As spring arrives, the Elan Valley in mid-Wales invites explorers to discover its more challenging terrain with a new hill walking pack featuring eight carefully curated walks that venture into the valley’s lesser-known areas.

The Hill Walking packs were developed as part of the Elan Links scheme, a National Lottery Heritage funded project, led by Powys Ramblers, in collaboration with Welsh Water and the Elan Valley Trust. 

Graham Taylor of Powys Ramblers: “Powys Ramblers were pleased to work very closely with Welsh Water and the Elan Valley Trust to produce leaflets for new challenging walks. They are designed to encourage those who wish to spend a day in the hills to branch out and enjoy some of the hidden gems in the valley.”

The leaflets are available to purchase at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre for £8.95 or can be downloaded from the website. https://elan-valley.co.uk/walking-routes/ 

In addition to the new hill walking pack, Elan Valley is pleased to announce a selection of Easter activities for families and visitors.

The Easter Scavenger Trail will take place from April 10 to 28, inviting participants to explore Cnwch Woods and complete a scavenging quest for a prize. The trail follows the Blue Route Walk, is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and is expected to take approximately 40 minutes. 

The Epic Elan Easter Expedition, running from April 12 to 27 , offers an Easter egg hunt experience. Participants will follow directions on an expedition sheet, track down hidden Easter eggs using clues, and claim a prize upon completion. 

Dam Open Days will offer visitors the opportunity to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and ascend the central tower. Rangers will be present to answer questions. These self-guided tours provide an insight into the dam’s engineering and offer panoramic views from the central platform. 

Advance booking is recommended, either at the visitor centre or online. Full details at https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/dam-open-days/