Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, Wales, Tel: +44 01597810880

Street View of Elan Valley Trail | Map of Elan Valley Trail location

This is not a mountain bike trail but a surfaced path and shared route for cyclists walkers and horse riders. But the six lakes / reservoirs and their picturesque stone dams are some of the most scenic areas of mid-Wales set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area stretches over 45,000 acres with most of the upland areas in the care of the Elan Valley Trust. The trust strives to protect the landscape and wildlife of the area yet visitors are encouraged to enjoy scenic drives, fishing, cycling and walking in what was once one of the remotest parts of Wales. Originally part of an old Birmingham Corporation Railway Line the Elan Valley Trail runs for 8 miles (13km) through some dramatic Mid Wales’ scenery. It starts in Llansantffraed Cwmdauddwr on the B4518 just west of Rhayader, where there's a small car park (SN966677), and ends at Craig Goch Reservoir. It climbs easily, on a good surface, to the magnificent Elan Valley Reservoirs – sometimes also referred to as the Lake District of Wales. The trail is clearly signed with disks that depict the area’s most famous resident: the red kite. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre, which is an optional start for a shorter trail, is to be found some 4 miles along the route. It is open seven days a week from mid-March until the end of October, between 10:00am and 5:30pm. 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. Cyclists please give way to all other users. Directions : Cwmdauddwr is west of Rhayader, Powys on the B4518.....