The Elan Valley is one of Wales' most treasured landmarks, made up of 70 square miles of dams, reservoirs, and picturesque landscapes. Known for its spectacular dams, Elan Valley has attracted visitors from all over the UK for its wildlife, geology, history, and spectacular scenery.
Originally built over 100 years ago to supply clean water to Birmingham, the six dams of the Elan Valley, in Powys, still stand tall and offers a nature experience like no other. There’s plenty for the whole family to explore, from walking or cycling to stargazing and fishing.
The six dams in Elan Valley
The dams are undoubtedly the biggest attraction in Elan Valley. There are four dams on the river Elan: the highest being Craig Goch, followed by Garreg Ddu, Pen y Garreg, and Cabin Coch. The river Claerwen has two other dams: Claerwen and Dol Y Mynach, which is unfinished and the only one not accessible by car.
The dams were constructed so that people in Birmingham, who were desperately in need of clean and sanitary water, could have a reliable supply. Today, the dams continue to supply water to Birmingham.
Craig Goch - often referred to as the "top dam" - is one of the most striking dams in the area as it stands more than 1,000 feet above sea level. It has a curved retaining wall and a series of arches carrying a narrow roadway across the top of the dam, with a ‘Birmingham Baroque’ style as it features a domed valve tower. Next is Garreg Ddu which supplies clean water to Birmingham, whilst also supporting masonry pillars that carry the roadway from the dam to the neighbouring valley of the River Claerwen.
The third dam is Pen y Garreg, which has a striking structure and one of the most picturesque backdrops. Caban Coch Dam is further along the valley and is designed to resemble a natural waterfall. Along the River Claerwen are the following two dams. Claerwen Dam was designed to fit in with the older structures nearby, while Dol y Mynach is still unfinished.
Activities for the whole family
There are many trails in the Elan Valley that offers families, cyclists, and adrenaline seekers the opportunity to experience the stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
There are nine scenic walks and trails to complete, whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike. It’s the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs with all the family, but due to roaming livestock, if you plan to bring dogs they should be kept on leads or under strict control. For adventure goers, there are also roads, hills, or challenging tracks for cyclists and mountain biking - which was named in Red Bull’s list of top mountain biking locations.
Most of the Elan Valley Trail follows the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. The trail starts on the western side of Rhayader, which has local parking facilities, a number of cafes, shops, pubs, a bike shop, and toilets. On the trail, visitors will pass the Rhayader Tunnel, a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve - home to many bat species - and see the spectacular views of the dams and reservoirs.
In 2015, the Elan Valley Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status which means that the entire 45,000 acres of the Elan Valley are protected against light pollution, and visitors will have the perfect view to stargaze. There are five perfect spots to stargaze in Elan Valley, such as Claerwen Car Park, Claerwen Dam, Craig Goch Car Park, Pont as Elan Car Park and Teifi Ponds.
Celebrities love it too
The Welsh singer songwriter Charlotte Church recently opened the doors to her dream country healing retreat, The Dreaming, within the Elan Valley.
During a stay at The Dreaming, guests are offered a wide selection of wellbeing activities that include yoga, foraging, mythic storytelling, star-gazing, cold water immersion, singing at dawn, den building, painting, dance, outdoor cinema and lots more, which you can read about here.
Charlotte and the team have created a property that is conducive to relaxation and connection with the natural surroundings. Guests have access to all 47 acres of the grounds, and for the super adventurous, The Den allows for outdoor sleeping to comfortably experience the nocturnal wildlife.
How to get to Elan Valley?
From Cardiff, Elan Valley is around a two-hour drive, and a four-hour drive from London. As you near closer to the Elan Valley you can enjoy the picturesque views through the Cambrian Mountains. However, the roads do narrow in certain places and visitors are advised to be aware of cyclists, horse riders and sheep.
At the Elan Valley Visitor Centre there are also two electric car charging points available and a car park with a £3 all day parking charge which can be paid via cash or card. Regulars can also purchase a £35 annual parking pass for a single vehicle.
Read next:
- A Gabby’s Dollhouse experience is coming to Cardiff this week and it's free
- 25 things to do at the Eisteddfod in Llandovery over half term
- Boulders to open new climbing centre on outskirts of Cardiff with kids' zone and party space
- The luxury train charging £3,575 a trip that's steaming through Wales
- The best indoor swimming pools and water parks that are well worth the drive
