The Elan Valley — Attraction in Great Britain

Elan Valley: A symphony of water, wilderness, and Welsh magic a place where the River Elan and its reservoirs weave a tapestry of beauty. Let me guide you through this enchanting landscape:

Reservoirs Reflecting Skies:

Imagine standing on the Craig Goch Dam, the world mirrored in its turquoise depths. The Elan Valley Reservoirs a necklace of liquid gems stretch before you.

Each reservoir has a story: Claerwen, Pen y Garreg, Garreg Ddu, and more. Their names roll off the tongue like ancient incantations.

Wild Wanderings:

Lace up your boots and follow the trails. Gilfach Nature Reserve beckons a haven for red kites and otters. The air smells of moss and ferns.

Dolymynach Reservoir hides in the folds of hills. Its shores cradle secrets of herons, dragonflies, and whispered conversations.

Nantgwyllt Church:

Amidst the trees, a lonely church stands the Nantgwyllt Chapel. Its stained glass windows tell tales of saints and storms.

John Hawley, the legendary merchant, rests nearby. His spirit mingles with the rustling leaves.

TimeScape Rhayader:

In the town of Rhayader, visit TimeScape a museum where history unfolds. Here, the past and present dance an old waterwheel turns, and voices echo.

The Elan Valley’s chronicles come alive the laborers who built the dams, the floods that reshaped the land, and the resilience of nature.

Elan Valley Hotel:

Rest your head at the Elan Valley Hotel. Imagine cozy fires, hearty meals, and star-studded nights. The walls hold echoes of laughter and whispered wishes.

Wake to mist-kissed mornings the promise of another day in this watery wonderland.

Sunrise and Sunset:

Rise early for the Elan Valley sunrise. The hills blush, and the water shivers awake. Seize the moment the world reborn in golden hues.

As dusk settles, stand by the Caban Coch Dam. The sun dips, and the reservoirs catch fire. Shadows lengthen, and the...

A good idea to spend the whole day. The season does not matter. It's always beautiful there. Start at the Elan Valley Visitor Center (large parking lot, £ 3 car/day, restaurant, gift shop, toilets). Elan Valley Visitor Center - Ar Elan Bridge - Elan Valley Visitor Center it's a little bit over 5 hours of relaxing walk without rush (total with a break for a snack, sandwich and take photos). Beautiful landscape. Bridges and water dams. Caban-Coch Reservoir technical data are really impressive (please see my photo). Amazing engineering construction dated 1893. There is the alone and small Victorian Nantgwyllt Church halfway to the Ar Elan Bridge. Built at the turn of the 19th century. In November 2021 Elan Valley trail was empty, quiet and peaceful. I recommend a walk in the...

Amazing outdoor day out exploring the Dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley.

Starting at the visitor centre we picked up a map and a coffee for the road and headed out on our what turned to be 6 hour visit driving to each of the Dams and walking to the top and bottom each. Every dam is unique and interesting as the next both visuals and in architecture.

Just a warning The weather changes so fast and the area has high rainfall. We luckily had a good mix of weather. Lots of hard walking surfaces as well as muddy tracks.

We will be visiting again soon to do more of the walking...