Cnwch Wood

Start: Elan Valley Visitor Centre

SN 92797 64640

Distance: 1 Mile

Difficulty: Multi-Access

This gentle walk is well-surfaced meaning it is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users, though some assistance may be needed. The walk should take around 30 minutes.

Elan Valley Trail

Start: Rhayader

SN 96635 67784

Distance: 9 miles

Difficulty: Multi-Access

Please note that the section between Pen y Garreg Dam and Craig Goch Dam is currently closed due to a large rock fall – please follow the diversion notices on site.

The Elan Valley Trail is a linear path following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. The trail starts in Cwmdauddwr, just west of Rhayader and finishes 13 km (9 miles) further up the Elan Valley at Craig Goch Dam.

The purpose of the trail is to improve access to the Elan Valley and its countryside for people of all abilities. The trail between Craig Goch and Pen y Garreg is classed as a bridleway. Between Pen y Garreg and Rhayader however the trail is a permissive route agreed by the landowners, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and Powys County Council and does not follow a right of way.

The trail is open for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. As on bridleways, cyclists and horse riders are required to give way to walkers and the less-able.

Please see the map for the official diversion that follows the road from Penbont to Craig Goch for 4.5km/2.7 miles.

Nant y Gro

Start: Elan Valley Visitor Centre

SN 92797 64640

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

There are steep climbs of 40 metres up steps and 140 metres over 0.8 km. The walk should take around 2 hours. Great views of Caban Coch reservoir to Garreg Ddu viaduct.

Penbont Woods South

Start: Penbont Car Park

SN 91491 67309

Distance: 0.6 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

There is one climb of 35 metres from the bottom to the top of Pen y Garreg Dam via a flight of steps. This walk should take around 30 minutes.

Penbont Woods North

Start: Penbont Car Park

SN 91491 67309

Distance: 0.6 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

A short woodland walk in front of Pen y Garreg Dam. It is a mixture of grassy and gravel paths, with a short descent via a flight of steps. This walk should take around 30 minutes.

Garreg Ddu Reservoir

Start: Llanerchi Car Park

SN 90927 63894

Distance: 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

There are no significant climbs, however some areas are wet underfooot and the path through the wood is narrow in places with exposed tree roots. The walk should take around 3 hours.

Gro Wood

Start: Llannerch y Cawr Car Park

SN 90074 61632

Distance: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

There is a steady climb of 170 metres over 2.5 km and three streams to cross. The walk should take around 2 hours.

Drygarn Fawr

Start: Llannerch y Cawr Car Park

SN 90074 61632

Distance: 9.5 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

This walk takes you to the highest point on the Elan Estate at 641 metres (2104 feet). There are two climbs – 280 metres over 3 km and 60 metres over 0.5 km. There is a lot of rough and wet ground, and great care is needed when crossing Nant Paradwys, especially in winter. Please do not attempt this walk if visibility is poor. This walk should take around 5 hours.

Maen Serth and Crugyn Ci

Start: Penbont Car Park

SN 91491 67309

Distance: 9.5 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Please note that the section between Pen y Garreg Dam and Craig Goch Dam is currently closed due to a large rock fall – please follow the diversion notices on site.

Four climbs: a short steep 25 metres over 100 metres, 180 metres over 1.5 km, 50 and 100 metres over 1 km. Two streams have to be crossed on this route. This walk should take around 4 hours.

Please see the map for the official diversion that follows the road from Penbont to Craig Goch for 4.5km/2.7 miles.

For the alternative walking route click here