This map shows the Elan Valley and the Elan Valley reservoirs. There are five lakes Claerwen, Garreg-Ddu, Craig-Goch, Pen-y-Garreg, and Caban Coch.
They are located in Powys Mid Wales, 5 mile South of Llangurig, and just 3 miles West of the town of Rhayader in the shadows of Penmaenwern (544m), Y Gamriw (604m), Pantllwyd (548m) and Gorllwyn (613m).

It was over a hundred years ago when the homesteads of some 100 people, together with their church and school, vanished beneath a hundred feet of water to supply the needs of the people of the City of Birmingham. Whether by accident or design the landscape has been enhanced to become known as the "Welsh Lake District".

The six lakes / reservoirs and their picturesque stone dams are some of the most scenic areas of mid-Wales set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area stretches over 45,000 acres with most of the upland areas in the care of the Elan Valley Trust. The trust strives to protect the landscape and wildlife of the area yet visitors are encouraged to enjoy scenic drives, fishing, cycling and walking in what was once one of the remotest parts of Wales.

[ Map of Elan Valley Reservoir location ]

Please click on the TOWNS or villages to find some where to stay in the area around Elan Valley. Choose from self catering accommodation near to Elan Valley or alternatively you may click on the HOTEL logo for hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation close to Elan Valley, Mid Wales.

= HOTELS & SERVICED ACCOMMODATION

= SELF CATERING COTTAGES

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open seven days a week from mid-March until the end of October, between 10:00am and 5:30pm.

It displays not only the construction and operation of the dams but also the history and ecology of the area. There is an Audio-visual show and information desk,

Facilities include :

Shop, Cafe, Easy disabled access, Toilets. Large car park and coach parking area with Children's play area and large picnic area
Entrance to the Visitor Centre is free, and the £1 parking charge covers you for the whole Estate ( As of 2007 ).

Bicycle Trails :

Route 1 Distance 8 miles:

Cycle through the beautiful Elan Valley and alongside three reservoirs with red kites soaring above from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre to Craig Goch Reservoir and return to Visitor Centre.

Route 2 Distance 16 miles:

Same as Route 1 but start and finish in Rhayader.

Gradient: Easy/Moderate

Bala Lake, Llyn Celyn, Llyn Brenig, Llyn Trawsfynydd, Llyn Clywedog, Llyn Geirionydd, Llys-y-Fran Reservoir, Elan Valley Reservoirs, Tal-y-Llyn, Lake Vyrnwy, Llyn Padarn, Pontsticill Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, Llyn Brianne, Rheidol Valley and Llyn Nant y Moch,

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