Torfaen Garn Lakes Walk

1.2 miles (2 km)

This circular walk explores the pretty Garn Lakes Nature Reserve near Pontypool in Torfaen.
The area was once heavily industrial but has been restored to a network of lakes, wetlands and grassland, making it a popular place for gentle walking and wildlife watching. The main paths are well-maintained and largely level, giving easy access around the water’s edge with regular viewpoints across the lakes....
As you follow the circuit you pass a mixture of open water, reedbeds and small wooded sections that provide a varied habitat for birds. Species such as swans, ducks and herons are often seen on the lakes, while the surrounding meadow areas attract butterflies in warmer months. The route also offers clear views towards the surrounding hills, giving a sense of the wider landscape beyond the reserve.
The walk continues along a series of linked trails that loop around the northern and southern lakes before bringing you back towards the main entrance area. Interpretation boards along the way highlight the site’s transformation from a former colliery into a nature reserve, adding context to the scenery. The final stretch returns through open ground with good views over the water, completing a relaxed and scenic circuit suitable for most abilities.
The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway runs past the site so you can watch the steam trains as well. You can continue your walking by picking up the nearby Cwmtillery Lakes Circular Walk or visiting Blaenavon.