Explore more of the Elan Valley this Easter with new Hill Walking Packs

Explorers being invited to discover the more challenging terrain in the spectacular Elan Valley in Mid Wales following the launch of a new hill walking pack which is available from the visitor centre. 

This pack, which features eight carefully curated walks that venture into the valley’s lesser-known areas, has been developed as part of Elan Links, a National Lottery Heritage funded project led by Powys Ramblers in collaboration with Welsh Water and the Elan Valley Trust.

Powys Ramblers selected and refined a range of walks, ultimately selecting eight for inclusion in the pack. These routes were then meticulously surveyed, mapped and documented to create the informative leaflets.

Graham Taylor, of Powys Ramblers, said: “We were pleased to work very closely with Welsh Water and the Elan Valley Trust to produce leaflets for eight new, challenging walks. This will increase the walking opportunities for visitors to the Elan Valley.

“The leaflets will also encourage those who wish to spend a day in the hills to branch out, off the beaten track, to enjoy some of the hidden gems in the valley.”

Severe weather events, specifically Storm Darragh, caused significant disruption for the Elan Valley Estate, with numerous fallen trees obstructing trails. 

Welsh Water Elan Valley rangers have undertaken extensive work to clear these obstructions, ensuring the accessibility of these challenging walks. 

Elan Valley is now pleased to offer these routes to experienced walkers seeking to explore the more remote and scenic regions of the valley.

The leaflets are available to purchase at Elan Valley Visitor Centre for £8.95 or can be downloaded at: https://elan-valley.co.uk/walking-routes/ . The price includes the eight routes, an introduction to the walks and a convenient pocket-sized packet to keep them safe.

The walks generally take a full day and should only be attempted by experienced walkers with the necessary skills using a map, compass or GPS. The routes generally cover isolated areas, with no mobile signal and can be exposed in inclement weather, so preparation is a must.

The new pack completes a trio of leaflets available at the visitor centre. Family Friendly Walks include 12 ,waymarked routes of varying difficulty and are among the most popular walks around the estate. Waymarked Cycle Routes range from the Nantgwyllt Flow Trails to Ceidwad Coch, the red mountain biking route.

Elan Valley has also announced a selection of Easter activities for families and visitors. The Easter Scavenger Trail, which takes place until Sunday, April 28, invite participants to explore Cnwch Woods and complete a scavenging quest for a prize.

The trail follows the Blue Route Walk, is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and is expected to take approximately 40 minutes. Participation is £3 per child.

The Epic Elan Easter Expedition, running until Sunday, April 27, offers an Easter egg hunt experience. Participants follow directions on an expedition sheet, track down hidden Easter eggs using clues and claim a prize upon completion. The cost is £2.50 per child.

Dam Open Days will offer visitors the opportunity to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and ascend the central tower, with rangers present to answer questions. 

These self-guided tours provide an insight into the dam’s engineering and offer panoramic views from the central platform. The cost is £5 per adult and £1 per child under 18, with half of the proceeds donated to WaterAid.

This tours is available on Tuesday, April  22 at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm and 3pm. Advance booking is recommended, either at the visitor centre or online. https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/dam-open-days/