The Elan Valley Dams and Reservoirs are undoubtedly one of Wales’ most picturesque spots. And it is the perfect place to visit at any time of the year. Squirrels Nest Treehouse Retreat is only 21 miles away from the Elan Valley Dams. So we recommend it as a must visit during your treehouse stay.
No matter what your interests are, Elan Valley Dams have something for everyone. Whether you are a keen cyclist, walker, photographer or just fancy a day trip with or without the kids. Except for Dol y Mynach, all the dams are accessible by car, so it is reachable for all even if you do not want to brave the British weather!
Most of the Elan Valley is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is home to reservoirs, aqueducts, breath-taking landscapes, and a rich habitat full of different species of plants and animals. There are so many opportunities to have fun at Elan Valley. And here at Squirrels Nest we have put together a few ideas on how to have a wildly adventurous time at Elan Valley Dams.
Walking
Whether you are looking for a gentle walk or a challenging hike, Elan Valley has it all. The 70 square mile Estate has open access over most of it, including over 80 miles of designated rights of way. So there are many walks and trails with a good mixture of lengths to cater for all.
On a visit back in October, we did the Penbont Woods South 30 minute walk. It included a great spot to view Pen y garreg Dam which was in full flow. The sound and force of the dams when they are in full flow is such a breath-taking display. The woods that we walked through just on this short walk included a rich and diverse landscape to explore, very magical and so peaceful.
Cycling
For the amateur or competitive cyclist, there are cycling routes within the Elan Valley to suit all. You can take your own bikes or hire them from The Visitor Centre. And staff will be able to advise you on the best cycling adventure for you.
If you choose to explore the Elan Valley Dams by bike, you really can capture a lot of the stunning scenery in one day!
Tour by Car
To cover more ground, or if the weather is a bit too adverse for your liking, why not make a road trip of your visit to the Elan Valley Dams. A large area of the Estate can be seen from your vehicle, with good views of the dams and reservoirs. A map can be obtained from the visitor centre. Alternatively, enjoy a bespoke ranger tour and discover hidden secrets of the valley.
So don’t let the weather spoil your fun, make a day of it and have a road trip and a car picnic!
Dark Skies
The Elan Valley is an International Dark Sky Park. This means that on clear nights you can see stars, planets and constellations with little light pollution. The perfect place for stargazing, so why not make a whole day of it. Regular meetings are held at night by The Elan Valley Astronomy Group in the visitor centre, to educate visitors on the night sky and give people the opportunity to explore it through telescopes.
Adventures Await with your little explorers
Elan Valley is a great place to keep the kids occupied. Because it features a variety of stunning landscapes, it is the perfect natural playground. Spot wildlife, hunt for fairies or create your own magical story. Or for more structured fun, The Visitor Centre regularly host family activities, so keep an eye on their calendar of upcoming events.
A Photographer’s Paradise
Elan Valley is a photographer’s paradise. Featuring breath-taking landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, rich habitats to explore and of course the Elan Valley Dams. So no matter what your topic of interest, you are sure to find plenty to capture with your lens at the Elan Valley Estate. Plus regular exhibitions and workshops are held throughout the year, so check out the calendar to see what’s coming up.
Visitor Centre & Cafe
The Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for your visit to Elan Valley Dams. It features a lovely cafe for a bite to eat with views of Caban Coch Dam. In addition there is a play area for children, information on walking trails and cycle routes, bike hire, an exhibition area, shop, picnic area and toilets.
Entrance to the Visitor Centre is free, and the £2 parking charge covers you for the whole of the Estate’s car parks, all day.
Penbont Tea Rooms
Penbont House and Tea Rooms is situated in the heart of The Elan Valley Estate. It is the perfect spot for a cup of tea or leisurely lunch with views from the conservatory.
No matter what the weather or the time of year, we know you will have a great day out visiting the Elan Valley Dams and Estate. So book a stay in one of our treehouses here at Squirrels Nest. And make this one of the top things on your to do list during your stay!
