This Garreg-Ddu reservoir (Welsh for 'White Rock') is where water enters the Elan Valley Aqueduct via the Foel Tower, which directs it to filter beds before journeying on to Birmingham. The chief engineer James Mansergh realised water would be a problem in the summer months. If the level dropped too low, water would not be able to enter the tower and so the Garreg-Ddu Dam was constructed to maintain a minimum water level of 40 feet below the top level.
There are quite a few different dams to look at along this large long vally. There are driving routes. Cycling routes. Walking routes. Various parking areas. Lots of lakes. Lovely scenery. Cafe with seating area. Some of the lakes are good to fish in. At one side of the road some of the trees have animals carved into them. Some of the dams can be driven cycled or walked over. And the access is free.
Was having a lovely drive, and had to stop here. There are so many dams, and the road never ends! There is sure a lot to explore!
A sneaky dam, submerged under water, doubling up as a bridge towards Claerwen Dam. Very scenic. Lovely place for a walk with the dogs. Multiple car parks in the area.
Walked here from the visitor centre. Around 4km or so. A smaller dam but nonetheless gorgeous scenery and plenty space for a picnic. There is a car park as well if not up to the walk
Amazing place for a walk. Go to the visitor centre nearby and get a free map of the lakes area, and specific walks too. We visited on a stunning August day and the photos reflect this, but I bet its still stunning in the middle of winter. One interesting thing, look at my pics taken at the end of August (we were in the middle of a drought), and Christina Allen's photos and others taken a month earlier, the difference in the water levels is staggering. The people of Birmingham must be really thirsty!
very scenic! Has plenty of space to hike and bike.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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There are quite a few different dams to look at along this large long vally. There are driving routes. Cycling routes. Walking routes. Various parking areas. Lots of lakes. Lovely scenery. Cafe with seating area. Some of the lakes are good to fish in. At one side of the road some of the trees have animals carved into them. Some of the dams can be driven cycled or walked over. And the access is free.
Was having a lovely drive, and had to stop here. There are so many dams, and the road never ends! There is sure a lot to explore!
A sneaky dam, submerged under water, doubling up as a bridge towards Claerwen Dam. Very scenic. Lovely place for a walk with the dogs. Multiple car parks in the area.
Walked here from the visitor centre. Around 4km or so. A smaller dam but nonetheless gorgeous scenery and plenty space for a picnic. There is a car park as well if not up to the walk
Amazing place for a walk. Go to the visitor centre nearby and get a free map of the lakes area, and specific walks too. We visited on a stunning August day and the photos reflect this, but I bet its still stunning in the middle of winter. One interesting thing, look at my pics taken at the end of August (we were in the middle of a drought), and Christina Allen's photos and others taken a month earlier, the difference in the water levels is staggering. The people of Birmingham must be really thirsty!
very scenic! Has plenty of space to hike and bike.
