Elan Valley

Elan Valley 

Events 2017 - 2018 

Ymddiriedolaeth 

Cwm Elan 


Trust 

www.elanvalley.org.uk

2 

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Welcome 

At the Elan Valley we have 72 square miles of Estate for 

you to explore and discover the stunning scenery amongst 

the Victorian built environment. This area is a haven for 

wildlife and nature whilst providing tranquil breaks and 

adventure opportunities. 

For those of you who enjoy the star studded the Elan 

Valley is also an International Dark Sky Park and is 

recognised for its ‘exceptional starry skies and natural 

nocturnal habitat’. 

The Elan Links Heritage Lottery Project is working 

tirelessly this year to prepare the full project details and 

start the plan of works which encompasses collecting and 

portraying natural and cultural heritage. With this project 

there is much to get involved in so please keep an eye on 

our website and social media accounts for more details 

and events throughout the year. 

As Wales celebrates the ‘Year of Legends’ we consider 

the legends who have graced these valleys. Why not take 

part in Visit Wales #findyourepic and our #elanlegends to 

record your legendary excursions with us. 

We hope you all enjoy this wonderful place and come 

back to visit us again soon! 

Dark Skies Events 

Throughout the year we will be hosting an exciting series 

of talks, events and planetarium showings. For full event 

and contact details please see our website www.elanvalley. 

org.uk or keep up to date with us on Facebook, Twitter and 

Instagram. 

Photo courtesy of Visit Wales | www.visitwales.com 

www.elanvalley.org.uk 3

Young Adventurers 

There are plenty of opportunities for our younger visitors to explore and engage with the 

Elan Valley. Here’s a little inspiration for the intrepid adventurers in your family. 

Please book all events in this column 

in advance on 01597 810880. No 

unaccompanied children please. 

Wildlife Tracking 

9 April, 14 October. 2-4pm 

Join our Ranger Team at Dol y Mynach layby to 

learn all about the Elan Valley Wildlife, where to 

find it and the signs it leaves behind. Meet at 

map ref. P. 

Easter Egg Scramble 

14, 15, 16, 17 April. 10am-4pm 

An Easter Treasure Hunt for the whole family 

around the Visitor Centre and Cnwch Wood - work 

together for your chance to win an Easter Egg! No 

booking necessary, come and join in the fun! 50p 

per child. 

Dragons & Damsels 

30 May, 2, 9, 17, 24 and 29 August. 

2-3.30pm 

A fun afternoon of pond dipping - suitable for all 

the family. Booking is essential - only 20 places 

available. Meet at map ref. P. 

Tadpole Toddle 

2 June. 2-3.30pm 

Come and look at pond animals in your own 

tray at the Visitor Centre - suitable for younger 

children under the age of 5/6. We will also take 

a toddle to our own pond in the grounds of the 

Visitor Centre. Meet at map ref. A. 

Blast-Off! Bottle Rockets 

23 August. 10am-3pm 

Join the Elan Space Agency at the Visitor Centre 

to design, manufacture and launch your own 

rocket. Only £3 for your rocket materials. 

Spooky Spectacular Halloween Crafts 

31 October. 10.30am-12.30pm 

and 1.30pm-3.30pm 

Come along and make your own scary 

accessories in time for Halloween. 

£3 per child. 

Outdoor Activity Days 

This year we have our annual ‘Outdoor 

Activity Days’ on: 20 April, 31 May, 2, 9, 16, 

23, 30 August 

These include: 

High Ropes Challenge 

10am-1pm 

Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, a zip line 

and an adrenaline jump – all in a stunning setting 

alongside Caban Coch Reservoir. You don’t need 

experience or to be super fit, however you must be 

over 1.4m tall, have a waist of less than 43” and 

be able to climb a rope ladder. You will also need 

transport, stout shoes and appropriate clothing. 

Adults £20, under 18s £15 

Kayaking on the Reservoir 

2-5pm 

Hit the water and get a different view of the Valley 

from a two person kayak. After a safety briefing, 

head off around the reservoir in the company 

of your instructor, and learn about the history of 

the dams on the way. Suitable for beginners and 

those with some experience. Min age 8, you will 

need transport, shoes to get wet, appropriate 

clothing, a complete change of clothes and a 

towel just in case! Adult £17.50, 8-18s £12.50. 

Extra Kayaking dates: 

3, 17, 24 and 31 August 

Details and costs as above. 

Archery Taster Sessions 

30 July and 20 August. 1.30pm, 

2.30pm and 3.30pm 

Hour long sessions to try your arm at archery, 

£5pp, minimum age 8 and please wear long 

sleeves. Meet at map ref. I. 

To book events in this column please 

call 01597 811143 or online at www. 

elanvalleyleisure.co.uk 

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School Trips 

We love to welcome school visits. 

With our history, landscapes and 

wildlife there is so much fun and 

learning we can offer your class. Visits 

are free of charge. Our Education 

Ranger, Fiona, will be pleased to work 

with you to plan a visit to remember. 

Fiona.Wase@dwrcymru.com 


Elan Walking Festival 

2-10 September 2017 

Join us for our third Elan Walking Festival 

this September. We have a great variety 

of walks for all abilities over nine days. For 

more information or to book any of the 

walking events please ring the Visitor Centre 

on 01597 810880. 

Walking and Naming the Streams 

of the Valley (Part 1) 

2 September 10am. 

Join Tudor Davies for a 6 mile moderate hill walk 

to discover and translate the names of the many 

streams and brooks feeding the Claerwen river 

and reservoir. Take this opportunity to explore the 

hidden watercourses and valleys of the estate 

with some rough ground walking. Bring a packed 

lunch. Meet at map ref. O. 

Cwm Elan Mines Experience 


With further stabilising works completed at 

Cwm Elan Mines, join Elan Valley Trustee; Bob 

Vaughan, on a 5 mile walk to explore the history 

and remains of remnant Lead Mines. Meet at 

map ref. G. 

Roman Camp Walk 

4 September 10am-3pm. 

A 9.5 mile fairly strenuous hill walk with four 

climbs and two streams crossings. You’ll pass the 

site of an old Roman Camp and visit Maen Serth 

standing stone used by Cistercian Monks and the 

site of a medieval murder. Meet at map ref. B. 

Shepherd’s Life Talk 

4 September 7.30pm. 

Join Guest Speaker and local shepherd Erwyd 

Howells for this recollection and insight into a 

Shepherd’s Life around the Cambrian Mountains 

including the Elan Valley. Held at the Elan Valley 

Hotel. 

Walking and Naming the Streams 

of the Valley (Part 2) 


A moderate 5 mile excursion head into the 

hidden valleys around Esgair Beddau, plus 

stop-by one of the estates rain gauges. Meet 

at map ref. J. 

Railway Ramble (Part 1 & 2) 

5 September 10am-1.30pm. 

A 6 mile walk following the line of the old railway 

from Craig Goch Dam to the Visitor Centre, 

looking at historical features of interest along the 

way. A lift back to collect vehicles will be available 

afterwards. Meet at map ref. J. 


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. Meet at map ref. A. 

Dambusters Walk 

7 September 2-5pm. 

A 4 mile guided walk to learn about the area, 

including the remains of Nant y Gro Dam which 

was used for tests before the WW2 Dambusters 

Raid. A steep climb of 40m up the steps to the 

top of the dam and then a very steep 140m climb. 

Meet at map ref. A. 

Navigation Workshop 


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. NB. There is an advanced workshop 

being held on Wednesday 17th May. Meet at map 

ref. A. 

Village Tour 

9 September 2-3.30pm. 

Learn about the history of Caban Coch Dam, the 

workers’ village and other stories on this easy one 

mile walk. Meet at map ref. A. 

Myths of Teifi Pools 


Join TRYSOR to learn about the myths and 

legends around Claerddu and Teifi Pools, 

including John Leland’s 1538 record of Arthur in 

the area. This will be a moderate 6 mile guided 

walk over rough terrain. Meet at Teifi Pools grid 

reference SN794 680. 

Ancient Sites of the Elan Valley 


Join local enthusiasts David James and Vic 

Pardoe as they venture around the cairns of Garn 

Llwyd and Gro Hill, plus visit the Crugiau Bach 

prehistoric site. This moderate 6.5 mile walk will 

take in the cairns, stone circles and stones of this 

part of the Claerwen Valley. Meet at map ref. D. 

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www.elanvalley.org.uk 

7

Dam Open Days 

1pm-4pm on 19 April, 31 May, 1 July, 3 August, 16 August, 2 

September and 2 November. 

Join our Rangers at one of our big Dam Open Days - an exclusive 

chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central 

tower. You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the dam wall – and learn 

about the feat of engineering that made Elan Valley. 

Park at Penbont car park and take a walk through the woodland, 

up the steps to the dam entrance. Meet at map ref. B. 

There are steps inside the dam which may be wet and in some 

areas there are low light levels. Children should be carefully 

supervised at all times. 

Minimum donation £1 for adults and children. All proceeds go to 

our chosen charity - WaterAid. 

Dam Patrol 

9.30am-1pm on 27 May, 22 August and 21 October 

Join our Dam Inspector on a regular patrol to learn about the 

history and monitoring of our dams and reservoirs. Booking 

essential 01597 810880. 


Did you know? We can also host weddings within Pen y Garreg 

dam. Get in contact on 01597 810880 to enquire further. 

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Events 2017 - 18 

We reserve the right to change or cancel events. Other events may be organised after this guide is printed. 

For further details please check the website. 

Due to the changeable environment please ensure that you bring stout footwear and waterproof clothing for all walks. 

We advise you to bring drink/ food/ suitable clothing/ sun cream/ insect repellent on all walks. 

MARCH 

4 Rhayader Round 

the Lakes Race 

20 or 5 mile race around the 

reservoirs plus kid’s race. For 

registration and start details visit: 

www.rhayaderac.org.uk 

25 Colour and Texture in 

Machine Embroidery Workshop 

10am-4pm. Led by Bronwen 

Jenkins, a local textile artist. Use 

your sewing machine to create a 

small picture – landscape, rocks, 

bark etc. Interesting texture and 

colour effects can be achieved 

easily. Some experience of free 

machine embroidery useful, but 

not essential. ‘Fancy’ machine 

not necessary – basic is fine. 

Places are limited so please 

book in advance. £30 per 

person, payable in advance. 

APRIL 

2 Watercolours can be Fun! 

10am-4pm. Local artist Jennifer 

Chandler will show you how 

to use additives and everyday 

items to help watercolour paint 

itself. It only requires imagination 

and no painting skills to create 

unique work. Places are limited 

so please book in advance. £30 

per person, payable in advance. 

8 Village Tour 

2-3.30pm. Learn about the 

history of Caban Coch Dam, the 

workers’ village and other stories 

on this easy one mile walk. 

9 Wildlife Tracking 

2-4pm (see page 4) 

14 15 16 17 

Easter Egg Scramble 

10am-4pm (see page 4) 

19 Dam Open Day 


20 Outdoor Activity Days 

10am-1pm, 2-5pm (see page 4) 

22 Creating Landscapes 

on Fabric Postcards Workshop 

10am-4pm. Learn how to 

create a linear landscape 

using cotton fabrics and hand 

stitching with Valerie Lymer, a 

local textile artist. Each student 

will have a finished fabric 

postcard to take home. Suitable 

for beginners. Places are limited 

so please book in advance. £20 

per person, payable in advance 

plus £3 for fabric, needles and 

thread, payable on the day. 

29 Birdwatching Safari 

9.30am-1pm. A tour of the 

Estate with a birdwatching 

expert. Please bring binoculars 

if you have them and suitable 

clothing/footwear for some 

short walks. Please book. 

30 Walking and Talking 

about Ancient Trees 

2-5pm. Join Ray Woods on a 

short and easy walk to look at 

some very special ancient 

trees that can be found in 

the Elan Valley. 

MAY 

6 Birdwatching Safari 

9.30am-1pm (see 29th April) 

6 Wild Writing Workshop 

10am-1pm. Led by award 

winning screenwriter Peter 

Cox - expand the horizons of 

your creative writing by taking 

inspiration from the dramatic 

Elan Valley landscape. No 

experience necessary, just a 

burning desire to tell a wild story. 

Please book and pay in advance. 

£20 per person. 

7 Dawn Chorus 

6.30-8.30am. Celebrate 

International Dawn Chorus Day! 

Join a local bird expert for a 

stroll through Cnwch woodland 

discovering birdsong. Please 

book in advance. 

10 5k Series 

6.30pm. First of the 5k Series 

organised by the Rhayader 

Runners. 1 mile children’s race 

starting at 7pm and the 5k race 

starting at 7.30pm. For more 

information www.rhayaderac.org. 

uk. Registration from 6.30pm at 

map ref. C. 

All events written in blue are held or start at the 

Elan Valley Visitor Centre unless otherwise stated. 

To book or for more info call 01597 810880. 

Events marked in purple are run by the 

local Community. 

Events marked in green are run by the Elan 

Valley Trust. To book or for more info call 01597 

810449 or email info@elanvalleytrust.org 

For further details please check the website: 



13 Woodland Birds 

9–11am. Join experienced bird 

watcher, Janice Vincett, for a 

stroll through the woodlands 

around Pen y Garreg to spot 

and identify the birds around. 

Meet at map ref. B. 

14 An Introduction to Coloured 

Pencil Art 

10am-4pm. This is a ‘hands 

on’ workshop designed to 

give a good understanding of 

techniques, materials used, 

and how these may be applied 

to your favourite subject 

matter. Led by local artist Dave 

Richards. Places are limited so 

please book in advance. £30 


17 Advanced Navigation 

10am-3pm. Join Terry Smith 

a Mid Wales Orienteering 

Club Member for a handson 

day of map and compass 

reading. Following on from last 

year’s workshop, spend the 

day developing the practical 

elements of orienteering out 

on the estate. NB. There is a 

beginners navigation workshop 

being held on 8th September. 

Meet at map ref. A then you will 

head out. 

20 Bird watching Safari 

9.30am-1pm (see 29th April) 

21 An Introduction to Birdsong 

9.30am-1pm. A chance for 

absolute beginners and novices 

to learn about birdsong, 

exploring a range of habitats 

and investigating some of 

the technology available to 

help. Please bring binoculars 

if you have them and suitable 

clothing/footwear for some 

short walks. Meet at map ref. A. 

Bookings in advance. 

21 Exploring Colour in the 

Landscape 

10am-4pm. This watercolour 

landscape workshop is suitable 

for the beginner or more 

experienced. Professional artist 

and tutor David Ward will help 

and guide you through the 

process of appreciating and 

using colour without being 

inhibited by rules (well, not 

many!) You’ll learn how to paint, 

how to mix colours and how 

to compose your landscape 

painting. Places are limited so 



24 5k Series 

6.30pm (see 10th May) 

27 Dam Patrol 

9.30am-1pm (see page 8) 

27 28 Spring Craft Fayre 

10am-4pm. Our Visitor Centre 

is packed with over 20 local 

crafters and artists. Parents 

browse at your leisure thanks to 

our children’s craft table. 

28 Take on the Trod 

8.30am. Join experienced walk 

leader Tudor Davies for this 

challenging and energetic 18 

mile walk, from Strata Florida 

to Rhayader. Take on the tough 

terrain and enjoy the wilderness 

of the Elan Valley hilltops. Bring 

a packed lunch. No dogs. 

This is a bookable event with 

transport from Rhayader. Meet 

at map ref. N. 

28 Howey Hedgehog Rescue 

11am-3pm. Join Howey 

Hedgehog Rescue’s Elaine 

and Nigel to see what goes on 

behind the scenes during a 

hedgehog rescue. Learn how 

to care for our prickly hogs and 

how to improve our gardens for 

wildlife. 

29 Birds and Broadleaves 

11am. Join Ken Perry for a 

guided 6.5 mile walk around 

Llethyr Melyn and Penygarreg 

looking at the restoration 

of broadleaves and natural 

woodland expansion in this 

area. Plus the opportunity to 

take stock of the amazing Y 

Foel views and wildlife in this 

area. Some steep climbs. Meet 

at map ref. A. 

30 Dragons & Damsels 

2-3.30pm (see page 4) 





JUNE 

2 Tadpole Toddle 


3 Dambusters Walk 

2pm-5pm. A 4 mile guided 

walk to learn about the area, 

including the remains of Nant 

y Gro Dam which was used 

for tests before the WW2 

Dambusters Raid. A steep 

climb of 40m up the steps to 

the top of the dam and then a 

very steep 140m climb. Meet at 

map ref. A. 

3 Pont ar Elan Show 

1pm. Annual dog show with 

hound, terrier and lurcher 

rings plus class for whippets, 

spaniels, sheepdogs and any 

other breed and child handler. 

Ring 01597 811299 for more 

details. Map ref. E. 

10 




Events marked in purple are run by the 

local Community. 





www.elanvalley.org.uk

7 5k Series 

6.30pm (see 10th May) 

10 Woodland Walk 

2-3.30pm. A woodland 

stroll through Cnwch Wood 

looking at the growth habits 

of native tree species and how 

this affects their uses and 

properties. Meet at map ref. A. 

17 Introduction to Polymer 

Clay Workshop 

10am-4pm. Learn how to make 

simple canes and use them 

to create a piece of jewellery, 

some beads or a small trinket 

bowl. Led by Valerie Lymer, a 

local textile artist. Suitable for 

complete beginners. Places 

are limited so please book 

in advance. £20 per person, 

payable in advance plus £6 for 

materials, payable on the day. 

17 Flowers and Folklore 

2-3.30pm. A gentle stroll 

looking at the commonly 

found plants nearby and 

exploring their folklore uses and 

traditions. Meet at map ref. A. 

18 Morning Meadows 

and Moths 

9am. We will be out checking 

the morning moth traps from 

the previous night which should 

be full of exciting discoveries. 

We will then take an approx. 

5 mile walk to check out the 

estates Coronation Meadow. 

Bring suitable weather clothes. 

Meet at map ref. G. 

25 Painting the Landscape 

with Watercolour 

10am-4pm. Professional 

artist and tutor David Ward 

will give you a unique creative 

experience in this one day 

workshop. He will enable you 

to quickly master the basic 

techniques of watercolour 

painting, whether you’re a 

beginner or more experienced. 

Places are limited so please 



JULY 



2 Funky Love Jewellery 

Workshop 

Led by Amanda Skipsey, a 

local artist and jewellery maker. 

Come and make your own 

funky necklace and earring 

set with beads that you will 

hand mould and paint yourself. 

Places are limited, so please 



Two workshops - either 10am 

until 12.30pm or 1pm until 

3.30pm. 

8 Managing Wildflower 

Meadows 

2pm. The Elan Estate has some 

of the highest quality flowerrich 

meadows in Wales. Join 

local Grassland Ecologist Mike 

Hayes for a guided visit to one 

of the best examples of these 

upland wildlife havens and to 

learn more about how these 

key components of traditional 

hill farming are being managed 

and conserved for the future. 

Meet at map ref. G. 

9 Conifer Moths 

9am-12pm. Join Elan Valley 

Trustee and Moth expert Dr 

Norman Lowe and Sorcha 

Lewis to learn about conifer 

moths and see what the nighttime 

traps have found. Bring 

suitable clothing/sun cream/ 

insect repellent. Meet at map 

ref. F. 

13 Penglaneinon Shearing Day 

2-4pm. Join the annual task 

of shearing at Penglaneinon. 

Witness the modern and 

traditional methods whilst 

enjoying a nice cup of tea and 

demonstration of spinning 

wool. Map ref. H. 

15 All is a flutter and aglow! 

8pm. Celebrate the wonder 

of the Elan Valley International 

Dark Sky Park and join Sorcha 

Lewis who will be on hand to 

show you how wonderful and 

exciting the world of bats and 

moths really is and we can look 

to see the amazing illuminated 

world of the glow worm. Please 

bring torches. Meet at map 

ref. C. 

16 Pop Up Archaeology Picnic 

12pm. Join archaeologists 

TRYSOR for this pop-up 

picnic. Enjoy your sandwiches 

whilst learning about the 

archaeological features around 

this area of the Elan Valley. 

Suitable for all the family. Meet 

at map ref. E. 


2-5pm (see 3rd June) 

22 Ruins, Medieval settlements 

and Bronze age discoveries 

11am. Join TRYSOR for a 

moderate 6 mile guided walk 

in celebration of this years 

Archaeology Festival. Heading 

from Craig Goch to Lluest 

Abercaethon discover the 

medieval settlements and 

bronze age burial sites in this 

area. Meet at map ref. J. 

22 What’s that Bee? 

1-3pm. Take a short walk along 

the Elan Valley Trail with Janice 

Vincett to discover what bees 

are buzzing around and how 

to identify them. Meet at map 

ref. C. 

23 An Introduction to Coloured 

Pencil Art 

10am-4pm (see 14th May) 

30 Archery Taster Session 

1.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm (see 

page 4) 

AUGUST 






3 Kayaking 








10 Kayaking 


12 A Dam Good Walk 

9.30am. Join Tudor Davies to 

bridge the Claerwen and Elan 

valleys with this moderate 6 

mile linear walk. Enjoy the hill 

views of both valleys, Claerwen 

Dam and Craig Goch Dam. 

Finishing at Craig Goch Dam. 

Bring a packed lunch. Meet at 

map ref. O. 


2-3.30pm (see 8th April) 







17 Kayaking 


19 Elan Valley Sheepdog Trials 

8am. Local shepherds 

compete to find the champion 

sheepdog. All day event. 

Enquiries to Eira Edwards 

01597 810721. Map ref. K. 

20 Magical Moths, Beautiful 

Bees and Discovering Dragons 

in the Elan Valley. 

10am-12.30pm Join Sorcha 

and Janice Local Wildlife 

Guides for the opportunity 

to learn the skills required to 

seek out some of our truly 

fascinating insect species. 

Meet at map ref. D. 

20 Archery Taster Session 

1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm (see 

page 4) 

22 Dam Patrol 


23 Blast-Off! Bottle Rockets 






24 Kayaking 


26 Exploring Night-time 

Nature 

7.30pm. To celebrate European 

bat weekend, join Sorcha Lewis 

for an evening bat and moth 

discovery walk. Suitable for 

families. Please bring torches. 

Meet at map ref. D. 

27 What’s that Bee? 

1-3pm. Explore the Y Foel 

track with Janice Vincett whilst 

learning all about the beautiful 

world of bees both bumble and 

solitary. Meet at map ref. M. 

28 Elan Valley Show 

Join locals and visitors for 

a bank holiday afternoon of 

family fun and entertainment 

at the local agricultural show 

and sports. Show enquiries call: 

01597 811306. Map ref. L. 





31 Kayaking 


SEPTEMBER 



2 Walking and Naming the 

Streams of the Valley (Part 1) 

10am (see page 6) 

3 Cwm Elan Mines Experience 


4 Roman Camp Walk 


4 Shepherds Life Talk 

7.30pm (see page 6) 

5 Streams of the Valley (Pt 2) 


5 Railway Ramble Part 1 

10am-1.30pm (see page 6) 

6 Railway Ramble Part 2 




8 Navigation Workshop 







Events marked in purple are run 

by the local Community. 






12

9 Myths of Teifi Pools 


10 Ancient Sites of the Elan 

Valley 10am (see page 6) 

30 Wild Writing Workshop 


OCTOBER 

1 Wacky Welsh Landscapes 

Workshop 

10am-3.30pm. Come and 

paint a scene of the beautiful 

Elan Valley in Amanda 

Skipsey’s vibrant style. Places 

are limited, so please book 

in advance. £30 per person, 

payable in advance. All 

materials provided. 

7 Introduction to Rotary 

Cutting for Patchwork and 

Quilting Workshop 

10am-2pm. Learn how to use a 

rotary cutter to strip cut fabric 

for patchwork. Learn lots of 

tricks for accurate cutting and 

piecing. There will not be a 

finished piece to take home, 

just lots of practice! Led by 

Valerie Lymer, a local textile 

artist. Places are limited so 



8 Fungi Fascination 

2-5pm. A short walk to look at 

the fascinating world of fungi 

with Ray Woods. Meet at map 

ref. A. 

14 Wildlife Tracking 


15 Wonder of Wool! 

10am-12.30pm. It is National 

Wool week; would you like to 

have a go at felting some wool 

from fleeces shorn off the 

sheep found on these hills and 

see how easy it is to create your 

own wool art? This is a half day 

workshop. Cost £5.50 pp to 

cover materials. Please book in 

advance. Map ref. A. 

15 Moth Leaf-Miners 

2-4pm. Join Elan Valley Trustee 

and Brecknock Moth Recorder 

Dr Norman Lowe to discover 

the world of moth leaf-miners. 

Investigate which moth leafminers 

there are on the estate 

and understand the different 

patterns they create. Meet at 

map ref. A. 

21 Dam Patrol 


28 29 Autumn Craft Fayre 

10am-4pm. Our Visitor Centre 

is packed with over 20 local 

crafters and artists. Parents 

browse at your leisure thanks to 

our children’s craft table. 

29 Howey Hedgehog Rescue 


31 Spooky Spectacular 

Halloween Crafts 

10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30- 

3.30pm (see page 4) 

NOVEMBER 



18 Elan Valley 10 Mile Race 

11am. Attempt this 10 mile 

scenic race around part of the 

Elan Valley. Race commences 

at 1pm. Enquiries: www. 

rhayaderac.org.uk. Registration 

from 11am. 

DECEMBER 

16 17 24 Santa’s Grotto & 

Christmas Crafts 

10am-4pm. Santa will be 

stopping at the Elan Valley 

Visitor Centre. Don’t miss 

your chance to give him your 

Christmas list. While you wait 

to see Santa why not make 

your own Christmas crafts and 

decorations? 


10am-1pm (see 3rd June) 

31 Festive Footprints 

10am-1.30pm. Part of Festival 

of Winter walks join Sorcha 

Lewis for a stroll up through 

the woods onto the open hill 

to see the superb views of the 

Elan Valley. Sorcha will share 

knowledge of the wildlife and 

farming through the ages within 

this unique area of Mid-Wales. 

This walk is approximately 5.5 

kilometres with a gradual climb 

at the start Bring picnic. Meet 

at map ref. F. 

JANUARY 2018 

6 Reservoir Roundabout 2018 

Annual walking (or running) 

challenge event held across 

open and difficult upland 

terrain in and around the Elan 

and Claerwen Valleys. The route 

is waymarked but map reading 

skills are required. Either 14 or 

20 miles courses are available. 

Entry fee and kit check apply. 

Contact: reservoir-roundabout@ 

mail.com for entry forms and 

enquiries. 

Exhibitions in the 

Visitor Centre 

May to June 

Elan From Above 

– David James shares his 

bird’s eye views of Elan. 

July to September 

Rhayader Art Group return 

by popular demand. 

October to December 

#ElanLegends – A display of 

our 2017 #ElanLegends on 

Instagram as chosen by a 

panel of Rangers. 

January to March 2018 

Elan Links Landscape 

Heritage Partnership - catch 

up on the progress made. 


13

14

Holiday in the heart of the Elan Valley... 

Exclusive accommodation within this fabulous Estate. Take in the peace 

and tranquility with spectacular scenery, reservoirs and dams right on your 

doorstep! 

Enjoy peaceful, pet friendly holidays in this beautiful, unspoilt place with the 

choice of four self-catering properties and a Bed & Breakfast available: 

Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse: ‘Hen Dy’ 

(Upper) sleeps 4-6 and ‘Y Beudy’ (Lower) 

sleeps 3-5. 

Tynllidiart Farmhouse: Sleeps 4 and 

overlooks Garreg Ddu reservoir 

Penglaneinon Farmhouse: Sleeps 6 

with views across the Claerwen Valley 

Penbont Tearooms and Bed and Breakfast 

situated below Pen y Garreg Dam 

Self catering cottage accommodation owned and managed by the Elan Valley Trust. 

T: 01597 810449 E: info@elanvalleytrust.org W: www.elanvalley.org.uk/stay 


Key / Allwedd 

To Cwmystwyth, Devil’s 

Bridge & Aberystwyth 

P 

WC 

Dams/ Argaeau 

Parking/ Parcio 

Toilets/ Tai bach 


Canolfan Ymwelwyr 

Tearoom / Ystafell de 

Nantgwyllt Church 

Eglwys Nantgwyllt 

Byways/ Cilffyrdd 

Roads/ Ffyrdd 

Bridleways/ Llwybrau ceffyl 

Footpaths/ Llwybrau cerdded 

Woodland/ Coetir 

Elan Valley Trail/ Llwybr Cwm Elan 

Grid References for event start points: 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

- Visitor Centre SN 928646 

- Penbont car park SN 916674 

- Caban Coch car park SN 924645 

- Llannerch y Cawr car park SN 901616 

- Pont ar Elan SN 903716 

- Gwaelod y Rhos car park SN 902673 

- Nantgwyllt Church car park SN 909639 

- Penglaneinon SN 912627 

- Elan Village Green SN 935654 

- Craig Goch Dam car park SN 895687 

– Frondorddu Farm SN 648658 

– Noyadd Farm SN 955666 

– Y Foel car park SN 914643 

– Elan Valley Trail car park SN 965677 

– Claerwen Dam car park SN 870634 

– Dol y Mynach layby SN 904617 

Craig Goch 

A nominal car parking charge applies for events starting 

at the Visitor Centre. 

Codir ffi fechan am barcio ar gyfer digwyddiadau sy’n 

dechrau yn y Ganolfan Ymwelwyr. 

01597 810880 

elanrangers@dwrcymru.com 


O 

P 

WC 

P 

Claerwen 

Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HP

A470 

Aberystwyth 

To Rhayader 

E 

P 

A470 

J 

I 

P WC 

Rhayader 

B4518 

Pen y Garreg 

N 

F 

P 

Penbont 

House 

P 

B 

B4518 

A44 

L 

K 

I 

A470 

Garreg Ddu 

P 

M 

C 

P A 

Caban Coch 

WC 

Builth Wells 

P 

G 

P 

Nant y Gro 

H 



D 

P 

P 

Dol y Mynach 

P 

WC 

Canolfan Ymwelwyr

Elan Valley

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