Garreg Ddu - Elan Valley - Welsh Water

Elan Valley

Garreg Ddu

Dam

Yours to explore

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Garreg Ddu


Height (of the submerged dam) – 20m

Length – 180m


The submerged dam can only be seen at low reservoir levels. Garreg Ddu has two purposes: to hold back water to enter the Foel Tower, and to provide access to the Claerwen valley. The Foel Tower is where drinking water is extracted to start its three day journey to Birmingham. Garreg Ddu means Black Stone.

On the bank opposite Garreg Ddu is where Cwm Elan House stood. This belonged to Mr Thomas Grove, the uncle of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Cwm Elan House, Nantgwyllt House and Dol y Mynach House were all demolished, leaving only the remains of a few garden walls.

Nearby Activities


Around Caban Bike Trail

A short (15km), moderate route that takes you around Caban Coch reservoir which should take about an hour to complete.

• GO TO ROUTE •

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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Garreg Ddu Loop

A three hour circular walk, one of Elan Valley’s most popular, takes visitors around the Garreg Ddu loop through spectacular woods and fields.

• GO TO ROUTE •

The Other Dams


Upcoming Events

27
Oct
Dam Open Days

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

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29
Nov
Christmas Lights Switch-On

Elan Valley Visitor Centre welcomes Father Christmas and celebrates switching on our festive Christmas lights.

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19-24
Dec
Breakfast with Father Christmas

Season’s greetings! Enjoy breakfast with Father Christmas at Elan Valley Visitor Centre Cafe.

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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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