Events in the Elan Valley for August 2010

1 Sun – 31 Tues Kids Summer Scavenge

Running throughout the summer holidays anytime between 11am and 5pm. Call into the Visitor Centre to pick up your collecting bag with instructions about what to do. This is a family event - no unaccompanied children please.

1 Sun Caban Ramble

A 3 mile guided walk looking at the history and natural history of the area. A steady climb of 170m over 1.5miles. Meet at Llannerch y Cawr car park at 2pm (or at Visitor Centre at 1.45pm for a lift to start), back about 5pm.

3 Tues Children’s Critter Crafts

Come along on this children’s event and make something to take home. Turn up anytime between 2pm and 4pm at the Visitor Centre. No unaccompanied children please.

7 Sat Pet Show

A chance to show off your pets at our  tenth Pet Show. Due to record entries last year, please contact us for an entry form beforehand to let us know what pets you will be bringing. We cannot guarantee a cage for your pet if you turn up on the day as in previous years. Judging starts at 2.30pm at the Visitor Centre. Sorry, no dogs. For further information and to request an entry form telephone 01597 810390.

8 Sun Village Tour

A very easy one mile walk to look at the history of Caban Coch Dam, Workers’ Village and surrounding features. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back about 3.30pm.

10 Tues Bug Bonanza

An afternoon of pond dipping and bug hunts suitable for all the family. Come along and discover more about the exciting world of bugs. Meet at Dol y Mynach lay-by at 2pm, till 4pm.

14 Sat – Tue 31 Views of the Valley Exhibition

A stunning new collection of paintings and drawings from members of the Rhayader Art Group to celebrate their fifth anniversary. Original paintings, prints and cards will be exploring artistic aspects of the Elan Valley; to include land and waterscapes, wildlife, woodland and architecture. Open from 10am to 5.30pm at the Visitor Centre.

14 Sat History Walk – prehistoric ritual and medieval farming

Archaeologist Nigel Jones leads a moderate 5 mile walk to visit a number of prehistoric sites including Maen Serth and Maengwyngweddw standing stones, a burial cairn and a stone row, as well as abandoned medieval ‘summer houses’. The walk includes a stream crossing. Bring appropriate clothing, footwear and lunch. Meet at Pont ar Elan at 12pm; back by 5pm. A joint event with the Cambrian Mountains Society.

15 Sun Dambusters Walk

A 4 mile guided walk to look at the history and natural history of the area, including the remains of Nant y Gro Dam which was used for tests before the WW2 Dambusters Raid. There is a steep climb of 40m up the steps to the top of the dam and then a very steep 140m climb. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back about 5pm.

Come along on this children’s event and make something to take home. Turn up anytime between 2pm and 4pm at the Visitor Centre. No unaccompanied children please.

21 Sat Graig Goch and Claerwen Reservoirs

An energetic hillwalk led by Andrew Leonard, an Elan Valley Trustee. Approximately 16 miles of sometimes rough walking from Pont ar Elan via Graig Goch Dam to Claerwen Reservoir and returning via the Monks' Trod. Meet and greet shepherd Glyndwr Jones at Claerwen Farm, "possibly the remotest farmhouse in Wales".

Meet at Pont ar Elan at 9.30am and return by 5.30pm.  Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and packed lunch. Dogs on leads only.

22 Sun Caban Ramble

A 3 mile guided walk looking at the history and natural history of the area. A steady climb of 170m over 1.5miles. Meet at Llannerch y Cawr car park at 2pm (or at Visitor Centre at 1.45pm for a lift to start), back about 5pm.

22 Sun Claerwen Farm

A rare opportunity to visit "possibly the most remote farmhouse in Wales". Meet and talk with Glyndwr and Wendy Jones about life and farming in this remote and harsh but very special environment where no mains services exist. Enjoy a traditional Welsh Tea and savour the peace and tranquillity - join Glyndwr and Wendy between 2pm and 5pm. NO dogs please.

Claerwen Farm (Grid reference SN821673) can be approached from the west via a private road from the Teifi Pools (Grid reference SN794680) or from the east via Claerwen Dam (Grid reference SN871636) but please note the stoned road is rough and should only be attempted by experienced and competent drivers of 4x4's.

24 Tues Dam Open Day

26 Thur Bug Hunt

Become a bug hunter for the afternoon and discover more about the fascinating world of mini-beasts! Suitable for all the family. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back about 4pm.

It is ESSENTIAL to book a place on this event - please ring 01597 810898.

28 Sat Going Batty

Join Sorcha Lewis, from the Radnorshire Mammal Group for an evening bat walk to celebrate European Bat Weekend. 

Meet at 8pm at the Elan Estate Office, Elan Village - late finish. Please bring warm clothes, insect repellent and a torch. NO dogs please.