Here's a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) site which is open to for the public to enjoy all year round. This idyllic paddle site is suitable for beginners and families famous for hidden waters deep in the canyon of Swiss Valley within Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

Background 

The Lower Cwm Lliedi was originally constructed in 1878, in order to provide water to the citizens of Llanelli. At the waters deepest part the silted bed is around 24-30 feet (9 meters) deep, and near the pontoon it's around 14-16 feet (5 meters).

Following the installment of the Lower Reservoir, 30 years later (1905), the second upper reservoir was constructed to meet the rapid growth requirements of the local community. 

In 2020, Llanelli Rural Council (LRC) took the reigns to adopt a 5-year community agreement with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. The aim is to protect and improve the recreational facility giving opportunity for the likes of Paddleboarders to enjoy the blue open space and superb surroundings.

The recreational venue sports a woodland walk that maunders around the valley, totaling 2 miles.

Over the years Swiss Valley has become a go to setting for anglers, dog walkers, mountain biking, wildlife experts and now SUP enthusiasts.

Location Location Location 

Exit the M4 at Junction 48 (Hendy) and travel west along Pontarddulais Road (A4138) towards Llanelli for 3.2 miles. Once you reach the roundabout after the Llanelli Crematorium turnoff please take the second exit to the right onto Llethri Rd and follow the road until you pass Calsonic Kansei on your left hand side. Once you reach here take the next right at the junction onto A476, and the destination is one mile up the road just after the speed camera on the left. 

For the Sat Nav: 

Lower Cwm Lleidi Reservoir, Swiss Valley, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 8BS

Using What 3 Words application:

///puddles.crew.belong

Site Map 

 At SUP Wales, we love to go that extra mile and explain the site in further detail and how you can gain access. To help with this explanation we've designed a map below which will indicate where our meeting point is for organised lessons, and what else might to know around the site.  

We think it's important to point out the parking options, if you park at Car Park 1 (Open 9am - 8pm) you have a short 5-minute walk from a car park down a lane before reaching the dam. However, the route is not flat, so as an alternative you can head to Car Park 2 which entails a longer walk to site launch, however, the journey is much flatter. 

SUP Wales meets clients down near the Toilets or Launch site, so once you've parked you can make your way down to the reservoir. Any challenges on access simply call us and we can help you out.  

The map also discloses the exclusion zones and explains where you can currently paddle. We also think it's worthwhile explaining that the blue space is shared with the Angling community, so please if you see them on the water respect their sport, and keep at least 30 feet away.   

Biosecurity 

Llanelli Rural Council has installed Toilets, and Water Craft Wash Down Stations to help with Biosecurity measures to keep plants or animals (non-native species) from spreading to and from the Reservoir. Please make use of these facilities on every paddle to protect our beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Coastal areas across Wales. 

Finally, and most importantly please understand those that wish to self-launch at Cwm Lower Lliedi are expected to be fully equipped and competent for paddling. If this is not the case, we highly recommend both booking a professional lesson with SUP Wales and also taking out your own public liability insurance to help you stay safer out there in the event something might happen. 

Booking

For self-launch and parking, you will need to visit LIVE Free Adventures booking page who as of Summer 2023 operate the site, and charge £5 launch fees. Here is the direct link to book and for further information.