Image shared for Elan Valley: Reservoir Trail to Pen y Garreg Dam
Countryside Out & back

Elan Valley: Reservoir Trail to Pen y Garreg Dam

Powys

Distance
9.9 mi
Est. time
5h
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre car park, where parking charges apply. Follow the signed Elan Valley Trail down the drive, join the path before the cattle grid, then follow the gentler approach that doubles back towards Caban Coch Dam. Stay on the Red Kite trail along the reservoir shore to Garreg Ddu and Foel Tower. Continue up the eastern shore of Garreg Ddu Reservoir, cross the road carefully at Penbont and take the gradual woodland incline to Pen y Garreg Dam. Turn back at the dam and retrace the same trail to the visitor centre.

This is a return walk on the former Birmingham Corporation Railway, passing three dam sites and changing views across the reservoirs. The route uses paved and compacted or fine gravel paths with gentle inclines and gates. It is shared with cyclists and horse riders. Leave gates as found and keep dogs on leads or under close control because livestock roam the estate. Carry food, water and weatherproof clothing; phone reception is very limited. The visitor centre has a cafe and toilets during opening hours.

The route stops at Pen y Garreg Dam. Do not continue towards Devils Gulch, where the operators current leaflet shows a rockfall closure and road diversion. Check the estate notice board and visitor centre for any new restrictions before starting. No swimming, boating or overnight parking is permitted.

Route and access information: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Elan Valley Trail leaflet and Elan Valley Trust walking information, checked October 2026.

Walk details

County
Powys
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
9.9 mi (15.9 km)
Est. time
5h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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