The Lower Lliw Valley Reservoir was completed in 1860 and the upper reservoir in 1894 in order to provide water to Swansea. Both reservoirs are surrounded by a mosaic of bracken, scrubland, and acid greenland with a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Birds identified on site include peregrine ,kestrel, raven, meadow pipit, skylark and curlew. Source Swansea City Council (2024)
Five intrepid souls set out on a day with a heavy cloud forecast which in fact lifted as the walk progressed. After parking our car at the lower reservoir a lady from the café very kindly came out and took a photograph of us before we set off (see photo) We then took a path on the opposite side of the reservoir which gently meandered around the reservoir until we reached the end. Before ascending a flight of steps up to the main path we stopped to admire the ‘Roger Rabbit’ hut with of course Roger standing next to it (see photo). Now apparently there are small sculptures around for the children to find but we didn’t notice any. The views going walking up the main path to the top reservoir were impressive. See photograph of the spillway and countryside. From the top dam David pointed out places of interest( see photo). Now you might think that with all this beautiful scenery and countryside that some time might have been spent admiring it. Well not quite we had to wait while two members of our party decide to investigate a derelict building to see what was inside. Well nothing except ruins. We then set off on our way towards the end of the upper reservoir and stopped to have lunch sitting on a section of rather convenient tree stumps (see photo). A quiet stillness about the place here with some ducks on the water. This is the top end of the Gower parliamentary boundary and just by the end of the Gower Way at Penlle’r Castell. Not far away are the boundaries of Swansea, Ammanford and Neath.
After lunch we made our way back and stopped to admire a Victorian pump house which had been converted into a modern property with evidence still remaining of the workings. I later learnt that this had nothing to do with the reservoirs but was a water pumping station to some local mines in the area. Back to the café for a well enjoyed cuppa and cake. A very easy and enjoyable walk.
Many thanks to Keith Morgan for the photographs.
