Elan Valley, near Rhayader, Powys, Wales
Garreg-ddu Reservoir
Reservoir
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours, Half day
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A long reservoir framed by the Cambrian Mountains, Garreg-ddu is part of the Elan Valley’s chain of dams and reservoirs. The trail follows its shore towards Nantgwyllt Church and Foel Tower, where water is taken on its gravity-fed journey towards Birmingham.
Garreg-ddu brings together a broad reservoir, wooded valley scenery and a working water-supply landscape. The Elan Valley Trail makes it possible to experience the place on foot rather than just passing through by road, with the dam, Nantgwyllt Church and Foel Tower giving the walk a strong sense of place.
Peaceful · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapElan Valley, near Rhayader, Powys, Wales
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk part of the Elan Valley Trail beside Garreg-ddu Reservoir, taking in the dam and the wider valley landscape. The route continues towards Nantgwyllt Church, Foel Tower and Craig Goch; swimming and boating are not permitted on the estate.
Things to do
Walk the Elan Valley Trail to Garreg Ddu
Follow the trail from the Visitor Centre towards the reservoir. The first mile to Garreg Ddu is described as tarmacked and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
About 1 mile to Garreg Ddu; check route details for the return
Continue towards Nantgwyllt Church and Foel Tower
The trail follows the reservoir edge. Its route description suggests crossing the viaduct for a closer look at Nantgwyllt Church, then passing Foel Tower, where water is extracted from the reservoirs.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick reservoir walk
- 01
Start from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and follow the Elan Valley Trail towards Garreg Ddu.
- 02
Walk the tarmacked first mile to reach the reservoir.
- 03
Take in the reservoir and dam, then return the same way.
Half day · About 3 hours each way to Craig Goch
Continue along the Elan Valley Trail
- 01
From the Visitor Centre, follow the trail towards Garreg Ddu.
- 02
Continue along the reservoir edge; the route description notes a possible detour across the viaduct for a closer look at Nantgwyllt Church.
- 03
Pass Foel Tower and continue towards Pen y Garreg Dam and Craig Goch, checking for current diversions before you go.
Verified history
Garreg-ddu is part of the Elan Valley reservoir system, created to supply drinking water to Birmingham. The route information identifies Foel Tower as the point where water is extracted from the reservoirs before travelling 118 km towards Birmingham by gravity.
Hidden details
Foel Tower and the water’s onward journey — As you walk beyond Garreg Ddu, look for Foel Tower. The route information identifies it as the point where water is drawn from the reservoirs for its gravity-fed journey towards Birmingham.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied sources.
The supplied sources describe walking routes but do not give seasonal recommendations.
Check current conditions and route diversions before setting out. The Elan Valley route source warns that upland terrain can be challenging and weather can deteriorate rapidly.
The route
- surface
- Tarmacked to Garreg Ddu; the wider route is described as a path and track.
- distance
- The Visitor Centre to Garreg Ddu is about 1 mile; the route onward to Craig Goch is described as 6.2 miles / 10 km, with the source giving about 3 hours each way for the full route.
- duration
- About 3 hours each way from the Visitor Centre to Craig Goch.
- difficulty
- Easy; mostly flat with gentle gradients, according to the route source.
- waymarking
- Follow the Red Kite Waymarker.
- route shape
- Linear, out and back unless arranged otherwise.
- start point
- Elan Valley Visitor Centre.
- parking start
- Check before visiting.
- shorter alternative
- Walk the tarmacked first mile from the Visitor Centre to Garreg Ddu and return.
- Garreg-ddu Reservoir and dam
- Nantgwyllt Church near the viaduct
- Foel Tower
- Pen y Garreg Dam
- Craig Goch Dam
Worth pairing with
Elan Valley Visitor Centre
A practical starting point for the Elan Valley Trail. The supplied route begins here.
Craig Goch Dam
The Elan Valley Trail continues from Garreg Ddu towards Craig Goch; the route source describes it as the trail’s end.
What to look for
Look for the reservoir and its dam, Nantgwyllt Church near the viaduct, and Foel Tower, where water is extracted from the reservoirs for its journey towards Birmingham.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Check conditions before travelling; the available sources do not identify a definitive best season.
The supplied sources do not specify an ideal time of day or season. Check the current route information before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours, Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Explore the reservoir from the Elan Valley Trail; check current route conditions and diversions before setting out. Swimming and boating are not permitted on the Elan Valley estate.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Keep dogs on leads or under strict control because livestock roam in the area.
Accessibility
The Elan Valley Trail from the Visitor Centre towards Craig Goch is described as mostly flat with gentle gradients and tarmacked as far as Garreg Ddu; that first mile is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Check current route conditions and diversions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Garreg-ddu Reservoir
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
