Craig Goch - Elan Valley - Welsh Water

Elan Valley

Craig Goch

Dam

Yours to explore

Brought to you by Welsh Water

Craig Goch


Height – 36m

Length – 156m

Volume – 9222 megalitres


Craig Goch, also known as the “top dam,” means Red Rock. It was the location of the opening ceremony, on the 21st of July 1904, where King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra officially opened the scheme. The menu for the ceremony included Medallions of Quails à la Royale, Cold Lamb and Galantine of Chicken Truffled.

There were plans in the 1970’s to vastly increase the Craig Goch dam, building another ‘high dam’, which would have created the largest man-made lake in Europe, with significant consequences to the ecology of the area. This would have been twice the height of the current dam, and would have covered the land all the way to the Aberystwyth mountain road. The plans were shelved in 1974 with a change of Government.



Nearby Activities


Elan Valley Trail

A three hour walk from the Visitor Centre to Craig Goch following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway.

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The Other Dams


Upcoming Events

19-21
Aug
Pop-Up Planetarium

The Elan Valley Dark Sky Team brings the stars to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre with their pop-up planetarium.

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1-25
Apr   Aug
Dam Open Days

Don’t miss an exclusive chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam…

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11-25
Aug
Archery Sessions

This is the perfect activity for the family that seeks adventure with their holidays.

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13-27
Aug
High Ropes Sessions

Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, a zip line and an adrenaline jump…

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4-12
Aug   Sep
Guided Kayaking Sessions

An opportunity to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the area from the water…

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12-13
Sep
Elan Fest 2026

An unforgettable two days of music, nature and local culture.

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1-31
Jan   Dec
Dragon Quest Trail

Elan Valley’s new Dragon Quest Trail for youngsters is roaringly good fun!

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OTHER WELSH WATER ADVENTURES

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