Best lakes around Crucorney are situated in Monmouthshire, Wales, on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains and within the Brecon Beacons National Park. This area is characterized by its natural landscapes and historical industrial significance. Key bodies of water include Keeper's Pond and The Punchbowl Lake, offering diverse outdoor experiences. The region provides a blend of natural beauty and remnants of 19th-century industry.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Easy walk, bit rocky at the top, very enjoyable walk
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Keeper’s Pond is an amazing pond, outstanding beauty with great views of the Usk valley 🤩
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Nice little pond, good place to park to do the circular route of Blorenge.
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Lovely little pond with an island in the middle.
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I'm a fit 66 year old and for me this was a tough climb up from Llanfoist, but so worth it. Very stony and uneven underfoot and there are several stiles to climb over.
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A stunning lake with loads of legends about it. A wild swimming spot (although can be weedy), but for me it's just a great place to sit and pull out the thermos flask.
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This place is absolutely beautiful. I would love to just hang out here with some friends. I was however on a schedule and couldn't loiter
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Great wild swimming spot. The path north is a less technical climb out, the path to south is either a fun more technical descent or most likely a hike a bike out.
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The primary lakes in the Crucorney area, situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, are Keeper's Pond (Pen-Ffordd-Goch Pond), The Punchbowl Lake, and Devil's Punchbowl Pond. Each offers unique natural beauty and historical context.
Yes, Keeper's Pond is a well-known spot for wild swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The Punchbowl Lake is also considered a wild swimming spot, though some visitors note it can be weedy. Devil's Punchbowl Pond is also mentioned as a great wild swimming spot.
The area around Crucorney's lakes is excellent for various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the hiking guide, cycling guide, and MTB trails guide for Crucorney.
Absolutely. Keeper's Pond serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Blorenge Mountain, with trails like the Iron Mountain Trail revealing remnants of 19th-century industry. Walks around The Punchbowl Lake are also popular, leading through ancient woodland and offering stunning views. You can find more hiking options in the hiking guide for Crucorney.
Keeper's Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond, offers expansive views across the Usk Valley towards the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains. It's a popular spot for picnics, wild swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding. It's also a great starting point for walks on Blorenge Mountain and is recognized for dark skies viewing.
The Punchbowl Lake is a distinctive, secluded, and tranquil lake located in a glacial cwm on the eastern flank of Blorenge Mountain. It's surrounded by ancient woodland and is rich in industrial archaeology, with routes following an early 19th-century tramway system. It's a haven for wildlife and offers beautiful views towards the Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains.
Yes, Keeper's Pond is specifically noted as family-friendly, offering scenic spots for picnics and gentle activities. The general area provides diverse outdoor experiences suitable for families, though some trails may be more challenging.
The lakes around Crucorney offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming and picnicking. Autumn provides stunning views with changing foliage, while the area is also recognized as a good location for dark skies viewing, particularly outside of summer months.
Yes, the area is rich in history. Keeper's Pond was created in the early 19th century to supply water to the Garnddyrys Forge and lies within the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. The Punchbowl Lake area is also rich in industrial archaeology, with routes following an early 19th-century tramway system.
Yes, parking is available near some of the lakes. Keeper's Pond is listed as having parking facilities, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The expansive views, opportunities for wild swimming and picnicking, and the network of trails for hiking and cycling are highly valued. The tranquility of spots like The Punchbowl Lake and the industrial heritage found throughout the landscape also draw many visitors.
Yes, Devil's Punchbowl Pond is described as a tranquil spot, perfect for a breather during activities. It's surrounded by trees and offers a peaceful environment for a short stop.


Still not found your perfect lake around Crucorney? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.