This 7 and a half mile route from the breathtaking Caban Coch dam to the welsh market town of Rhayader is a great walk for all the family and can include lunch or a pub stop half way to fuel the return.
What to expect
The terrain on this one is very solid being a tarmac path majority of the way with a little riverside walking just downstream of the dam, bikes also use much of this path so keep an eye out for them whizzing up behind you.
There is a beautiful little dipping spot in the river, just down from the children’s park in Rhayader, you will see it to the right as you cross the bridge into town, so remember your swimming things if this is something you fancy.
Getting there & parking
Park at the Elan Valley visitor centre, LD6 5HP, all day parking is £3. There is also free parking just above the dam, for those who don’t mind the extra climb.
The route
Starting in the visitor centre car park, head across the bridge and turn left to follow the river downstream. You’ll cross the bridge and join a tarmac footpath along the roadside for a short while before heading into the woods. This path takes you all the way into Rhayader where you can stop for lunch or a drink before retracing your footsteps and heading back the way you came.
Tips & what to bring
Remember swimwear if you think you might want a swim / paddle in the river at Rhayader. Its a beautiful walk and the visitor centre has some great information on the dams for those interested including a short film you can watch, we really enjoyed this.
Eat & drink nearby
You can get great coffee from Narrative and the food at Lamb & flag was just what we needed, both are in Rhayader. There are also refreshments available at the visitor centre although we didn’t have anything here.
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