Yours to explore
Following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway for most of the way, the Elan Trail offers families, novices and committed enthusiasts the opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the country at its best whilst staying healthy and helping the environment.
A large part of the trail has a tarmac surface, so it is also suitable for less able users, but the northern end is not surfaced. The linear Elan Valley Trail can be ridden in either direction but most people head west from the town towards the valley. Parking is available locally and Rhayader contains a number of cafes, shops, pubs, a bike shop and toilets.
The trail starts from the pretty community of Cwmdeuddwr on the western side of Rhayader.
After leaving Cwmdeuddwr the route climbs over the impressive Rhayader Tunnel, a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve that is home to many bat species.
Approximately half a mile later the route crosses a road, it's at this junction where Lon Las Cymru splits off and the Elan Valley Trail continues straight along the path.
At the next junction you can either continue along the trail up to the spectacular dams and reservoirs, or drop down to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre where you can stop off for refreshments at the cafe.
The trail climbs steadily from the northern end of Garreg Ddu Reservoir, providing stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the four reservoirs that feed Birmingham's water supply, and continues up to the finish at Craig Goch Dam where toilets are available.
A short (15km), moderate route that takes you around Caban Coch reservoir which should take about an hour to complete.
• GO TO ROUTE •Taking about three hours, this moderate 29km trail leads you through parts of the Wye Valley in addition to the Elan Valley.
• GO TO ROUTE •This moderate 32km route takes three to four hours to complete and includes the ancient site of its title as well as open hills and four reservoirs.
• GO TO ROUTE •
