Elan Valley
Valley in mid Wales
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Elan Valley (Welsh: Cwm Elan) is a river valley situated to the west of Rhayader, in Powys, Wales, sometimes known as the "Welsh Lake District". It covers 70 square miles (180 km2) of lake and countryside.
| Elan Valley | |
|---|---|
| Cwm Elan | |
View of the Elan Valley, looking southwards towards Craig Goch Reservoir. | |
  Elan Valley | |
| Area | 70 sq mi (180 km2) |
| Geology | |
| Type | River valley, partially dammed to form the Elan Valley Reservoirs |
| Geography | |
| Population centers | Elan Village |
| Rivers | Afon Elan |
The valley contains the Elan Valley Reservoirs and Elan Village, designed by architect Herbert Tudor Buckland as part of the same scheme. Elan Village is the only purpose-built Arts and Crafts "Model Village" in Wales.
The area is known for its scenery, and over 80% of the valley is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. A cycle trail, the Elan Valley Trail, makes a loop from Rhayader around the reservoirs. Part of the cycle trail overlaps with a spur of National Cycle Route 81 (Lon Cambria).[citation needed]
As of 2015 it is an International Dark Sky Park.[1]