To mark the start of the New Year, we took an enjoyable trip along the Elan River to visit some of the dams. The weather was a little overcast, but the views were worth the visit. We visited Caban Coch first, the lowest of the four dams on the river Elan. An amazing sight, it resembles a natural waterfall when the reservoir is full and the dam is in full spate.

Next we travelled to visit the third dam, Pen y Garreg, often referred to as the ‘middle dam’. At 37m high and 161m long the dam has a reservoir of 6,055 megalitres. On certain days of the year, it is possible to visit Pen y Garreg, as the dam houses an access tunnel to the central tower.

Lastly we travelled to Claerwen Dam, whose reservoir holds almost as much water as the combined total of Craig Coch, Pen y Garreg and Caban Coch in the neighbouring Elan Valley. Claerwen Dam was the last to be built, and was declared open by Queen Elizabeth II in an official ceremony in October 1952. At 56m high and 355m long this huge dam is a spectacular sight.

All three dams are easily accessible by car, and offer simply incredible views. If you love taking photographs, or just soaking up the sights, then a trip to Elan Valley should top your list. For other local sights and things to do while staying at our lodges, check out our Explore Mid Wales page, which provides a few suggestions for accessible places to enjoy.