The Llyn Brianne dam is the highest dam in the UK at 300ft above sea level, situated north of Llandovery on the borders of the counties of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Powys. The dam did not exist until the early 1970’s, when the river Tywi (Towy), which rises in the Cambrian mountains just 6 miles above Llyn Brianne, and other waterways were dammed to create Wales’ second-biggest reservoir by water volume, and South Wales’ largest lake. notably the tin plate works at Felindre and a smelting plant at Llansamlet. The three turbines at the dam’s base generate around 4.3MW during the winter months.
It is set in beautiful and dramatic scenery, an ideal place to stop for a picnic, go fishing or to explore the area on foot or by bicycle (there are a number of way marked trails and also incorporated rides suitable for all cyclists). Near Rhandir-mwyn is an RSPB nature reserve which is a good place to spot Red Kites.
The massive spillway at Llyn Brianne was recently made famous by some kayakers who filmed themselves going down it at crazy speeds but there is now CCTV in place to try to prevent that happening again. Viewpoint offers a fantastic panoramic view of the reservoir and surrounding forest. There is ample parking, picnic tables and a BBQ.
