Elan Valley
Llansantffraed-Cwmdeuddwr to Powys · Wales
Distance7.6mi · 12.2 km
Drive time15 minon the road
DifficultyEasy
ValleyLakesMoorlandMountain
Reservoir road past Victorian dams near Rhayader
This narrow unclassified road leaves the B4518 west of Rhayader and threads past the chain of Elan Valley dams and reservoirs built to supply Birmingham. It runs beside Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen y Garreg and Craig Goch before climbing onto the Cambrian watershed. Mind the unmarked single-lane sections, dam-visitor traffic and slippery stone surfaces after rain.
Where it runs
Llansantffraed-CwmdeuddwrStart · Wales
PowysEnd · United Kingdom
Character
Corners30bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient12%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins1tight bends
Climb337 mtotal ascent
Summit352 mhighest point · 1155 ft
SpringSummerAutumn
Elevation
160 m rangeKnow before you go
- Narrow unmarked lanes
- Heavy visitor traffic at dams
- Sheep on open sections
Sources
In these collections
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