Pen y Garreg Dam — Attraction in Rhayader

Sign of the times really. The majesty is still there and this we remember from as far back as 15 years ago. Yet now the simple beauty, the pretty world (flower pictures taken at same place in 2015) and in comes mainlining the footpath for the world of heavy duty fast moving mountain bikes - the second picture. So the path is progressively widened, bigger infrastructure, like the last picture shown and out go the wild flowers, the beautiful yellow broom cut back some time ago and if a slow worm (we moved its body yesterday) has to be sacrificed by two fast track mountain bikers yesterday (I discovered it some minutes later when we got to the spot) then so be it. Vast number of trees were already cut down before the last storm but that's...

Each dam is so unique - this victorian beauty really leans into the architectural strengths of the time in the best way, and based in a location that is reminiscent of the surrounding of Picnic at Hanging Rock, the location is whimsical and creates almost an unfathomable experience for visits. Elan Valley is always busy, so try to get there as quickly as possible to enjoy the tranquility. To emphasise this, and also because I didn't have my wide angle lens with me, the surrounding environment is lovely and glistening. 10s all across the board...

The whole area is stunning, alive with wildlife and beauty everywhere. We were lucky enough to visit on a dam open day, just £1 charity donation each to enter, and well worth the time spent looking out from the control tower. Thanks to Fiona for being on hand to answer questions and explain its history and engineering marvels. Great to know it was built to save lives in Birmingham, as a public health project, and still all working a century later. Has public money ever been...