Cwm Elan | Elan Valley

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.