The Best Walks in the Elan Valley, including the stunning Reservoir Trail.
The Elan Valley is one of those places that completely catches you off guard. You turn up thinking it’ll just be a couple of dams and some nice scenery… then before you know it, you’re standing in silence watching perfect reflections ripple across the reservoirs with nothing but red kites overhead. The whole estate is huge, rolling hills, long open valleys, woodlands, old railway lines, and Victorian dams that look like something out of a film set. It’s peaceful, remote in the best way, and feels miles away from everything even though Rhayader is only a few minutes down the road.
What makes the Elan Valley so good for walking is how varied it is. You’ve got easy, flat reservoir paths for relaxed days out, longer loops linking dam to dam, and big open moorland walks if you want to stretch the legs a bit more. The light here is ridiculous too — frosty mornings, late-afternoon golden glow, autumn colours, even moody winter days work. Whether you’re here for a quick stroll, a family wander, or a full-day adventure, the valley gives you that proper “Wales at its best” feeling every single time.
- Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen Y Garreg & Craig Goch Reservoirs & Dams Circular Walk – Elan Valley, Powys, Mid Wales
This circular walk starting close to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre is a great way to explore three of the estate’s most iconic dams. You start near the Craigddu Dam, follow the Elan Valley Trail alongside the still, mirror-like waters of Penygarreg Reservoir, continue to the impressive Craig Goch Dam, then loop back on the west side of the valley towards Garreg Ddu.
