Please note that the paths around Lisvane Reservoir are closed for winter between October and March.
Cardiff’s iconic reservoirs
The section of Lisvane Road between Mill Road and South Rise will be closed on Sunday 30 July whilst OpenReach contractors undertake works. Visitors by car to Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs on Sunday, particularly from the west of Cardiff, should allow extra time for their journey and follow the diversion signs.
Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs visitor attraction is situated in north Cardiff. For the benefit of the environment, visitors should consider leaving their car at home and travel instead by walking, cycling or taking public transport.
Grid Reference ST 18493 82325
What3Words ///flute.escape.perky
Lat/Long 51.533943, -3.176423
Google Maps: Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Please note that the postcode (CF14 0BB) of the site is brand new this year and is unlikely to have been updated to satnav systems. For the time being, we advise to not use the postcode for satellite navigation purposes and instead use one of the alternatives listed above.
In addition to the main access on Lisvane Road, there are three additional pedestrian entrances accessed via Towy Road (south-west corner), Rhyd-y-penau Road (south-east corner) and Black Oak Gate [eastern side).
The Nant Fawr Trail runs to the east of Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs and connects Waterloo Gardens in Roath with Llanishen Golf Club in the north. It crosses with the pedestrian access near Rhyd-y-penau Gate and Black Oak Gate.
The closest signposted route to Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs from Cathays in central Cardiff runs from The Heath public house on Whitchurch Road, up Allensbank Road, King George V Drive East past Heath Low Level station ending up on Station Road via Crystal Glen, Fishguard Road and Fidlas Road.
Leaving the signposted route, continue riding east on Station Road, becoming Lisvane Road. Proceed past South Rise Road and take the next right into the Lisvane & Llanishen site.
There is plentiful bike parking near the visitor centre with shelters at three pedestrian entrances too (see above).
Cycling is not permitted at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs due to the narrow footpaths around the reservoirs being unsuitable for shared use by both walkers and cyclists.
Due to the SSSI status on the site, Natural Resources Wales only permitted footpaths to be up to 2 metres wide, to minimise impact on the waxcap fungi. Unfortunately, the 2m footpath width does not allow the safe passing distance for bikes. The minimum recommended width for a two-directional shared-use path is 3m.
We have provided cycle parking at each entrance to the site and cyclists are welcome to dismount and walk their bikes through the site.
Don’t forget, Cardiff’s bike share scheme has locations at Llanishen Village, Llanishen Leisure Centre and Rhyd-y-penau Road, all short walks away from the reservoirs.
The high-quality bikes are great value and situated across the city.
15 mins from Cardiff Central + 7 mins walk
Via the Rhymney Valley Line (Cardiff Central – Caerphilly – Bargoed – Rhymney), take the train to Llanishen Station. After alighting, walk south to the junction with Station Road, turn left and follow Station Road becoming Lisvane Road. Walk past the South Rise junction and take the next right into the Lisvane & Llanishen site.
From City Centre / Sainsbury’s Thornhill
40 mins
Take the Number 86 from Cardiff, Greyfriars Road or from outside Sainsbury’s Thornhill. Get off at the Lisvane stop (Woodside Court / South Rise). Ask the driver if you are unsure. The entrance to the Lisvane & Llanishen site is on the south side of the road.
From City Centre
25 mins + 15 mins walk
Catch the Number 28/28A/28B at Hayes Bridge Rd JH and stay on board until you reach the NatWest Bank stop, just before Llanishen Library.
From here, walk east on Station Road, becoming Lisvane Road. Proceed past South Rise Road and take the next right into the Lisvane & Llanishen site.
From City Centre
45 mins + 2 mins walk
Take the Number 51 from Cardiff, Greyfriars Road to Cyncoed Village. Alight and take Rhyd-y-penau Road southwest from the roundabout. The pedestrian entrance is approximately 475 yards / 145 metres on the right.
From City Centre
15 mins + 2 mins walk
Catch the Number 52 at Customhouse Street JG to Cyncoed Village. Alight and take Rhyd-y-penau Road southwest from the roundabout. The pedestrian entrance is approximately 475 yards / 145 metres on the right.
From City Centre
30 mins + 2 mins walk
Take the Number 53 at Cardiff Greyfriars Road. Alight at Cwncoed Village and walk southwest on Rhyd-y-penau Road. The pedestrian entrance is approximately 125 yards / 115 metres on the right.
Visitors by car from beyond Cardiff are encouraged to park in the city centre and take public transport to the site or cycle where possible.
For drivers, Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs is best accessed via the M4. Exit the M4 at junction 30 onto the Pentwyn Link Road and at the roundabout take the third exit onto Heol Pontprennau. Remain on Heol Pontprennau until you reach the roundabout junction with Heol Glandulais, taking the third exit and heading towards the B4562. Remain on the B4562 until you reach the turning (signposted).
Disabled (Blue Badge) drivers are welcome to use the reserved parking outside the visitor centre. Drivers of electric vehicles may park in one of seven charging zones to replenish their batteries. Please do not park in nearby residential roads.
