Elan Valley

Upcoming Event: Evening Talk - Brecon Mountain Rescue Team Wed 5 Sep / 7.30pm An Elan Valley Walking Festival Event. Join Guest Speaker, Kevin Harding, of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team. Kevin will talk about the work of BMRT, which is entirely staffed by highly trained volunteers who provide land based search and rescue in the Brecon Beacons and the Elan Valley areas, including the English borders and the Ceredigion coast. Meet at the Elan Valley Hotel SN 938658. http://socsi.in/3L21f

Heading to the weekend with a photograph from yesterday, fingers crossed for some lovely bank holiday weather, have a great one all 😁

Upcoming Event: Garreg Ddu Circuit Wed 5 Sep / 10am - 1pm An Elan Valley Walking Festival event. A 6 mile low-level reservoir circuit with some woodland and farmland paths as well as the Elan Valley Trail. Wear walking boots. Meet at Nantgwyllt Church car park.

Upcoming Event: Beginners Navigation Workshop Mon 3 Sep / 10am-3pm An Elan Valley Walking Festival event. Join Terry Smith for a hands-on day of map and compass reading. With both theory and practical application this workshop will improve your understanding of maps and access to the countryside. N.B. There is an advanced workshop being held on Saturday 8th September. Meet at the Visitor Centre SN 928646. http://socsi.in/uNv1k

Upcoming Event: Railway Ramble Tue 4 Sep / 10am - 12noon An Elan Valley Walking Festival event. A gentle 3 mile walk following the line of the old railway from the Visitor Centre to Cwmdauddwr, looking at historical features of interest along the way. A lift back to the Visitor Centre will be available afterwards. http://socsi.in/WFytq

Upcoming Event: Cwm Elan Mines Experience Sun 2 Sep / 10am An Elan Valley Walking Festival event. Join Elan Valley Trustee, Bob Vaughan on a 5 mile walk to explore the history and remains of Cwm Elan Lead Mines. You will also be able to see the recent stabilising works. Meet at Nantgwyllt car park SN 909639. http://socsi.in/zz5LN

We have been keeping an eye on Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner over the last few weeks. It is bright enough (magnitude +8 ) to be seen through 10 x 50 binoculars. It may become brighter over September, peaking at magnitude +6 . Try to catch this comet before the moon casts too much light into the sky and watch out for moonless nights – you can use this handy darkness calendar to determine the best time to see it: http://www.dreistein.nl/dark.aspx… This short periodic comet - a 6....6 year orbit around the sun - was first discovered by Michael Giaobini in Nice, France in 1900 and seen by Ernest Zinner in 1913. Observers will be able to track this comet until 10th September, through perihelion (orbit around the Sun). This comet has a habit of undergoing periodic outbursts, as it nears perihelion, which means it could become even brighter. The Sun’s light reacts with the icy exterior of the comet, casuing sublimation and as material collapses, avalanches are created, which causes the outbursts. This recent discovery replaces the previous theory that internal geysers causes comets to erupt. Let's hope we get some clear skies to see it. Comet image credit: John Purvis
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Upcoming Event: Ancient Sites of the Elan Valley Sat 1 Sep / 10am An Elan Valley Walking Festival event. Join local enthusiasts David James and Vic Pardoe as they explore Bronze Age and Medieval sites around the Pont ar Elan area. This moderate 6.5 mile walk will take in the Pillow Mounds, Banc Cynnydd Cairns, Carn Nant Y Ffald, Carn Wen and finally, Rhiw Afon Cairn. Meet at Pont ar Elan car park SN 903716. http://socsi.in/vq9zS

Upcoming Event: Powys Ramblers Walk Wed 29 Aug / 10am Sarah Hill of Powys Ramblers will lead a 7.5 mile moderate circular walk from Nantgwyllt Church car park around Garreg Ddu Reservoir with detour to visit the Mines. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing and bring a packed lunch. Meet at Nantgwyllt Church car park SN 909639. http://socsi.in/99pJs

Don't forget our Village Tour today 2 - 3.30 pm an easy one mile walk to learn about Caban Coch and the workers village!

Upcoming Event: Elan Valley Show and Sports 2018 Mon 27 Aug / 10am Onwards Join locals and visitors for an August Bank Holiday Monday afternoon of family fun and entertainment at the local agricultural show and sports. Bar and Refreshments on site. Show enquiries contact Christine Davies call her on 01597 811306 or email her at galedrhyd@hotmail.com. Location : Noyadd Farm, will be signposted on the day. http://socsi.in/5eLKr

Always happy to help @dyfedpowys well done on a good outcome for all! Never a dull moment @elanvalley.

Get your walking boots on and join us between the 1st and 9th September on our third annual Walking Festival at Elan Valley. Take the opportunity to allow our experienced walking guides to show you the marvallous scenery around the Elan Estate. The walks are from 1 - 7 miles in length and there is something to suit everyone. There will also be a fascinating talk given by the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team. http://socsi.in/4wLJ9

There have been some fantastic walks on the Elan Estate this year! Here is another great walk report:
The Three Rivers Walk Saturday 11th August 2018
... On Saturday 9 walkers met at the Llannerch y Cawr car park, for the Elan Valley Trust Walk, to the heads of the Camarch river, Gwesyn river and the Rhiwnant river. The walk leader was Tudor Davies.
The group which included a visitor from Israel, headed up Nant Paradwys, and onto Carnau, where views of Pen-y-Fan and the Black Mountains could be seen, Blaen Cammarch was reached, the head of the Cammarch river, crossing Bryn Glas, Drygarn Fawr looking down on the group.
Walkers were commenting on how quiet and remote this area was, heading west, to Blaen Gwesyn (head of the Gwesyn river). The concrete posts marking the watershed boundary were passed and overlooking Blaen Rhiwnant (head of the Rhiwnant river), from here we headed to Drygarn Fawr, where lunch was taken, we were joined by a group of walkers from the Brecon Beacons Park Society who had walked up from Abergwesyn and were heading back down the Irfon Valley. With both groups exchanging experiences of their walks, and commenting how they were in a unique location.
With rain coming in from the west, waterproofs were called for. The group then headed down Creigiau Hirion and down the Rhiwnant Valley and passing the impressive stones at Craig y Dalrhiw, and the old lead mines, caused a lot of interest, following the Rhiwnant down to the wooden bridge, where a photograph was taken, passing by the old pub ruin called Llwyn Dale, and down to Llannerch y Cawr, were again a photograph was taken on the bridge overlooking the Claerwen River. Walkers commented how they had enjoyed their day in the hills of the Claerwen Valley.
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Great to host this competition well done to all those taking part and thank you to the weather ☀️ came out eventually.

Photographs from the Four Wells Ramblers' walk on Saturday. Walk report here: https://www.facebook.com/…/a.6012830166 1…/1836109689802504/…

THE FOUR WELLS RAMBERS WALK REPORT A Walk around Penbont, Elan Valley Saturday 11th August 2018
We had a good turnout for the walk with eight Ramblers members, one having recently joined, and four non-members. We started at the Penbont car park and crossed the bridge which was reconstructed in the 1960s for road widening, each stone from one parapet being numbered and put back in the same position. The site of the old plank bridge can be seen as rectangular cuts in the rock ...just downstream. With the low water, the gorge is quite spectacular. We climbed up to the north side of Penygarreg Dam and followed the Elan Valley trail, stopping to view the site of the old chapel which had been part of Hughes’ shop which had floated to the surface on the flooding of the lake.
We continued past Craig Goch Dam to climb diagonally up the valley. After elevenses we continued up to the ridge and along to the remains of the Roman marching camp above the Nant Gwyn Llyn stream. Crossing this, we walked up to Maen Serth, the iconic Bronze Age marker stone which still bears the medieval cross carved to commemorate the death of two Welsh princes who were slain by the Normans. Due to rain we dropped down to below the ridge to enjoy the view of Llofftyddgleision and have lunch out of the wind. The rain then ceased and we continued back to the Mountain Road and across the stream again to take the path back over the mountains to Penbont, down steps which had been built by two of our Four Wells Ramblers' group. IMAGES TO FOLLOW
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Credit Cards & Cocktail Sticks - Fun With Oil Paints Workshop
Saturday 11th August - 10am till 4pm at the Visitor Centre
£30 per person... Please call 01597810880 to book
JUST 4 PLACES LEFT!
Run by Angela May Lewis
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What a glorious week we have had! A fab Friday to head into a splendid Saturday and Sunday! Enjoy the weekend ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

What a fabulous place... food for everyone... soya milk and chocolate cake... good portions and lovely clean facilities. Nice staff too. Thanks.

We stopped at the Visitor Centre first, very helpful staff gave us directions & map. Lovely drive along the reservoirs, the scenery is beautiful and lots of wildlife. Plenty of options if you like cycling or walking, it was easier for us to take the car. A great day out for all the family.

Visited last week. After stopping off in the cafe I chatted to the friendly staff to discuss potential routes for photo opportunities, and decided on a 7 mile walk around one of the reservoirs. I wasn't disappointing :) This included walking past a little bit of history (the site of one of the dam-buster tests). A proper challenging route that definitely earned my cup-cake from the cafe when I got back (omg those cup cakes are amazing!!!). Parking & food in the cafe all reasonably priced. I will be back later in the year to explore some other routes. On a final note I then took the loop road round to look at the other reservoirs across the location. The road itself is reasonably wide for the most part and accessible so there's no reason not to take advantage of views on offer. I'll be back again! :)

This place is fantastic. The natural beauty is astounding and full of nature. The visitor centre is well run with friendly staff who work hard but remain professional. The cafe is excellent and the cakes are too tempting. The shop is full of interesting books and local made artwork. They also have quality gifts for the children and lovely ornaments. The disabled toilet is large enough and well maintained. Outside there is a very good enclosed children's play area that will keep the kids entertained for hours. There are plenty of picnic tables that are cleared regularly but at times wasps can be a problem. The cycle paths are excellent and well maintained and allows for an extended family cycle ride without too much effort. Simply a brilliant place to go highly recommended.

The Elan is stunning all year round. Definitely recommend for a day out.

Some of the best of what Mother Nature provides with some historical ingenuity, (the dams). A real treat for walkers cyclists and drivers alike. A great escape for a day or a short break. Just relax and take it all in or get your walking boots on. It's a truly beautiful place.

No matter what time of year we go, there is always spectacular views. One of my favourite places xx

Loved it... what a place... defantley going again very very soon...

I love the Elan Valley area, and as I only live about 10 miles from Rhayader, I'm up there a lot with my camera, fantastic place and even better when you get out of the car and look around.

I cannot describe how much we love Elan valley. It started when my husband and I were young, with day visits with our families, which continued when we met. Now we visit countless times each year, including two years in a row with a weeks holiday in one of the cottages. The cottage ' Tynllidiart ' is absolutely fantastic, so much so we have booked to stay there again for our 25th wedding anniversary.

We love Elan valley for its wildlife, walks, photography opportunities, tranquillity, great driving roads when we visit in our classic car and beautiful scenery. The visitor centre is wonderful for a bite to eat & the staff are always helpful.We will never tire of visiting. ❤

Had my first visit Friday night just gone with a couple of fellow astro photographers, to experience the dark skies at Elan. Not only was it international darksky week but we was greeted with a wonderful clear sky and shoot away all night long. WOW!!! Elan Valley has to be my favorite area of Wales.... Fell in love with the place �

Elan Valley is a wonderful place to visit. Lots to see and do in the area. Wonderful views truly breath taking picturesque landscape. The visitor centre is a must history cafe and shop are all 5*.

Doesn't get much better than this place. Fantastic views, walks and then a coffee at the visitors centre.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. There's always something going on or you can explore on foot, bike or car. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food and drinks and the shop sells some unique gifts and books.

Beautiful unspoilt scenery, we did the walk around the second lake, about 3 hours, 6.5 miles, was beautiful and well worth it (although I think we killed the dog off) then we stopped at the visitor centre for lunch, although quite pricey for what we had it was nice.

Amazing views, great paths for biking or walking. Excellent choice of food in cafe, what's not to like ! :)

Absolutely fantastic place even in the rain and intermittent sun. If you get chance use the cafe their mint and lamb pasties are out of this world thanks to one of the staff on the tourist desk we tried his recommendations well done you �

The lake district of Wales. Well worth a visit either for a day or like we did a stay in the Elan Valley Hotel where you will receive a welcome especially if you have a dog. The reservoirs can be seen by foot, bike or car. Would like to return some time when they are overlooking but I understand that's only when it's been extremely wet.

Beautiful countryside and the 3rd dam was breath taking when we finally got to it! The staff at the visitors Centre were helpful but did not mention that there would be no facilities at the dams. We had 2 children, aged 7 and 10 and my mum who is a spritely 70 year old with us and after the very long walk (4hrs there and back) we were therefore very disappointed to find no toilets open and no cafe for refreshments which were marked on the map. We understand that rubbish bins may not be asthectically pleasing but to have no bins at all except for the visitor Centre seems a shame for families wishing to picnic along the way.

What a fabulous place... food for everyone... soya milk and chocolate cake... good portions and lovely clean facilities. Nice staff too. Thanks.

We stopped at the Visitor Centre first, very helpful staff gave us directions & map. Lovely drive along the reservoirs, the scenery is beautiful and lots of wildlife. Plenty of options if you like cycling or walking, it was easier for us to take the car. A great day out for all the family.

Visited last week. After stopping off in the cafe I chatted to the friendly staff to discuss potential routes for photo opportunities, and decided on a 7 mile walk around one of the reservoirs. I wasn't disappointing :) This included walking past a little bit of history (the site of one of the dam-buster tests). A proper challenging route that definitely earned my cup-cake from the cafe when I got back (omg those cup cakes are amazing!!!). Parking & food in the cafe all reasonably priced. I will be back later in the year to explore some other routes. On a final note I then took the loop road round to look at the other reservoirs across the location. The road itself is reasonably wide for the most part and accessible so there's no reason not to take advantage of views on offer. I'll be back again! :)

This place is fantastic. The natural beauty is astounding and full of nature. The visitor centre is well run with friendly staff who work hard but remain professional. The cafe is excellent and the cakes are too tempting. The shop is full of interesting books and local made artwork. They also have quality gifts for the children and lovely ornaments. The disabled toilet is large enough and well maintained. Outside there is a very good enclosed children's play area that will keep the kids entertained for hours. There are plenty of picnic tables that are cleared regularly but at times wasps can be a problem. The cycle paths are excellent and well maintained and allows for an extended family cycle ride without too much effort. Simply a brilliant place to go highly recommended.

The Elan is stunning all year round. Definitely recommend for a day out.

Some of the best of what Mother Nature provides with some historical ingenuity, (the dams). A real treat for walkers cyclists and drivers alike. A great escape for a day or a short break. Just relax and take it all in or get your walking boots on. It's a truly beautiful place.

No matter what time of year we go, there is always spectacular views. One of my favourite places xx

Loved it... what a place... defantley going again very very soon...

I love the Elan Valley area, and as I only live about 10 miles from Rhayader, I'm up there a lot with my camera, fantastic place and even better when you get out of the car and look around.

I cannot describe how much we love Elan valley. It started when my husband and I were young, with day visits with our families, which continued when we met. Now we visit countless times each year, including two years in a row with a weeks holiday in one of the cottages. The cottage ' Tynllidiart ' is absolutely fantastic, so much so we have booked to stay there again for our 25th wedding anniversary.

We love Elan valley for its wildlife, walks, photography opportunities, tranquillity, great driving roads when we visit in our classic car and beautiful scenery. The visitor centre is wonderful for a bite to eat & the staff are always helpful.We will never tire of visiting. ❤

Had my first visit Friday night just gone with a couple of fellow astro photographers, to experience the dark skies at Elan. Not only was it international darksky week but we was greeted with a wonderful clear sky and shoot away all night long. WOW!!! Elan Valley has to be my favorite area of Wales.... Fell in love with the place �

Elan Valley is a wonderful place to visit. Lots to see and do in the area. Wonderful views truly breath taking picturesque landscape. The visitor centre is a must history cafe and shop are all 5*.

Doesn't get much better than this place. Fantastic views, walks and then a coffee at the visitors centre.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. There's always something going on or you can explore on foot, bike or car. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food and drinks and the shop sells some unique gifts and books.

Beautiful unspoilt scenery, we did the walk around the second lake, about 3 hours, 6.5 miles, was beautiful and well worth it (although I think we killed the dog off) then we stopped at the visitor centre for lunch, although quite pricey for what we had it was nice.

Amazing views, great paths for biking or walking. Excellent choice of food in cafe, what's not to like ! :)

Absolutely fantastic place even in the rain and intermittent sun. If you get chance use the cafe their mint and lamb pasties are out of this world thanks to one of the staff on the tourist desk we tried his recommendations well done you �

The lake district of Wales. Well worth a visit either for a day or like we did a stay in the Elan Valley Hotel where you will receive a welcome especially if you have a dog. The reservoirs can be seen by foot, bike or car. Would like to return some time when they are overlooking but I understand that's only when it's been extremely wet.

Beautiful countryside and the 3rd dam was breath taking when we finally got to it! The staff at the visitors Centre were helpful but did not mention that there would be no facilities at the dams. We had 2 children, aged 7 and 10 and my mum who is a spritely 70 year old with us and after the very long walk (4hrs there and back) we were therefore very disappointed to find no toilets open and no cafe for refreshments which were marked on the map. We understand that rubbish bins may not be asthectically pleasing but to have no bins at all except for the visitor Centre seems a shame for families wishing to picnic along the way.