Discover Elan

Discover Elan Welcome to Discover Elan (formerly Elan Links: People, Nature, Water), a page managed by the Elan Valley Trust.

This page will celebrate how special the Elan Valley Estate is for its wonderful nature, heritage and stunning dark skies. Sign up to our monthly newsletter: https://shorturl.at/X9Bce

Elan lies at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Its unique landscape combines remote hill land, isolated farmsteads, steep-sided wooded valleys and an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering that

brought clean water to the then rapidly expanding industrial city of Birmingham. Today, Elan’s 20,000 hectares - 1% of Wales - is a haven for wildlife and people. It has a host of nature and landscape designations; and the 154,000 visitors a year enjoy the breath-taking scenery, nature, recreational facilities and extensive free educational and heritage-based resources for schools, families and communities. Our vision is ambitious - to generate a step-change increase in beneficial outcomes from this special place – for people, for communities and for heritage. To achieve this we have developed a strategic programme of investment to safeguard our heritage and to increase enjoyment, education, training, and recreation for the
benefit of all.

02/06/2026

Elan Valley is BEAUTIFUL in all weathers!🌦

Mae Cwm Elan yn hardd ym mhob tywydd! 🌦

🤩 Noctilucent cloud season has officially begun! Also known as 'night shining clouds', these ethereal, electric-blue rib...
30/05/2026

🤩 Noctilucent cloud season has officially begun! Also known as 'night shining clouds', these ethereal, electric-blue ribbons form 50 miles above us, in the mesosphere.

The season typically begins at the end of May, peaking during mid-June to late July. Noctilucent clouds are caused by water vapour freezing into ice crystals, seeded from meteor dust. Rocket exhaust can also trigger this formation.

The best time to see Noctilucent Clouds is around 90-120 minutes after sunset or 90-120 minutes before sunrise.

🤩 Mae tymor y cymylau noctilwcent wedi dechrau’n swyddogol! Hefyd yn adnabyddus fel cymylau sy’n disgleirio yn y nos, mae’r rhubanau etheraidd, glas-trydanol hyn yn ffurfio 50 milltir uwchlaw ni, yn y mesosffer. Mae’r tymor fel arfer yn dechrau ar ddiwedd mis Mai, gan gyrraedd ei anterth rhwng canol mis Mehefin a diwedd mis Gorffennaf. Achosir cymylau noctilwcent gan anwedd dŵr sy’n rhewi’n grisialau iâ, wedi’i hadu o lwch meteor. Gall mwg gwacâd roced hefyd sbarduno’r ffurfiad hwn.

Yr amser gorau i weld Cymylau Noctilwcent yw tua 90-120 munud ar ôl machlud haul neu 90-120 munud cyn codiad haul.

28/05/2026

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐭 🌿 🚗
We’ve had a number of customers asking about access and parking at the site, so here’s a quick guide for anyone planning a visit.

We have a small number of parking spaces on site, accessed via the driveway to the rear of the property. These spaces are reserved as accessible parking during the day and are available for residents staying overnight.

Just below Ty Penbont on the hill, there are parking bays available, and below that again there is a larger car park at the start of the Pen y Garreg dam footpath🚶‍♂️💦

If you are up to the challenge, there is parking at Garreg Ddu Dam and just under 3 mile walk along the footpath to Ty Penbont.

We look forward to welcoming you to the valley.
We’re now open 5 days a week, Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm

23/05/2026

🌞 We have a last-minute cancellation for Tynllidiart, our delightful, detached farm cottage nestled above the Garreg Ddu reservoir.
👉Now available for 7 nights from Saturday 20th June until Saturday 27th June.
👉Book Now: https://elanvalley.org.uk/stay/tynllidiart-farmhouse/
🛏 🛏🛏🛏 Sleeps 4
🌌Beautiful views
🥾 Great for walking, birdwatching and fishing
🐾 Dog friendly
💕 Gorgeous inglenook fireplace for cosy evenings
🌞Hoffech chi weld golygfeydd fel hyn yn ystod eich arhosiad?
Mae gennym ganslo munud olaf ar gyfer Tynllidiart, ein bwthyn fferm hyfryd ar wahân yn nythu uwchben cronfa ddŵr Garreg Ddu.
Ar gael am 7 noson o dydd Dydd Sadwrn 20fed Mehefin tan ddydd Sadwrn 27ain Mehefin
👉 E-bostiwch ni: [email protected]
🛏 🛏🛏🛏 Cysgu 4
🌌 Golygfeydd hyfryd
🥾 Lleoliad gwych ar gyfer cerdded, gwylio adar a physgota
🐾 Cyfeillgar i gŵn
💕 Lle tân ‘inglenook’ hyfryd ar gyfer nosweithiau clyd
👉 https://elanvalley.org.uk/cy/llety/ffermdy-tynllidiart/
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The weather lately has been a bit of a rollercoaster - one minute it's showers, the next it's clear blue skies!🌦 But loo...
21/05/2026

The weather lately has been a bit of a rollercoaster - one minute it's showers, the next it's clear blue skies!🌦 But looking ahead to the , the sun is finally making a comeback, and we know everyone will be eager to get outside and enjoy it. 🌞
With recent wildfires fresh in our minds, we kindly ask everyone to help us look after this special place. Please remember to follow the Elan Valley Countryside Code during your visit:
⚠ No open fires or BBQs
⚠ No overnight camping
⚠ Take your litter home with you
⚠ Keep vehicles on permitted trails
🙏Thank you for helping us protect this precious landscape! https://elanvalley.org.uk/.../elan-valley-countryside-code/
Mae'r tywydd wedi bod yn anwadal iawn yn ddiweddar - un funud mae hi'n bwrw glaw, y funud nesaf mae'n awyr las glir! 🌦 Ond wrth edrych ymlaen at yr wythnos nesaf, mae'r haul yn dychwelyd o’r diwedd, a gwyddom y bydd pawb yn awyddus i fynd allan i’w fwynhau. 🌞
Gyda'r tanau gwyllt diweddar yn dal yn fyw yn ein cof, gofynnwn yn garedig i bawb ein helpu i ofalu am y lle arbennig hwn. Cofiwch ddilyn Cod Cefn Gwlad Cwm Elan yn ystod eich ymweliad:
⚠ Dim tanau agored na barbeciws
⚠ Dim gwersylla dros nos
⚠ Ewch â'ch sbwriel adref gyda chi
⚠ Cadwch gerbydau ar y llwybrau a ganiateir
🙏 Diolch am ein helpu i warchod y dirwedd werthfawr hon! https://elanvalley.org.uk/.../elan-valley-countryside-code/

21/05/2026

Do you know your large heath from your small tortoiseshell? If so, we need you! Over the next several weeks, we need people with basic butterfly ID skills to help us survey these beautiful insects in the Elan Valley. A fantastic excuse to spend a couple of hours in stunning surroundings and do some invaluable monitoring at the same time! Please email [email protected] to register your interest!

Ydych chi’n gwybod y gwahaniaeth rhwng gweirlöyn mawr y waun a’r iâr fach amryliw? Os ydych chi, rydym angen eich help! Yn ystod yr ychydig wythnosau nesaf, rydym angen pobl â sgiliau adnabod pili-palaod sylfaenol i’n helpu ni i arolygu’r pryfed prydferth hyn yng Nghwm Elan. Yr esgus perffaith i dreulio ychydig oriau mewn amgylchedd hyfryd a gwneud gwaith monitro amhrisiadwy ar yr un pryd! Anfonwch e-bost at [email protected] i fynegi’ch diddordeb!

Here is clear proof that peat restoration is working! 😲These photos were taken after the recent wildfires.👇
20/05/2026

Here is clear proof that peat restoration is working! 😲These photos were taken after the recent wildfires.👇

14/05/2026

🎨May is a riot of vibrant colours here as leaves unfurl and spring flowers burst forth. Immerse yourself in ancient, mossy woodland and catch the bluebells whilst you still can during National Walking Month! 🥾

🎨Mae mis Mai yn doreth o liwiau wrth i’r dail agor a blodau’r gwanwyn ffrwydro i’r golwg. Trochwch eich hun yng nghoetir hynafol, mwsoglyd a dewch i weld cylchau’r gog tra’u bod dal i’w gweld yn ystod Mis Cerdded Cenedlaethol! 🥾

Rare Farming Opportunities in the Elan Valley EstateElan Valley Trust is offering an exciting opportunity to farm within...
12/05/2026

Rare Farming Opportunities in the Elan Valley Estate
Elan Valley Trust is offering an exciting opportunity to farm within one of Wales’ most iconic upland landscapes. From 29th September 2026, four farm holdings within the Elan Valley Estate will be available to let, opening the door for new and experienced farmers to live, work and build thriving businesses in the heart of Mid Wales.
The four holdings being released include a mix of fully equipped farms and bare land sheepwalks and all come with a hefted sheep flock:
• Abergwngu Farm – Farmhouse and modern farm building with a total of 366.35 hectares (905.25 acres) (or thereabouts)
• Tynllidiart Farm – Farm cottage and traditional livestock building with a total of 91.73 hectares (226.66 acres) (or thereabouts), ideal for new entrants
• Ty Mawr Sheepwalk – 140.08 hectares (347.90 acres) (or thereabouts) unenclosed permanent pasture with sheep handling pens
• Hengae Sheepwalk – 289.40 hectares (715.11 acres) (or thereabouts) of unenclosed permanent pasture situated at the northern end of Claerwen Reservoir
Across all holdings, the Trust is keen to appoint tenants who align with its wider goals —those who can work collaboratively to support nature conservation, public access and community benefit.
This is a rare chance to become part of a forward-thinking farming community in one of the most beautiful and environmentally significant landscapes in the UK.
For further information please contact the Elan Estate Office.
[email protected]

More information here: https://elanvalley.org.uk/farming/rare-farming-opportunities-in-the-elan-estate/

Cyfleoedd Ffermio Prin yn Ystâd Cwm Elan
Mae Ymddiriedolaeth Cwm Elan yn cynnig cyfle cyffrous i ffermio o fewn un o dirweddau ucheldir mwyaf eiconig Cymru. O 29 Medi 2026, bydd pedwar daliad fferm o fewn Ystâd Cwm Elan ar gael i'w rhentu, gan agor y drws i ffermwyr newydd a phrofiadol fyw, gweithio ac adeiladu busnesau llewyrchus yng nghalon Canolbarth Cymru.
Mae'r pedwar daliad sy'n cael eu rhyddhau yn cynnwys cymysgedd o ffermydd wedi’u cyfarparu’n llawn a defeidiogau tir moel, ac mae pob un yn dod â diadell gynefin:
• Fferm Abergwngu – Tŷ fferm ac adeilad fferm modern gyda chyfanswm o 366.35 hectar (905.25 erw) (neu'n agos at hynny)
• Fferm Tynllidiart – Bwthyn fferm ac adeilad da byw traddodiadol gyda chyfanswm o 91.73 hectar (226.66 erw) (neu’n agos at hynny), yn ddelfrydol i ddechreuwyr
• Defeidiog Tŷ Mawr – 140.08 hectar (347.90 erw) (neu'n agos at hynny) o borfa barhaol agored gyda chorlannau trin defaid
• Defeidiog Hengae – 289.40 hectar (715.11 erw) (neu’n agos at hynny) o borfa barhaol agored wedi'i lleoli ar ben gogleddol Cronfa Ddŵr Claerwen
Ar draws yr holl ddaliadau, mae’r Ymddiriedolaeth yn awyddus i benodi tenantiaid sy’n cyd-fynd â’i nodau ehangach - y rhai a all gydweithio i gefnogi cadwraeth natur, mynediad cyhoeddus a budd cymunedol.
Dyma gyfle prin i ddod yn rhan o gymuned ffermio flaengar yn un o'r tirweddau harddaf a mwyaf arwyddocaol yn amgylcheddol yn y DU
Am wybodaeth bellach neu i drefnu ymweliad, cysylltwch â Swyddfa Ystâd Elan.
[email protected]

https://elanvalley.org.uk/cy/ffermio/cyfleoedd-ffermio-prin-yn-ystad-elan/

Imagine standing inside the heart of a man-made mountain of stone, 184 feet high. No high-vis, no harnesses – just grit,...
07/05/2026

Imagine standing inside the heart of a man-made mountain of stone, 184 feet high. No high-vis, no harnesses – just grit, skill and very long ladders.
This incredible archival shot captures workers during the construction of the Claerwen Dam. These men are standing deep within the valve area - the ‘circulatory system’ of the dam that controls the immense flow of water from the reservoir.
Completed in 1952, Claerwen was a feat of post-war engineering. While the core is modern concrete, the exterior was finished with local stonework to match the older dams, which were built during the Victorian era.

Dychmygwch sefyll y tu mewn i ganol mynydd carreg o wneuthiriad dyn, 184 troedfedd o uchder. Dim dillad llachar, dim gwregys – dim ond dewrder, sgìl ac ysgolion hir iawn.

Mae’r llun anhygoel hwn o’r archifdy yn dangos y gweithwyr yn ystod adeiladu Argae Claerwen. Mae’r dynion hyn yn sefyll yn ddwfn o fewn ardal y falf – sef ‘system cylchrediad’ yr argae sy’n rheoli llif anferth y dŵr o’r gronfa ddŵr.

Wedi’i gwblhau ym 1952, roedd y Claerwen yn gamp o beirianneg cyn y rhyfel. Tra bod y craidd o goncrit cyfoes, gorffenwyd y tu allan gyda gwaith cerrig lleol er mwyn cydweddu â’r argaeau hŷn, a adeiladwyd yn ystod y cyfnod Fictoraidd.

Address

Rhayader
LD65HP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

http://tiny.cc/ElanValleyNewsletter

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