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Details
The Elan Valley estate in Powys, Mid Wales is truly epic and sprawls over 70 square miles, making up 1% of the whole of Wales!
Elan Valley is just 3 miles from Rhayader on the southern edge of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. The area is famous for its spectacular dams and Victorian architecture and it is also a designated International Dark Skies Park perfect for stargazing. There is a large Visitor Centre at Elan Valley which is a good starting point for your visit.
Visitors come from far and wide to see the spectacular scenery, which is ideal for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Popular with cyclists of all abilities, visitors can explore the estate on a relaxed ride while the more experienced can get the adrenaline pumping on one of the graded, natural mountain bike trails.
BIKE HIRE
Brand new e-bikes can be hired for a two-wheeled adventure around the trails. No level of fitness is required, and they are completely accessible. There are even trailers for your dog to enjoy the views too. Call 01597 810880 to make a booking.
ELAN VALLEY DAMS
The six Elan Valley dams, located are one of the greatest civil engineering achievements of the late 19th and early 20th century, providing the water supply for the City of Birmingham.
The dams are the biggest draw to the Elan Valley and they offer a stunning year round backdrop for cyclists, walkers, and photographers. With the exception of Dol y Mynach all the dams are also accessible by car.
There are four dams on the River Elan; Craig Goch, Pen y Garreg, Garreg Ddu, and Caban Coch. The River Claerwen has the newest (and largest) Claerwen Dam with the unfinished Dol y Mynach Dam also found in this valley.
ELAN VALLEY VISITOR CENTRE
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open all year round and you will find the story of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys and the remarkable building of the dams to provide water for the City of Birmingham.
The Visitor Centre cafe has a spacious seating area with windows all around to enjoy the wonderful view of the River Elan and Caban Coch Dam. There is a patio area with picnic tables for people wishing to sit outside in fine weather. Well behaved dogs are welcome in the café. The cafe serves a range of meals, including breakfasts, light snacks and main meals. Welsh cakes, bara brith and many other cakes are baked on the premises.
There is also a well stocked gift shop with a wide range of useful maps, books, toys, locally sourced crafts and souvenirs.
Coaches are welcome to use the cafe, but it is important that you contact the centre prior to arrival if you are planning a visit so that delays can be kept to a minimum.
Please note that the amenities listed can be found at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre rather than relating to the whole Estate. 2 EV Charging Points. Parking Charge per vehicle.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
£2.00 car parking fee, season tickets available.
Also at this Venue
Address
Nr Rhayader,
Powys,
LD6 5HP
Directions
Map reference: SN 928646 Lat: 52.26932 Long: -3.57227
By Car: The Elan Valley is 3 miles from the town of Rhyader on an unclassified road leading from the B4518. The town of Rhyader is crossed by the main A470 (North/South) and A44 (East) roads.
By Public Transport: Rhayader has no train station (the nearest being Llandrindod Wells) but is connected by a local bus network. The Elan Valley is connected by local public transport via Rhayader on request/pre-booking ONLY.
www.traveline-cymru.info
Parking: with charge
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Credit cards accepted (with charge)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Postbox
Public toilets
Welcome Host
Accepts groups
Electric car charging point
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Please note that the amenities listed can be found at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre rather than relating to the whole Estate. 2 EV Charging Points. Parking Charge per vehicle.
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Baby changing facilities
Hearing loop installed in public areas
General
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Clear signage
Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Audible alarm system
Entrance
Entrance is well lit
Food
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Menus available in large print (14pt and over)
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Sugar free (diabetic)
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Nut free
Vegetarian
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Children's menu