Britain is brimming with captivating walks, from coastal paths to ancient woodland explorations. But one particular route, the Elan Valley Trail, stole my breath away and is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the UK. Located on the southern edge of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales, this hidden gem trail takes you through beautiful dams and reservoirs. The reservoirs are a series of four narrow lakes running north-south, created to supply Birmingham with water. Visitors from across the country flock here to experience the stunning scenery and admire the Victorian architecture.
Owned and managed by Welsh Water, the walk covers an area over 72 square miles, making up a whopping one percent of the whole of Wales. While I didn’t manage to complete the entire 72 miles, I opted for the popular Elan Valley Trail to Craig Goch loop, which takes you past four breathtaking dams. Spanning 6.2 miles, the trail follows the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway.
After an overcast start to my walk, the sun burst through the clouds, making the water shimmer in the glorious Welsh sunshine. Water runs alongside the length of the trail, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
The three-hour walk starts from the visitor centre, which is fully equipped with a cafe, shop, exhibition centre, information hub, and cycle hire. I found this a handy spot to learn more about the route and pick up some souvenirs. The visitor centre is open from 9am-5pm in April to October and 10am-4pm in November to March.
Picnic beaches line the route, offering a place for walkers to take a well-deserved rest. If you’re lucky, you might catch the ice cream van, providing people with refreshing treats along the trail. Around five miles into the trail, you will come across the beautiful Caban Coch Dam, the first dam to be worked on in the Elan Valley. Designed to look like a waterfall when overflowing, it’s a truly mesmerizing sight.
Next up, you will see Garreg Ddu Dam, a wonderfully built curved dam that plays a vital role in maintaining a constant supply of water to Birmingham. Third along the trail is Pen y Garreg, the smallest dam and reservoir. When full, it holds just over two weeks’ worth of water. Lastly, you will come across Craig Goch Dam, arguably the most attractive. It is the highest upstream of the series of dams in the Elan Valley and is often referred to as the ‘top dam.’
As someone who loves going on new walks and exploring different places, this has to be one of my most favorite trails. The combination of stunning scenery, historical significance, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature makes the Elan Valley Trail a truly unforgettable experience.
