Notice Board

January & February 2026

During Storm Darragh in December 2024, many trees in the Gwaelod y Rhos forest block south of Pen y Garreg Reservoir were damaged by strong winds. Felling and thinning are now required with the timber taken to local sawmills.

These works will result in heavier traffic than usual as timber lorries come and go from the site. If you are travelling around the Elan Valley estate, please take extra care on the roads.

Temporary public access restrictions are in place for operational safety and timber stacking. The following amenities are now closed until the operation is complete:

• Gwaelod Car Park
• Penbont Lay-by

After the timber has been removed, the area will be replanted with predominantly broadleaf and native tree species. This will help expand our areas of Celtic Rainforest, support our key wildlife and encourage natural regeneration across the site.

23 October 2025

While Charlotte Church is keeping viewers captivated on The Celebrity Traitors, Elan Valley are excited to unveil a brand new short film that showcases the beauty of the Elan Valley narrated by Charlotte’s angelic voice.

Filmed over the course of a year to capture Elan Valley’s changing beauty through the seasons, this remarkable fifteen-minute film offers an exploration of the history of the Elan Valley dams and its Celtic Rainforest. It captures the variety of wildlife that inhabit Elan Valley and the abundance of flora and fauna across the estate. The film will premiere at a private launch event on Friday 24 October, followed by public viewing from 10.30am. Thereafter, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the film daily, as it is shown on rotation within the visitor centre exhibition.

The film was produced as an initiative of the Elan Valley Celtic Rainforest Expansion Project, supported by TWIG (The Woodland Investment Grant) scheme through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, working in partnership with the Welsh Government. Led by Welsh Water, the project was undertaken in collaboration with RSPB Cymru and supported by Natural Resources Wales and Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

Filming commenced in July 2024 to capture the lush green valley and abundant wildlife, this was shortly followed by an autumn shoot at the end of October to capture the vibrant colour changes of the trees.

Jen Newman, Estates Manager at Welsh Water and TWIG project lead, had the inspired idea to invite Charlotte Church to narrate the film. With Charlotte’s close ties to the area, her retreat, ‘The Dreaming’, bordering the Elan Valley Estate – and her deep-rooted passion for nature, she was the perfect choice to bring the script to life.

Jen said “We wanted to create something that captures the spirit of the Elan Valley – its natural beauty, history, wildlife, and the incredible experiences it offers. This film is a warm welcome to all our visitors and a reminder of why this landscape, and our Celtic Rainforests are so special. Charlotte’s narration gives richness to the breathtaking scenery and heritage of the landscape, adding exceptional depth to the film. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’re really looking forward to sharing the film with visitors.”

Gloucester-based specialist video production company Bexmedia was awarded the filming contract; their creativity and technical expertise shone throughout the fifteen-month production, providing outstanding support at every stage.

As a key element of the Elan Valley Celtic Rainforest Expansion Project, a brand new forest bathing walking trail has been developed, through the Elan Valley Celtic Rainforest. Informative interpretation panels have been created and will be installed along the route in the spring, enriching the visitor experience with insights into these important woodland sites that are home to rare birds, butterflies and insects. They are havens of biodiversity but are thought to be under greater threat than tropical rainforests.

The trail, accompanied by a dedicated leaflet, is set to open to the public in the spring, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquillity and natural beauty of the area.

Estimated Completion: 21 October 2025

Welsh Water is currently investing in vital maintenance to future-proof the iconic Craig Goch Reservoir in the Elan Valley.

You may see divers hard at work inspecting underwater structures. To carry out this work safely, reservoir levels my need to be lowered but this is completely normal and part of standard practice. The excess water is carefully managed, often flowing into other reservoirs. Once the work is complete, water levels will return to normal.

To find out more about investment work in the Welsh Water region, head over to the In Your Area page of the Welsh Water website and enter your postcode.

Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 7 August (weekdays only)

Work begins at Elan Valley this month to assess the ground as part of the detailed planning for the redevelopment of the visitor centre.

The digging of trial pits near the visitor centre will be noisy and will result in closures at different times of, for example, sections of the car park or electric vehicle charging points. We will not know exact locations until the morning of the start of each excavation.

We apologise and we will do our best to minimise any disruption to visitors. The visitor centre will be open as usual in this period but if you are planning to visit and have concerns about the noise, the availability of EV charging or the impact of the work in general, please contact us on 01597 810880 or elanvalley@dwrcymru.com before travelling.

The nearest alternative EV charge points are in Rhayader.

The redevelopment of the visitor centre is the second stage of the Elan Valley Lakes Project, a £21.7m investment to strengthen the sustainable tourism offer in Mid Wales, create a world-class destination and boost economic growth. The plans have been submitted to the local authority. Further information and links are available here.

Essential highway maintenance along the roads U1554 and the C1206 is scheduled. To carry out this work safely, the road will need to be closed to motorised vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to pass. Residents and farmers will be able to pass at the contractor’s discretion and if it is safe to do so at the time.

U1554 in the Claerwen Valley from Dol y Mynach to the top of Claerwen dam
Monday 30 June to Tuesday 1 July – 08:00 to 16:00hrs

C1206 from Dol y Mynach to Garreg Ddu
Wednesday 2 July to Friday 4 July – 08:00 to 16:00hrs

C1206 from the Severn Trent treatment works to Pont ar Elan
Monday 7 to Friday 11 July – 08:00 to 17:00hrs

MAPS

Extra £11.8m unlocked for Mid Wales Growth Deal as first project takes shape

The UK and Welsh governments have confirmed the release of £11.8m of funding for Mid Wales as part of an investment package aimed at boosting the regional economy.

The announcement came as Ministers this week toured the first project to secure support from the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which is backed by £110m from both governments – aimed at attracting further investment from the public and private sectors.

The visit to the Elan Valley Lakes development – which aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable tourism – marked a significant step forward for the Deal as projects begin to move from planning to delivery.

The first package of work, which will enhance the visitor experience, boost local revenue, and safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Elan Valley, will focus on two key areas:

• • Celtic Rainforest Expansion – Connecting and restoring 117 hectares of fragmented woodland as part of the National Forest for Wales.

• • Visitor Centre Design – Initiating redevelopment designs to enhance the visitor experience, integrating environmental education and sustainable practices.

This first phase alone is projected to deliver an annual economic impact of £4m, with an estimated £17m contribution to the regional economy by 2040.

Wales Office Minister, Dame Nia Griffith, and Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Rebecca Evans were welcomed by representatives from Growing Mid Wales, the regional partnership overseeing the Growth Deal, alongside developers Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

There, the Ministers confirmed both the UK and Welsh Governments had unlocked the second tranche of Growth Deal funding, amounting to £11.8m.

Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Wales Office, commented: “This project is a fantastic example of how the UK Government is supporting the region to deliver our mission of economic growth by boosting tourism and creating jobs.

“The Elan Valley is a beautiful place, and these improvements will make the visiting the area even better, whilst also protecting the environment.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, added: “The Mid Wales Growth Deal plays a crucial role in our vision for economic prosperity across Wales. The Elan Valley Lakes project has transformative potential; attracting visitors, creating jobs, and positioning Mid Wales as a premier destination within a prosperous, green, and fair Wales.”

Leader of Powys County Council, Councillor James Gibson-Watt, and Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Bryan Davies, emphasised the broader benefits: “This investment will not only improve our tourism sector but also prioritise conservation and sustainability. It will create jobs, both directly and in the wider economy. We are committed to supporting the project as it moves forward.”

Peter Perry, Chief Executive of Dŵr Cymru said: “This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental regeneration, playing our part in the ‘Team Wales’ approach to tackling climate change. It will transform the Elan Valley into a flagship destination, benefiting our customers and the local community.”

Rangers are working hard to reopen the two closed trails in Penbont Woods. This woodland suffered significant damage in Storm Darragh and efforts continue to make it safe and replace the damaged bridges whilst also protecting the conservation area and SSSI. It is likely that these two routes will open again in April 2025.

The emergency footpath closure affecting the Garreg Ddu Loop walking trail remains in place. There is still a great deal of work required to make the trees safe but the team at Elan Valley is confident the route will be reopened by June 2025.

After weeks of incredibly hard work by the Elan Valley ranger team, we’re pleased to tell you that the majority of the walking paths and bike trails on the estate have now reopened.

Penbont Woods (Green & Purple Routes) and Garreg Ddu Loop – specifically the footpath along the western edge of the reservoir between Penbont and Garreg Ddu Dam – remain closed.

We advise visitors to stick to the paths for the time being and to not go exploring as works continue across the estate repairing damage and making trees safe.

We would also recommend dropping by the visitor centre before your walking or cycling adventure. Our maps and welcome team can help ensure you have the best experience in the Elan Valley as we continue to recover from Storm Darragh.

All walking trails remain closed except the Elan Valley Trail and Cnwch Woods (Blue Route). Bike hire is available but of all the bike trails, only the Elan Valley Trail is currently open to cyclists.

Powys County Council has issued a Temporary Closure Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 14(1).

Notice

Map

Because of the extent of the damage to trees from Storm Darragh, the public foootpath between Penbont House and Garreg Ddu is now closed to pedestrians. The closure of the 5.6km (approx.) section will be in effect until 20 July 2025 or until works have taken place to remove the damaged trees, whichever is sooner.

Our team is still working hard to clear the debris and remove the fallen trees. Due to the extent of damage, this is likely to take some time.

Roads are clear of debris and ice now but drivers should take care as heavy machinery assisting with the clean-up is being moved around the estate.

All walking trails remain closed except the Elan Valley Trail and Cnwch Woods (Blue Route). Bike hire is available but of all the bike trails, only the Elan Valley Trail is currently open to cyclists.

If you are planning a visit to Elan Valley this weekend, please note that roads and car parks are not gritted and that extra care is required when exploring or driving round the estate.

Roads across the Elan estate are extremely icy and where water has run across surfaces because of blocked culverts and ditches due to Storm Darragh, the ice is easily an inch thick. Fallen debris from continues to be a hazard, particularly the road to Pen y Garreg.

Rangers have worked hard over Christmas to clear as much as they can but trails like the Nant y Gro path, Claerwen byway, the Green and Purple trails in Penbont Wood and the Garreg Ddu round walk remain closed.

The visitor centre, café and shop are open.

Storm Darragh devastated swathes of the woodland across the Elan Valley Estate. It is now estimated that 30,000 trees have been toppled or damaged.

All walking and cycling trails remain closed with the exception of Cnwch Woods blue walking route and the section of the Elan Valley Trail from the visitor centre to Craig Goch.

Roads across the estate are passable although there is still a lot of debris and mud across surfaces. Drivers should continue to take extra care.

Bike hire is available but with just a section of the Elan Valley Trail accessible, opportunities for cycling are limited.

The visitor centre, café and shop are open.

Further disruption at Elan Valley is likely this weekend (4-5 January) as snow, wind and rain are forecast. Please check weather warnings before setting out and carefully consider the travel guidance provided.

A tree has fallen across the trail between ‘The Beckoning Lady Bungalow’ (grid ref SN 94003 65865) and the next gate (SN 94392 66152). For safety reasons, this section of the trail is currently closed.

The visitor centre, café, and shop are open as usual.

Elan Valley rangers continue to clear up after Storm Donnagh. The situation remains unchanged from the last update below. All roads are passable but drivers should take extra care and all walking and cycling trails remain closed except for Elan Valley Trail and Cnwch Woods.

With the Christmas holidays approaching, visitor safety is more important than ever. If you’re planning a trip over the festive period, our advice is to steer clear of our woods and do not attempt to access any areas that have been closed off. Please make sure to read and take heed of signage on site.

The visitor centre, café and shop will be open throughout (except Christmas Day).

Elan Valley rangers have worked hard over the past week to clear up after Storm Darragh. The sustained high winds toppled over a thousand trees, blocking trails, paths and roads and creating hazards across the Elan and Claerwen valleys.

All roads across the estate are now passable although there is still a lot of debris and mud across surfaces. Drivers should take extra care, particularly around Pen Y Garreg Dam.
The Elan Valley Trail – the whole route from Rhayader to Craig Goch – is now open to walkers and cyclists and the Blue Trail through Cnwch Wood is open to walkers.

All other trails remain closed until further notice.

Bike Hire has now been reinstated but with just the Elan Valley Trail accessible, opportunities for cycling are limited.

All walking/cycle trails and paths are closed due to the impact of Storm Darragh. There are fallen trees and many paths and roads are blocked or barely passable at best.

Because of this, all roads across Elan Valley are currently for essential access only.

Please do not attempt to explore the estate.

We are working as hard as we can to address the damage, but this will take some time. We will update with more information as soon as we can.

The visitor centre is open as a community hub, offering those without power/water, access to a light refreshment menu in our café, use of free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities.

We are proud to announce that Cnwch and Gro Woods at Elan Valley have been granted National Forest for Wales status by Welsh Government and are now part of the National Forest which forms a network of connected woodlands stretching the length and breadth of Wales.

Criteria for inclusion within the National Forest for Wales focuses on exemplary woodlands that contribute to the scheme’s goals. To qualify, woodlands must demonstrate good quality, well designed and managed resilient woodlands that are accessible to people and encourage community involvement. They must be dynamic, multi-purpose woodlands that demonstrate learning, research and innovation. With over 100 sites already part of the network, the National Forest for Wales is a growing testament to Wales’s dedication to its long-term commitment, spanning many decades.

Elan Valley and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water are delighted to be a part of this important initiative.

More information can be found here.