around the pond, have a family picnic or take time out sitting on one of the benches and watch the world go by.

Walks and Trails

If you like to know how far you are walking then a lap of the pond along the main path is approximately 1275 metres. So two laps along this flat well-surfaced and easily accessible path will make a healthy 1.5 mile walk.

If you want a longer walk then the 7.5 mile Escape to... Manmoel starts from the Upper Car Park. Visit the Walking Trails page for more details.

Water-based Activities

Pen-y-Fan Pond is used for a variety of water-based activities, but please be aware that these are all subject to some form of restriction or conditions.

Fishing Day tickets are available for the trout fly fishery managed by Islwyn and District Angling Club. For more information see our Fishing page.

Canoeing & stand up paddle boarding (SUP) These activities are available for organised groups only, so unfortunately there's no access for casual or personal use. To organise and book a session please contact Caerphilly Adventure Group.

Swimming in Pen-y-Fan Pond is not permitted due to the very cold year-round temperature of the water and the underwater hazards that are present. No other water-based activities are currently allowed.

Planning your visit

Where it is Pen-y-Fan Pond is situated to the north of Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, signposted from Oakdale on the B4251. NP11 4EG

How to get there By car - Main entrance is signposted off the B4251 at Oakdale. By bus - Limited services by 5A & 13 from Blackwood.

Park hours The park is open all year round. It is also free to access the park.

Car parks Two car parks are available via the main entrance off Parkway. Please note that the gate to the upper car park gate is locked at dusk.

Other access points Pedestrian access is available off Parkway, Manmoel Road and via public footpaths to the north of the pond.

Toilets Toilets are located by the kiosk and are open daily from April to September between 10:00 - 5:00pm. They are closed throughout the winter months.

Kiosk A small kiosk selling a range of refreshments is open most days throughout the summer months.

Picnic tables Several picnic tables are located around the flat grass areas between the kiosk and the Upper Car Park.

Accessibility Disabled parking bays are available in both car parks. A separate disabled toilet uses a RADAR lock so keyholders will be able to access this toilet at all hours from April to September. The pond is encircled by a flat level tarmac path with several benches offering easy access around the water. The paths to the car parks are also surfaced with tarmac although there is a short incline leading to the Upper Car Park.