Photography: Fabian Musto, Jack Vaughan, Wikimedia Commons, Andrew Hill.

Just a few miles from Rhayader, the Elan Valley is one of the most visited parts of Mid Wales, and it’s easy to see why. Six reservoirs, impressive Victorian dams and miles of open countryside make it a lovely place to spend a day, whether you’re keen on walking, cycling or simply enjoying the scenery.

There’s more to the valley than its reservoirs, though. You can join guided fungi walks, try kayaking during the warmer months, watch Red Kites overhead or visit after dark to see the stars.

We’ve welcomed visitors to Lôn Lodges, near Rhayader, since 2007. Many of our guests come specifically to explore the Elan Valley, so we’ve put together a guide to some of the places and activities you can enjoy during your stay.

The Elan Valley Reservoirs and Dams

The reservoirs are what bring most people to the Elan Valley. Built at the end of the 19th century to supply water to Birmingham, the dams remain an impressive sight, particularly after heavy rain when water spills over their walls.

Most visitors begin at Caban Coch, close to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. It’s one of the most recognisable dams in the valley, and you can get a good view of it without having to walk far.

From here, the road continues past Garreg Ddu, known for its bridge across the water, and on towards Pen y Garreg. Further into the valley is Craig Goch, with its distinctive curved dam and views across the surrounding hills.

You can see quite a lot by car, although it’s worth stopping along the way. Each reservoir looks different, and there are plenty of places to get out and explore.

A Look Inside Pen y Garreg Dam

Pen y Garreg has something that makes it particularly interesting.

Throughout the year, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre arranges special open days when visitors can walk inside the dam wall and through to the central tower. It’s an unusual opportunity to see part of the structure that is normally closed to the public.

The tower can also be booked for wedding ceremonies. It’s certainly a different setting from a traditional wedding venue, surrounded by the reservoir and hills.

Open days take place on selected dates, so check the Visitor Centre’s events programme before travelling.

Walking in the Elan Valley

There’s no shortage of walking routes in the Elan Valley. Some follow the reservoirs and woodland, while others take you higher into the surrounding hills.

You don’t need to be an experienced walker to enjoy the area. There are shorter routes near the main visitor areas, as well as longer walks for those who want to spend several hours exploring.

Caban Coch and Garreg Ddu are good places to begin if you’re unfamiliar with the valley. Further out, the landscape becomes more open, with quieter paths and views across the hills.

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre has information about local routes, and we’ve also put together a separate guide to some of the best walks in the Elan Valley.

Cycling Through the Valley

The Elan Valley is a great place to explore by bike.

The Elan Valley Trail follows much of the old railway route from Rhayader towards the reservoirs, passing through woodland and open countryside along the way. It’s a popular choice for families and recreational cyclists, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views.

For mountain bikers, the valley also has a network of graded trails catering to different levels of experience. The blue routes offer a more accessible introduction to off-road cycling, while the red and black routes take riders onto more demanding terrain.

The 15km Around Caban route,follows bridleways and hillsides around Caban Coch Reservoir, and more experienced riders can tackle the 60km Elan Epic, which crosses the Elan and Claerwen Valleys.

There are also downhill skills tracks near Nantgwyllt Church, featuring berms, jumps, drop-offs and tight bends. These are designed for intermediate and experienced mountain bikers.

Bikes, including electric bikes, can be hired from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. It’s worth checking the official trail information before setting off, particularly if you’re planning one of the longer mountain bike routes.

Kayaking and Activities at the Visitor Centre

Walking and cycling aren’t the only ways to explore the valley.

During spring and summer, kayaking sessions can be booked on one of the lakes through the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. It’s a chance to see the surrounding landscape from the water rather than the paths and roads.

The Visitor Centre also runs seasonal activities throughout the year, including children’s workshops and special events during school holidays.

The programme changes regularly, so it’s worth looking at what’s coming up while you’re planning your visit.

Fungi Forays with Dan Butler

One of the more unusual activities available locally is a guided fungi foray with Dan Butler.

These walks take place at certain times of year when fungi are growing. Dan shares his knowledge of the different species found in the countryside, including where they grow and how they fit into the local environment.

They’re particularly interesting during autumn, when the woodland and surrounding countryside are changing colour.

If you enjoy walking but fancy learning something new along the way, a fungi foray is worth considering.

Dates depend on the season and growing conditions, so you’ll need to check when the next walks are taking place.

Wildlife Around the Elan Valley

Red Kites are a familiar sight in this part of Wales. You’ll often see them circling overhead, along with buzzards and other birds of prey.

The reservoirs, woodland and hills also provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out while you’re walking.

For a closer look at Red Kites, Gigrin Farm in Rhayader has a dedicated feeding station where visitors can watch the birds gather for their daily feed.

Gilfach Nature Reserve, also near Rhayader, is another lovely place to explore. Its mixture of woodland, river and open countryside makes it particularly interesting for wildlife enthusiasts.

Stargazing in the Elan Valley

The Elan Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Wales to enjoy the night sky.

With very little artificial light across much of the area, clear nights can reveal thousands of stars. Depending on conditions and the time of year, you may also see the Milky Way, planets and meteor showers.

You don’t need a telescope to appreciate it. Even looking up at the sky on a clear evening can be quite different from what you’re used to seeing at home.

There are also guided stargazing and night photography experiences available locally if you’d like to learn more.

Lôn Lodges sits on the edge of the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park, and stargazing is something many of our guests enjoy during their stay.

Exploring Rhayader

Rhayader is only a short distance from the Elan Valley and makes a good stop for lunch, shopping or a look around.

The town has independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, along with a few attractions of its own.

CARAD Timescape explores the history and culture of Rhayader and the surrounding area, while Gigrin Farm’s Red Kite Feeding Station is just outside the town.

If you’re interested in fishing, the rivers around Rhayader, including the Wye, Elan and Marteg, are well known among anglers. Permits and local restrictions apply, so it’s important to check arrangements before fishing.

You’ll also find plenty more to explore beyond the Elan Valley, from nature reserves and historic sites to small towns and villages across Mid Wales.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The Elan Valley changes quite a bit throughout the year, and each season has something different to offer.

Spring brings longer days, fresh greenery and more opportunities to get outdoors. Kayaking and other seasonal activities usually begin during the warmer months.

Summer is popular for walking and cycling, with long evenings giving you plenty of time to explore.

Autumn is particularly attractive around the woodland and reservoirs. It’s also the main time of year for fungi forays, while the darker evenings make stargazing easier to fit into your plans.

Winter is generally quieter, and the reservoirs can look especially impressive after heavy rainfall. You’ll need to be more mindful of the weather and shorter daylight hours, particularly if you’re heading into the hills.

Staying Near the Elan Valley

You can visit the Elan Valley in a day, but staying nearby gives you time to explore beyond the main reservoirs.

Lôn Lodges is based at Lôn Farm near Rhayader, where our family has farmed for generations. We’ve been welcoming guests since 2007 and enjoy helping visitors discover this part of Mid Wales.

We have three places to stay. Ash Lodge and Sycamore Lodge are luxury self-catering lodges, each sleeping up to six guests with a private spa hot tub. Stellar Safari Lodge offers luxury glamping for up to six, with a wood-fired hot tub and traditional sauna.

Being close to the Elan Valley means you can spend your days walking, cycling or visiting local attractions, then return to the farm for the evening.

You can also explore the nature trails around Lôn Farm itself, and guests often have the chance to see Stephen working with the sheep and cattle.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer holiday, there’s plenty to discover in the Elan Valley and around Rhayader.

Explore Our Lodges

Planning a stay near the Elan Valley? Take a look at our three lodges at Lôn Farm, each sleeping up to six guests and offering its own private hot tub.

Ash Lodge

A three-bedroom luxury lodge with a private spa hot tub, surrounded by the Mid Wales countryside. Sleeps six.

Take a Look

Sycamore Lodge

A spacious three-bedroom lodge with countryside views and its own private spa hot tub. Sleeps six.

Take a Look

Stellar Safari Lodge

Luxury glamping with a private wood-fired hot tub and traditional sauna. Sleeps six.

Take a Look