The highest upstream of the series of dams on the River Elan, Craig Coch, often referred to as the top dam, was the last one built. A rocky outcrop first had to be blasted and dug through, known as Devil’s Gulch, to enable the new railway line to reach the site. Construction finally began in July 1897, and on 21st of July 1904, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra officially opened the Elan Valley scheme at Craig Coch Dam.

With an elegantly curved retaining wall, a domed valve tower, and a series of arches carrying a narrow roadway, the dam is 1040 feet (317 metres) above sea level. When the reservoir is full, water pours between the arches and into the valley below.

Easily accessible by car, there is some parking available at either end. Visit elanvalley.org.uk for further information. An accessible walk, the Elan Valley Trail, also runs alongside the reservoir.

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