Our Story
As you breathe in the tranquility of Elan Valley, it can be hard to imagine that this has been a place with such long and varied history.
Four thousand years ago, Stone Age people made Elan their home within the forests of oak, birch and hazel. Later arrivals included Celts and Romans.
Elan’s resources attracted mining interests – copper, zinc and particularly lead were extracted right up to the end of the nineteenth century.
After ten years of construction, the first of Elan Valley’s dams were completed and opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1904. In 1952, Queen Elizabeth opened Claerwen Dam as one of her first duties as monarch.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre opened in 1985 (and was extended in 1997). It is a bustling hub where visitors may take refreshments in the cafe, buy souvenirs in the shop, hire bicycles or pick up a walking leaflet in preparation for a day out on the trails.
Today, Elan Valley is a haven for wildlife and nature with 72 square miles of stunning scenery offering year-round opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
Choose your adventure at Elan Valley…
