
Elan Valley
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Details
The Elan Valley Trail is a linear path following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. The trail starts in Cwmdauddwr, just west of Rhayader and finishes 13 km (8 miles) further up the Elan Valley at Craig Goch Dam.
The trail is virtually flat and has self-closing gates, picnic sites and regular stopping points with seating where you can rest and enjoy the views. Following the line of the railway used in the building of the dams, the Elan Valley Trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and the less-able.
Although the reservoirs are too deep and steep-sided to attract much wildlife, the surrounding oak woodlands have an abundance of wildlife, plantlife and birdlife. Ravens, buzzards, peregrines and red kites can all be seen overhead, while great crested grebe and goosander breed on the water.
The start of the Trail is located just out of Cwmdauddwr, west of Rhayader along the B4518. Opposite the start is a small car park (grid reference SN 966677). The start is marked by a sculptural gateway by artist Reece Ingram. About ½ km along the Trail you reach the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve of Rhayader Tunnel.
Continue towards the Elan Estate for another 3.5 km where you reach a left turn at a road T- junction. From here you follow the road down the hill for 1/2km to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, or cross the road and continue along the next section of the Trail.
The Trail continues for a further 9km up the Elan Valley to Craig Goch Dam. At 1km intervals you will see sculptural benches, created by artist Dominic Clare, the first of which is located just past Caban Coch Dam. Continue alongside the waters of Caban Coch Reservoir to Garreg Ddu.
From here you may wish to cross the viaduct for a closer look at Nantgwyllt Church. Otherwise continue across the road past the Foel Tower. The Foel Tower is the point at which water is extracted from the reservoirs before starting its 118 km journey to Birmingham by gravity.
Continue along Garreg Ddu Reservoir for 3km then cross the road and continue up the gradual incline up through the trees to the top of Pen y Garreg Dam. The track now levels out and passes alongside Pen y Garreg Reservoir. About 1km along from Pen y Garreg Dam, you will pass through Devil's Gulch.
The final stretch of the Trail takes you to Craig Goch Dam, this is the end of the Elan Valley Trail and was the terminus of the railway.
Walk Route: Moderate
Access: Traffic free. Tarmac & gravel
Duration: 3-4 hours
Miles: 9
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.
Opening Details
Open all the time
The Elan Valley Trail is open throughout the year.
Prices
Free entry
Address
Nr Rhayader,
Powys,
LD6 5HP
Location and nearby places
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
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