Elan Valley reservoirs, Lakes and Reservoirs Rhayader, Powys - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

It was over a hundred years ago when the homesteads of some 100 people, together with their church and school, vanished beneath a hundred feet of water to supply the needs of the people of the City of Birmingham. Whether by accident or design the landscape has been enhanced to become known as the "Welsh Lake District". 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.