This page describes the routes in the leaflets and packs that are available to purchase from our Information Desk:

Four Walks from the Visitor Centre (30p leaflet)

Walk 2
Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mile
Time: 30 minutes
A stroll to Caban Coch Dam and through Cnwch Wood, all at a low level.

Walk 3
Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 45 minutes
This route takes you through Elan Village and back along the old railway line, with a steep path back down to the Visitor Centre.

Walk 4
Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 45 minutes
This route climbs up to the top of Caban Coch Dam for views of the reservoir before returning through Cnwch Wood.

Three Walks from Penbont Car Park (30p leaflet)

Cnwch Wood Nature Trail (30p leaflet)

This walk follows a zigzag path up through Cnwch Wood, an ancient oak woodland which is located close to the Visitor Centre. The route to the top and back is about 1.6km (one mile) in length.

The Elan Valley Trail (30p leaflet)

The Elan Valley Trail is a linear path following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. It starts in Cwmdauddwr (just west of Rhayader) and finishes 13km (8 miles) further up the Elan Valley at Craig Goch Dam. Please refer to the separate page about the Elan Valley Trail in the menu to the right for more information.

Ten Hillwalks around Rhayader and the Elan Valley (£3.95 pack)

Do not attempt to walk these routes when visibility is poor, as many rely on you being able to locate and walk towards landmarks on the horizon. You will need weatherproof clothing, stout walking boots, the relevant Ordnance Survey map(s) and a compass for these walks.

Walk 1 - Craig y Dyfnant and Cwm Coel
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Time: 3 hours

Two climbs of 100 metres over 0.5 km and 40 metres over 0.2 km. This route crosses some wet and rough ground.

Walk 2 - Maen Serth and Crugyn Ci
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Time: 4 hours

Four climbs: a short steep 25 metres over 100 metres, 180 metres over 1.5 km, 50 and 100 metres over 1 km. Two streams have to be crossed on this route.

Walk 3 - Pont ar Elan Hillwalk
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours

Two steady ascents: 180 metres over 1.5 km and 40 metres over 0.25 km.

Walk 4 - Penbont Cwm Elan Mines
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Time: 3 hours

A steep 30 metre climb over 0.1km and a gradual 150 metres over 2 km.
A stream and boggy ground have to be crossed.

Walk 5 - Gorllwyn
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Time: 4.5 hours

Two gradual climbs of 90 metres over 1 km and 220 metres over 1.5km. There is a lot of rough ground and some fords to cross.

Walk 6 - Around Y Foel
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Time: 3 hours

Two steep climbs; 30 metres over 0.1 km and 180 metres over 1 km.
Two steep downhill sections, one with boggy area.

Walk 7 - Around Caban Coch Reservoir
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Time: 4 hours

Three steep climbs with a total 240 metre ascent over 1 km. There are loose stones on the path for 100 metres and two fords to cross.

Walk 8 - Drygarn Fawr
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles
Time: 5 hours

This walk takes you to the highest point on the Elan Estate at 641 metres (2104 feet). There are two climbs - 280 metres over 3 km and 60 metres over 0.5 km. There is a lot of rough and wet ground, and great care is needed when crossing Nant Paradwys, especially in winter.

Walk 9 - Craig Cnwch
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2 hours

There are steep climbs of 40 metres up steps and 140 metres over 0.8 km.

Walk 10 - The Rhayader Hill Walk
Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours

This route has one single steep climb of 220 metres over 0.8 km.

Woodland Walks in the Elan Valley (£3.95 pack)

It is advisable to take the relevant Ordnance Survey map with you on these walks, along with waterproof clothing and walking boots.

Walk 1 - Cnwch Wood
Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes

This walk has a short flight of steps up and down from a bridge by Caban Coch Dam. Otherwise the route is virtually level.

Walk 2 - Caban Coch Circuit
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Time: 4 hours

There are three steep climbs of 35, 100 and 120 metres, some with steps. There are loose stones on the path for 100 metres and two fords to cross.

Walk 3 - Gro Wood
Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles
Time: 2 hours

There is a steady climb of 170 metres over 2.5 km and three streams to cross.

Walk 4 - Llanerchi Wood
Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
Time: 60 - 90 minutes

There is one long climb of 180 metres over 1.5 km and a steep stony downhill section of 90 metres.

Walk 5 - Llanerchi Wood
Distance: 1.25 km / 0.75 mile
Time: 30 minutes

There is one climb of 90 metres over 1 km and a steep stony downhill section of 90 metres.

Walk 6 - Garreg Ddu Reservoir
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Time: 3 hours

There are no significant climbs, however some areas are wet underfooot and the path through the wood is narrow in places.

Walk 7 - Penbont Woods
Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes

There is one climb of 35 metres from the bottom to the top of Pen y Garreg Dam via a flight of steps.

Walk 8 - Penbont Woods
Distance: 1.5 km / 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes

There is one set of steps which go downhill for about 20 metres.