After the early morning rain the day cleared up to blue skies, so we
grabbed the opportunity to visit the Elan valley. The idea was to walk around
the Garreg Ddu reservoir, starting at the highest end.
The car park at Pen-y-garreg was empty and showing the result of the overnight
rain.
We parked up and set off up the road to the hairpin bend where we turned onto a
tarmacked drive
The drive contoured the side of the hill in some pine tree plantation, with
occasional views down the valley.
The sun made its way around the hills to light up the reservoir.
The drive ended when we reached the farm buildings of Tynllidiart. We walked
around the back and across some reedy fields.
The pasture fields ended as we crossed a boggy area on a board walk as we moved
into broad leaf forest.
The track wound around in the trees as well as up and down staying above the
high water mark.
The broad leaf trees ended for a while as we crossed a pasture area, however it
did give a good view of the bridge over the bottom end of the reservoir.
A diversion up the Nant Methan valley to cross the feeder stream. Back to the
shore and the path dropped close enough for Bertie to drop down for a swim
And also panoramic views of the reservoir.
Looking across to the bridge with the sun shining on the water, before picking
up a hardcore track around the southern arm of the reservoir
Arriving at the bridge looking over to the control tower.
Across the dam/ bridge and picking up the Elan Valley Way between the road and
the reservoir
The EVW follows what seems to be an old rail line alongside the reservoir, with
scattered benches and picnic tables.
At the end of the valley we could look up to the next dam of Penygarreg
reservoir. We had to drop down to the road as the EVW continued up to the next
reservoir.
Along the road was some tree sculptures in the remains of diseased larches, as
we walked around and over the bridge. We walked past the car park and back up
the hill to the tearoom at Penbont house for a lunchtime snack of tea and
cake.
Back down to the van and return to Steph's. However we did stop on the way, at the Caban-coch dam to take a few pictures.
