Events in the Elan Valley for June 2012

7 Thur Dam Open Day

A chance for you to go into Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central tower. Our team of Rangers will be on hand to answer any questions. There are steps inside the dam which may be wet and in some areas there are low light levels. Children should be carefully supervised at all times.

Park at Penbont car park and take a walk through the woodland, up the steps to the dam entrance. Turn up anytime between 1pm and 4pm. Entrance £1 adults - children 50p. All proceeds to the charity WaterAid.

There will also be Dam Open Days on Tuesday 31 July, Friday 24 August
and Thursday 1 November this year.

(Photo shows the view from the central platform)

8 Fri Bug Bonanza

A fun 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.

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

This event will also be held on Wednesday 8 August and Thursday 30 August this year.

14 Thur Elan Valley Reservoirs

Join Noel "Water Supply" Hughes for a gentle evening walk down the Elan Valley Trail and get an insider's insight into the operation of the Elan Valley Reservoir System.  This 5 mile linear walk starts at Craig Goch Dam at 6pm and finishes at the Filter Beds at around 8pm, where refreshments will be provided together with transport back to Craig Goch Dam. Please bring stout footwear and waterproofs. No dogs please.

16 Sat and/or 17 Sun

Elan Valley Outdoor Activity Days 2012, organised by the Elan Valley Lodge:

Tree Top Challenge

New for 2012! Get outdoors, be adventurous and have great fun with your family and friends. Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, zip line and adrenalin jump, in a stunning setting alongside Caban Coch Reservoir. You don't need any experience or to be super fit, we will brief you, provide all the specialist equipment and make sure you have a great day safely. You must be over 10 years old, over 1.4m tall, less than 20 stone with a waist of less than 43".

Meet at the Visitor Centre 9.30am back by 12.30pm, you will need transport (2 miles) stout shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. A family and friends event so no unaccompanied under 18's please.

For more info and to book online www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

In accordance with the Visit England tourism initiative for the 2012 Olympics, we are offering Caneoing and Kayaking on the Elan Valley Reservoir and the chance to experience our new High Trees Challenge at a special promotional rate of 20.12% off:

Cost: £19 adult, £12 child

Canoe or Kayak on the Reservoir

A unique opportunity to try this stunning sport and get a different view of the Valley from a 2 person canoe or kayak. After a short intro and safety talk we head for the water to learn how to paddle your boat before heading off around the reservoir in the company of your instructor. Hear about the history of the Dams during your well deserved rest breaks. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Min age 8 years, max weight 18st or 115kg.

Meet at the Visitor Centre 1.30pm back by 4.30pm, you will need transport (2 miles) light shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, a complete clothing change and a towel. A family and friends event so no unaccompanied children please.

For more info and to book online www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

In accordance with the Visit England tourism initiative for the 2012 Olympics, we are offering Caneoing and Kayaking on the Elan Valley Reservoir and the chance to experience our new High Trees Challenge at a special promotional rate of 20.12% off:

Cost: £15 adult, £9.50 child

These events will also be held on Saturday 7 / Sunday 8 July; for August and September dates please check website or phone 01597 811143.

16 Sat Peaks, Ruins and Views

Once again join Max Walker, colourful local character and experienced walker, for this strenuous 8 mile circular hillwalk around the eastern ridge of the Elan Estate and part of Cwmdauddwr Common.  Meet by the toilets in Elan Village at 10am with an expected return of 4pm. Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and a packed lunch (shorts not advised). Dogs on leads please.  

17 Sun  Rhayader on the Ocean Floor

Why do we find the remains of fossil plankton 430 million years old mixed with rounded pebbles of rocks over 600 million years old in a quarry worked in the 1890s? A short walk around the Caban Coch Dam area looking at how the Cambrian Mountains were formed 380 million years ago.

The leader, John Davies, now retired, was the former Regional Geologist for the Countryside Council for Wales in Powys and SE Wales. This walk involves a 40 metre climb up steps to the top of the dam on each side. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back around 5pm.

22 Fri National Moth Night (and Bats)

Join the Rangers for an evening of moth trapping and discover the beautiful and diverse array of night fliers present in the valley. 

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9pm till late; please bring warm clothes, insect repellent and a torch.

24 Sun Dambusters Walk

A 4 mile guided walk to look at the fascinating history and biodiversity 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 around 5pm.

This event will also be held on Sunday 15 July, Sunday 19 August and Sunday 16 December this year.