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.
It is also famous for its picturesque scenery. Over 80% of the valley is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and a popular cycle trail, the Elan Valley Trail, makes a loop from Rhayader around the reservoirs. Part of the trail overlaps with a spur of National Cycle Route 81 (Lon Cambria).
As of 2015 it is an International Dark Sky Park.
See also
editExternal links
edit- Sustrans Routes2Ride: Cycling in the Elan Valley
- Sustrans map and description for Route 81, Lon Cambria
- 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