Mid Wales - Elan Valley Walk

EVENT NAME

Mid Wales – Elan Valley Reservoir Walk

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Walk Summary

We will start our walk at the Visitors Centre. Parking here is £3 all day. The visitors centres has toilets and a water refill station as well as a café for a well earned cuppa when we finish.

From the visitors centre we will walk up a short hill to get to the top of the dam. The hill is a bit steep but we will take it gently. At the top we can have a look at the dam and out over Caban Coch reservoir.

The path is even and well maintained either gravel or tarmac for the whole route and it is very gentle. We will walk alongside the reservoir for 3km/1.5 miles through a small wood to the dam/bridge at the far end.

Here we can have a rest at the picnic benches before returning the same way. When we get back to the visitors centre area we can look at the standing stones and the bridge under the dam.

I will definitely be having a coffee and cake after and I would love it if you would join me.

This event is for plus size people of all genders to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18/2XL we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Route description

Distance: 4.85km/3m

Duration: 3 hours

Total Route Elevation: 40m

Terrain: Level pathways

What3words:

Public Transport – No public transport to route start.

We will start at the visitor centre which is directly in front of Caban Coch Dam. Caban Coch Dam  is the lowest of the dams in the sequence of four built in the valley of the Elan River. It is the simplest and most functional in appearance of all the dams but when it is full it looks like an immense waterfall. Elan Valley combines man made features such as the Dams and reservoirs with outstanding natural beauty and wildlife.

Starting from the visitors centre we will walk out to the path. There is a short slope at the beginning of this route. It is a steep climb but short and following this the route evens out. The route has a number of gates but these are wide and easy to manoeuvre through. The path is generally wide and even but this is Wales so there will be mud and puddles. This route is an out and back along the same path with incredible views out over Caban Coch Reservoir. The route is surrounded by lovely hills and woodland. Garreg Ddu bridge offers a view out over Garreg Ddu reservoir where we can stop and have a rest at the picnic benches in Llanerchi Wood. We will then return along the same route back to the visitors centre where we can take a closer look at the dam and the standing stones.

Link to the Komoot route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1385076984?ref=itd&share_token=aWiF6TCK9WobMO9sWj5tCewByuCNXjguyqTIntHayeA1VcRnEa&ref=its

Link to the OS Route : https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19487717/ebo-elan-valley-walk

More info

• Meeting point is at the front entrance of the visitors centre. Parking is £3 for the day.
• The visitors centre has gendered cubical toilets and a non-gendered accessible toilet. There are no further toilets on the route.
• Dogs are not allowed on this walk
• We will be going at a gentle pace that will work for everyone, and nobody will be left behind. The walk will be led with this in mind and numbers will be capped.
• You should bring all clothing and kit that you need for the weather - including sturdy footwear, a waterproof jacket and warm layers.
• Please bring any food or snacks you need for a walk of this length, and plenty of water.

Our walks are all volunteer run. If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend the walk, please email hello@everybodyoutdoors.co.uk to cancel your space so we can let the volunteer know and open up your space to others.

About Every Body Outdoors

Every Body Outdoors are fighting for clothing, gear, and representation for larger/plus-size bodies in the outdoors movement in the UK, so Every Body can feel safe and welcome on the hills, trails, lakes, and more. We are working with brands and retailers to improve the availability and fit of plus size outdoors clothing and kit, whilst also providing online and in-person opportunities for our community to gain skills and confidence and meet other plus size outdoors lovers.

We have a code of conduct that we expect all event attendees to adhere to, and you will be asked to agree to this when you register.

The small print

Walking is an outdoor activity that comes with risks. You are responsible for your safety at all times when on an Every Body Outdoors walk.