Caban Coch Dam – Elan Valley Walk
πŸ₯Ύ Mid Wales

Caban Coch Dam – Elan Valley Walk

🧑 Char & Ads πŸ“… July 11, 2026
πŸ“
1.3 Miles
Distance
⏱️
1 Hour
Duration
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Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
192 ft
Elevation
πŸ…ΏοΈ
Free
Parking
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Year round
Best Season
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On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Woodland path
Terrain
🚻
On the route
Toilets
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Best time to visit Best months: January to December
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Quieter / wet underfoot
Caban Coch Dam – Elan Valley Walk

This short walk in the Elan valley starting at Caban Coch Dam has amazing views for little effort. There are so many walks from here but if you want a quick stop off, this is the one to do.

Caban Coch Dam with only a little water blowing over
View down the river from Cabin Coch Dam

What to expect

This is an easy to follow route with great paths all around, making it a good option for year round walks. We visited during a dry spell so the water was contained in the dam but we can imagine how amazing it would look in winter. We will definitely be back to see that.

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This is a beautiful short walk but don’t be afraid to explore a little at the waters edge, theres a boardwalk that takes you down to the river before crossing the bridge with a round house in there, a great place for kids to explore.

Woodland trail
Old bridge over shallow river near Caban Coch Dam

Getting there & parking

Use postcode LD6 5HP to get to the lay-by parking. Go past the main visitor centre and the car park is to the right of the dam wall. If you would prefer to stay at river level you can park in the visitor centre for Β£3 all day.

The route

The walk begins at the top of the dam wall before descending into the valley, across the bridge and into woodland. At the bottom you cross the river again on a different bridge before heading up the other side.

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Old bridge over shallow river near Caban Coch Dam
View towards Caban Coch Dam with bridge below and reservoir buildings

Tips & what to bring

The walk in summer is beautiful but we imagine a winter walk to be special in a different kind of way, so don’t let the weather put you off visiting, especially after heavy rainfall.

Eat & drink nearby

You can get refreshments in the visitor centre or the town of Rhayader is only a short drive away, alternatively you could follow our Caban Coch Dam to Rhayader walk and get lunch in the village.

Narrative Coffee Shop, Rhayader ✦ NewCafe
A speciality coffee shop in the beautiful Welsh market town of Rhayader.
3.6 miles away View →
Amazing Burgers At The White Horse ✦ NewPub
Probably the best burgers in Builth Wells.
11.1 miles away View →
Cwtsh Cafe, Builth Wells ✦ NewCafe
An amazing selection of homemade cakes in Builth Wells serving big portions.
11.2 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

More walks near here

Elan Valley Visitor Centre To Rhayader – The Dragon Trail
Easy–Moderate πŸ“ 7.7 Miles ⏱ 4 Hours
0.3 miles away View →
Riverside Walk From Builth Wells – Wye Valley
Easy–Moderate πŸ“ 7.5 Miles ⏱ 4 Hours
11.1 miles away View →
See all walks →
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