A MUCH-ANTICIPATED scenic route around Llandegfedd Reservoir will open to the public today (1st April) following a partnership between Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru and Llanbadoc Community Council. The project was initiated in 2012 and the route takes in woodland, pasture, a golf course, a conservation area and a small section of road on the reservoir's dam.

An inaugural walk led by the Llanbadoc Community Council pathcare group will take place today and people wishing to join should assemble at the main car park near the new visitor centre on the Welsh Water site for 10am. Dogs on leads are permitted and the visitor centre will be open for refreshments during daylight hours.

The 10km circular trail passes through areas of Welsh Water land on permissive paths as well as on established rights of way. It will be fully open for walkers except for a section passing through the wildfowl conservation area at the north east corner of the reservoir which will be closed during the winter.

MCC's principal countryside access officer Ruth Rourke looked forward to the launch and praised the many volunteers who helped to establish the new route. She said: "There has been demand in the past for a walk around the reservoir and I am glad that this opportunity is now available to the public. I therefore look forward to the opening and pay tribute to those involved in setting up the route, particularly the pathcare group which I am sure will lead an interesting and enjoyable walk."

For information on rights of way and volunteering opportunities, contact MCC's countryside team: Countryside@

monmouthshire.gov.uk