The Elan Valley (Welsh: Cwm Elan) is a river valley situated to the west of Rhayader, in Powys, Wales, sometimes known as the "Welsh Lake District". It covers 70 square miles (180 km2) of lake and countryside.
| Elan Valley | |
|---|---|
| Cwm Elan | |
 View of the Elan Valley, looking southwards towards Craig Goch Reservoir. | |
  Elan Valley | |
| Area | 70 sq mi (180 km2) |
| Geology | |
| Type | River valley, partially dammed to form the Elan Valley Reservoirs |
| Geography | |
| Population centers | Elan Village |
| Rivers | Afon Elan |
The valley contains the Elan Valley Reservoirs and Elan Village, designed by architect Herbert Tudor Buckland as part of the same scheme. Elan Village is the only purpose-built Arts and Crafts "Model Village" in Wales.
The area is known for its scenery, and over 80% of the valley is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A cycle trail, the Elan Valley Trail, makes a loop from Rhayader around the reservoirs. Part of the cycle trail overlaps with a spur of National Cycle Route 81 (Lon Cambria).[citation needed]
As of 2015 it is an International Dark Sky Park.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Elan Valley Estate gets Dark Sky Status". ITV News. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
External links
edit- Sustrans Routes2Ride: Cycling in the Elan Valley
- Sustrans map and description for Route 81, Lon Cambria Archived 24 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- Official site by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and the Elan Valley Trust
- City council to fund water museum at BBC News, 26 July 2006
- Abandoned communities ..... Elan Valley
- From Shelley to the Dambusters
- www.geograph.co.uk : photos of the Elan Valley and surrounding area