Clydach Vale Country Park Lake Walk

It is hard to imagine, with its lush green forestry and huge open lakes filled with wildlife, that Clydach Vale Country Park stands on the remains of the Cambrian Colliery.

Mother Nature has reclaimed one of the most intensely-mined areas in the world and created an outdoor paradise. This area is perfect for families, dog-walkers and cyclists.

You can choose from several routes that begin at, or close to, the Lakeside Café at Clydach Vale Country Park, depending on the difficulty and distance you prefer.

This is a moderate 5.3km walk which takes you from the café around the large “bottom lake”, where there are geese and ducks to feed and then up to the more-secluded “top lake”, where you might spot the elusive Kingfisher and heron! You can also discover the hidden lake right at the top, which has its own waterfall after the rain.

On your route you will pass the memorial to the men and boys who died in the Cambrian Colliery disasters of 1905 and 1965 and markers to show how deep the mine shafts were. Find out more about our mining and industrial history at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience.

Once you have finished, you can enjoy a drink, meal or snack at the Cambrian Lakeside Café, which has a terrace overlooking the lake.

Please select "Get Route" to see the walk and watch the video.