Holiday in the Heart of the Elan Valley

Elan Valley Events 2016 - 2017

Ymddiriedolaeth Cwm Elan

Elan Valley Trust www.elanvalley.org.uk Welcome

Across the 72 square miles of the Estate you will find stunning scenery complemented by the wonder of Victorian dams and reservoirs. It is a haven for nature and wildlife. There are endless opportunities for walking and cycling. Reason enough to enjoy Elan but for added inspiration enjoy our Guide to the many events we arrange throughout the year which we hope will encourage your return to Elan Valley time after time.

Enjoy!

Dark skies photos by Nigel A Ball Photography | www.nigelaball.com

2 International Dark Sky Park

In 2015 the Elan Valley Estate was awarded International Dark Sky Park status in recognition of our ‘exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated’. The spectacular images you see here show another dimension to the beauty of the Estate. Of course we think it is equally spectacular during daylight hours, whatever the season and whatever the weather.

Planetarium Show & Jupiter Observation 2 April 4pm-8pm Join Aberystwyth University Astronomers and be taken on a celestial journey of what’s in the Dark Skies in the forthcoming months with their Planetarium Shows. If skies permit, there will be a telescopic observation session of Jupiter and other celestial sights. International Dark Sky Week 4 to 10 April 10am-5pm In celebration of International Dark Sky Week, pop into the Visitor Centre to discover displays about Elan Valley’s International Dark Sky Park award and Dark Sky coverage throughout Wales. Astronomy Watch: Mercury 9 May 12-4.30pm See the transit of Mercury across the Sun. Safely observe this event through Hydrogen Alpha and White light telescopes at the Visitor Centre. If cloudy, we’ll link into web feeds around the world.

International Solar SUNday 26 June 10am-4pm In conjunction with Aberystwyth University, observe and learn about our nearest star. With Planetarium shows during the day at the Visitor Centre, this will be a real SUNday celebration. Astrophotography from Elan Valley Astronomy October to December 2016 10am-4pm Elan Valley Astronomers share astro images they’ve captured through the camera lens and telescopes. Planetarium Show & Outer Planet Observation 29 October 4pm-8pm Join Aberystwyth University Astronomers and be taken on a celestial journey of what’s in the Dark Skies in the forthcoming months with their Planetarium Shows. If skies permit, there will be a telescopic observation session of the Outer Planets and other celestial sights. Astronomy Day 26 February 2017 10am-4pm In conjunction with Aberystwyth University and neighbouring International Dark Sky sites, enjoy talks, displays and Planetarium shows at the Visitor Centre.

www.elanvalley.org.uk 3 Young Adventurers

2016 is the ‘Year of Adventure’ in Wales, a campaign to encourage us all to do something adrenalin-packed and with a real sense of personal challenge. There is plenty of opportunity to do just that at Elan Valley. Here’s a little inspiration for the intrepid adventurers in your family.

Please book all events in this column Outdoor Activity Days in advance on 01597 810880. No unaccompanied children please. Swing in the treetops, hit the water or try your hand at archery on one of our Easter Egg Scramble outdoor activity days. For bookings call 25, 26, 27 & 28 March 10am-4pm 01597 811143 or online at An Easter Treasure Hunt for the whole family www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk. around the Visitor Centre and Cnwch Wood - work together for your chance to win an Archery Taster Sessions Easter Egg! No booking necessary, come 24 July 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and join in the fun! Hour-long sessions to try your hand at archery. £5 per adult, children £3, minimum Dragons & Damsels age of 8 years and no unaccompanied 3 June, 19 July, 29 July, 10, 25, 31 August, children. Please wear long sleeves. Meet at 2pm -3.30pm map ref. I. A fun afternoon of pond dipping - suitable for all the family. Booking is essential - only High Ropes Challenge 20 places available. Meet at map ref. P. 27 July, 3, 10, 17 August 9.30am-12.30pm Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, a Bug Hunt zip line and an adrenalin jump – all in a 3 August 2pm-4pm stunning setting alongside Caban Coch Become a bug hunter for the afternoon, Reservoir. You don’t need experience or to explore our Wildlife Garden and discover be super fit. You must be over 10 years old more about the fascinating world of and 1.4m tall; weigh less than 20 stone and minibeasts. Suitable for all the family. have a waist of less than 43”. You will also need transport, stout shoes and appropriate Blast-Off! Bottle Rockets clothing. £20 per adult and children 17 August 10am-3pm £12.50. Join the Elan Space Agency at the Visitor Centre to design, manufacture and launch Kayaking on the Reservoir your own rocket. Only £2 for your rocket 27 July, 3, 10, 17 August 1.30pm-4.30pm materials. Hit the water and get a different view of the Valley from a two person canoe or kayak. Spooky Spectacular Halloween Crafts Learn how to paddle, head off around the 28 October 10.30am-12.30pm reservoir in the company of your instructor, and 1.30pm-3.30pm and learn all about the history of the Come along and make your own scary dams during your rest breaks. Suitable for accessories in time for Halloween. £3 per beginners and those with some experience. child. Min age 8 yrs, max weight 18st. You’ll need transport, light shoes, appropriate clothing, a complete change of clothes, and a towel. £15 per adult and children £10.

4 School Trips

We love to welcome school visits. With our history, landscapes and wildlife there is so much fun and learning we can offer your class. Visits are free of charge. Our Education Ranger, Fiona, will be pleased to work with you to plan a visit to remember. [email protected]

www.elanvalley.org.uk 5 6 Elan Walking Festival Railway Ramble 8 September 10am-12pm 3 - 11 September 2016 A gentle three mile walk following the line of the old railway to Cwmdauddwr, looking at Join us for the second Elan Walking historical features of interest along the way. A Festival this September. We have a great lift back to the Visitor Centre will be available variety of walks for all abilities over nine afterwards. Meet at map ref. A. days. For more information or to book any of the walking events please ring the Medieval Monks’ Trod 9 September 10am-2.30pm Visitor Centre on 01597 810880. A six mile high-level hill walk with just a 150m ascent, following in the footsteps of the Cwm Elan Mines Experience Cistercian Monks. Meet at map ref. A. 3 September 10am Join Elan Valley Trustee Bob Vaughan on a Walk the Solar System five mile circular walk to explore the history 9 September 6pm and remains of the Cwm Elan Mines. Meet at Walk the equivalent of our Solar System - map ref. G. approx. 3,720,000,000 miles! (2 easy earth miles). Join Elan Valley’s “astro rangers” to Garreg Ddu Roundabout learn about our Solar System. A level walk 4 September 10am-4pm along the flat cycle path to the Foel Tower and Complete the Garreg Ddu roundabout with back. Estimated return time around 7.30pm. Max Walker. A moderately strenuous nine mile This may not be suitable for younger children. walk taking in enclosed farmland, open hill and Meet at map ref. C. reservoir fringe. Bring a packed lunch. Meet at map ref. A. Around about the Common 10 September 10am A circular eight mile moderate hill walk led by Navigation Workshop Tudor Davies. Explore parts of Cwmdauddwr 5 September 10am-3pm Common and the Wye Valley boundary of the Join Terry Smith a Mid Wales Orienteering Elan Estate with spectacular views through the Club member for a hands-on day of map valleys. Meet at map ref. N. and compass reading. With both theory and practical application this workshop will What’s that bee? improve your understanding of maps and 10 September 1pm-3pm access to the countryside. Meet at map ref. A. Take a walk along the Y Foel track with Janice to learn about bees and how to identify them, Dambusters Walk looking at both bumblebees and solitary bees. 6 September 2pm-5pm Meet at map ref. M. A 4 mile guided walk to learn about the area, including the remains of Nant y Gro Dam which Village Tour was used for tests before the WW2 Dambusters 10 September 2pm-3.30pm Raid. There is a steep climb of 40m up the Learn about the history of Caban Coch Dam, steps to the top of the dam and then a very the workers’ village and other stories on this steep 140m climb. Meet at map ref. A. easy one mile walk. Meet at map ref. A.

The Foel Experience 7 September 10am Bronze Age Elan Valley Guided energetic seven mile walk led by Tudor 11 September 10am–4pm Davies This circular hill walk visits ‘Y Foel’ cairn Join local enthusiast David James for this and passes the highest farmhouse ruins on moderately strenuous five mile circular hill walk the Elan Estate whilst exploring the open hills looking at Bronze Age sites on the north eastern above Y Foel and taking in the great valley fringe of the Elan Estate. Bring a packed lunch. views. Meet at map ref. M. No dogs please. Meet at map ref. O.

www.elanvalley.org.uk 7 Dam Open Days 1pm-4pm on 31 March, 17 April, 31 May, 27 July, 23 August, 4 September, 26 October Join our Rangers at one of our big Dam Open Days - an exclusive chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central tower. You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the dam wall – and learn about the feat of engineering that made Elan Valley. Park at Penbont car park and take a walk through the woodland, up the steps to the dam entrance. Meet at map ref. B.

There are steps inside the dam which may be wet and in some areas there are low light levels. Children should be carefully supervised at all times. Minimum donation £1 for adults and children. All proceeds go to our chosen charity - WaterAid.

Dam Patrol 9.30am-1pm on 2 June, 20 August, 15 October Join our Dam Inspector on a regular patrol to learn about the history and monitoring of our dams and reservoirs. Booking essential 01597 810880. www.elanvalley.org.uk Did you know? We can also host weddings within Pen y Garreg dam. Get in contact on 01597 810880 to enquire further.

8 Events 2016 - 17

We reserve the right to change or cancel events. Other events may be organised after this guide is printed. For further details please check the website. Due to the changeable environment please ensure that you bring stout footwear and waterproof clothing for all walks. We advise you to bring drink/ suitable clothing/ sun cream/ insect repellent on all walks.

MARCH 3 WaterAid Awareness Day MAY 10am-3pm. Find out what WaterAid does in developing 5 Rhayader Round the Lakes 1 Dawn Chorus Race countries to provide safe 6.30am-8.30am. Celebrate 20 or 5 mile race around the drinking water and sanitation. International Dawn Chorus reservoirs plus Kids race. For All money raised on site goes Day! Set your alarm clocks and registration and start details to support projects in Uganda. join a local bird expert for a visit: www.rhayaderac.org.uk stroll through Cnwch woodland 4 10 International Dark discovering birdsong. Please Sky Week 25 26 27 28 Easter Egg book in advance. Scramble 10am-5pm. (see page 3) 10am-4pm (see page 4) 2 Evening Dog Walk & Light 10 Skills Workshop for Supper Watercolour Landscapes 27 Elan Valley Rail, Drovers 5pm. Join Annette Davies for and Quarry Tracks 10am-4pm. Professional an evening stroll of approx 3.5 9.30am–5pm (NB BST artist and tutor David Ward miles with your canine friend. begins today) Join Elan Valley will give you a unique creative On your return there is the Trustee, Andrew Leonard on an experience in this one day option to stop for refreshments energetic 12.5 mile walk A joint workshop. You’ll learn how at Penbont tearooms. Charges walk with the Brecon Beacons to paint, how to mix colours will apply for refreshments. Park Society. Please bring a and how to compose your Dogs on leads please. Meet at packed lunch. No dogs please. landscape painting. Some map ref. B. Meet at map ref. A. equipment will be available to loan. Places are limited so 8 Birdwatching Safari please book. £30 per person, 31 Dam Open Day 9.30am-1pm. A tour of the payable in advance. 1pm-4pm (see page 8) Estate with a birdwatching expert. Please bring binoculars 17 Dam Open Day if you have them and suitable APRIL 1pm-4pm (see page 8) clothing/footwear for some short walks. Bookings in 2 Village Tour 24 Watercolour Landscapes advance. 2pm-3.30pm. Learn about the through the Seasons history of Caban Coch Dam, 10am-4pm. Once again, 8 Nature Journaling the workers’ village and other professional artist and Workshop stories on this easy one mile tutor David Ward will take 10am-4pm. Keeping a nature walk. you step-by-step through journal is a great way to these important watercolour observe, record and appreciate 2 Planetarium Show & techniques in this one day the natural world around us. Jupiter Observation workshop. Some equipment will The tutor is Claire Ward who is 4pm-8pm (see page 3) be available to loan. Places are a local artist. Places are limited. limited so please book. £30 £35 per person, payable in per person, payable in advance. advance.

All events written in blue are held or start at the Events marked in green are run by the Elan Elan Valley Visitor Centre unless otherwise stated. Valley Trust. To book or for more info call 01597 To book or for more info call 01597 810880. 810449 or email [email protected]

Events marked in Purple are run by the For further details please check the website: local Community. www.elanvalley.org.uk

www.elanvalley.org.uk 9 9 Astronomy watch: Mercury Elan Estate. Concludes with an 31 Dam Open Day 12pm-4.30pm (see page 3) optional celebratory visit to the 1pm-4pm (see page 8) Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse. 11 5k Series A joint walk with the Brecon 6.30pm. First of the 5k Series Beacons Park Society. Meet at JUNE organised by the Rhayader map ref. D. 2 Runners. 1 mile children’s race Dam Patrol starting at 7pm and the 5k race 22 Bird watching Safari 9.30am-1pm. (see page 8) starting at 7.30pm. For more 9.30am-1pm. A tour of the 3 information www.rhayaderac. Estate with a birdwatching Dragons & Damsels org.uk. Registration from expert. Please bring binoculars 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) 6.30pm at map ref. C. if you have them and suitable 4 clothing/footwear for some Dambusters Walk 14 Woodland Birds short walks. Bookings in 2pm-5pm. A 4 mile guided 9am–11am. Enjoy a stroll advance. walk to learn about the area, through the woodland with including the remains of Nant experienced bird watcher 25 5k Series y Gro Dam which was used Janice Vincett. Please bring 6.30pm. 1 mile children’s race for tests before the WW2 binoculars if you have them. starting at 7pm and the 5k race Dambusters Raid. There is a Please book. Meet at map ref. B. starting at 7.30pm. For more steep climb up the steps to the information www.rhayaderac. top of the dam and then a very steep 140m climb. 14 Colour and Texture in org.uk. At map ref. C. Machine Embroidery Workshop 4 Pont ar Elan Show 10am-4pm. Use your sewing 28 29 Spring Craft Fayre machine to create a small 10am-4pm. Our Visitor Centre 1pm. Annual dog show with picture – landscape, rocks, is packed with over 20 local hound, terrier and lurcher bark etc. Some experience crafters and artists. Parents classes plus classes for useful, but not essential. ‘Fancy’ browse at your leisure thanks to whippets, spaniels, sheepdogs machine not necessary – basic our children’s craft table. and any other breed & child is fine. Places are limited so handler. Ring 01597 811299 for please book in advance. £30 28 Howey Hedgehog Rescue more details. Map ref. E. per person, payable in advance. 11am-3pm. Join Howey Hedgehog Rescue’s Elaine 8 5k Series 15 Birdwatching Safari and Nigel to see what goes on 6.30pm. 1 mile children’s race 9.30am-1pm. A tour of the behind the scenes during a starting at 7pm and the 5k race Estate with a birdwatching hedgehog rescue. Learn how starting at 7.30pm. For more expert. Please bring binoculars to care for our prickly hogs and information www.rhayaderac. if you have them and suitable how to improve our gardens for org.uk. At map ref. C. clothing/footwear for some wildlife. short walks. Bookings in 12 National Moth Night 9.30am. Join Sorcha Lewis, advance. 29 Bird watching Safari 9.30am-1pm. A tour of the local wildlife enthusiast, in 21 Gorllwyn and Drygarn Fawr Estate with a birdwatching checking the morning moth 9.30am–5pm Join Elan Valley expert. Please bring binoculars traps to discover the moths of Trustee, Andrew Leonard, on if you have them and suitable the Elan Valley. Meet at map his final guided walk. This 12.5 clothing/footwear for some ref. D. mile strenuous walk will take short walks. Bookings in in the varied terrain of the advance. 19 What’s that Vole? Elenydd, including Drygarn 10am-12pm. Spend a Fawr the highest point on the couple of hours with Sorcha

Events marked in Purple are run by the For further details please check the website: local Community. www.elanvalley.org.uk

10 on an Elan Valley hill farm 9 Botanical Safari moderate terrain. Meet at Teifi learning all about water voles. 9.30am-1pm. A botanical Pools grid reference SN794 Suitable for all the family safari to learn about the plants 680. Any doubts call the Trust but please book in advance and wildflowers of the Elan Office. on 01597 811533 or email: Valley. Bring suitable clothing/ radnorshiremammalgroup@live. footwear as there will be short 24 Cairns and White Pillars com. Meet at map ref. F. walks. Please book in advance. 10am–5pm. A challenging 10- mile walk led by Richard Tyler, 26 Magical Moths, Beautiful 14 Penglaneinon Shearing Day taking in the highest point on Bees and Discovering Dragons 2pm-4pm Join the annual the Elan Estate: Drygarn Fawr. 10am–12.30pm. Join local shearing where you can Bring a packed lunch and all wildlife guides Sorcha and witness modern and traditional dogs on leads. Book: 01597 Janice to celebrate ‘National shearing. Refreshments on site. 811017. Meet at map ref. D. Insect Week’. You will have the Weather dependant. No dogs opportunity to learn the skills please. Map ref. H. 24 Archery Taster Sessions required to seek out some 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. of our truly fascinating insect 15 All is a flutter and aglow! (see page 4) species. Meet at map ref. D. 8pm. Sorcha Lewis will be on hand to show you how 24 Nature and Botanical 26 International Solar SUNday wonderful and exciting the Painting Workshop 10am-4pm. (see page 3) world of bats is. Please bring 10am-4pm. This one day torches. Meet at map ref. G. workshop is an introduction JULY into observing and recording 16 Archaeological Picnic nature’s details in pencil and 11am. Bring your picnic for watercolours. All skill levels are 3 Silver Jewellery Workshop a spot of lunch within the welcome. Places are limited so 10am-4.30pm. Spend the archaeological landscape. please book. £35 per person, day learning traditional silver Experts will be on hand to payable in advance. The tutor is jewellery-making techniques. explain the surroundings. Claire Ward who is a local artist. No previous experience Suitable for all the family. Map necessary. All tools and ref. E. 27 Dam Open Day materials provided. Places 1pm-4pm (see page 8) are limited so please book. 17 Dambusters Walk £60 per person, payable 2pm-5pm. A 4 mile guided 27 Outdoor Activity Days in advance, plus materials walk to learn about the area, High ropes 9.30am-12.30pm cost approximately £5- £20, including the remains of Nant Kayaking 1.30pm-4.30pm payable on the day. Led by Joy y Gro Dam which was used (see page 4) Powell, a local jewellery maker. for tests before the WW2 Dambusters Raid. There is a 29 Dragons & Damsels 3 Crazy about Coronation steep climb up the steps to the 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) Meadows top of the dam and then a very 2pm–5pm (approx). Join steep 140m climb. 31 Village Tour local wildlife guide and farmer 2pm-3.30pm. Learn about the Sorcha Lewis to discover the 19 Dragons & Damsels history of Caban Coch Dam, beauty of the Elan Valley hay 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) the workers’ village and other meadows. There is a short stories on this easy one mile walk through the forestry on a 20 Farm Flower Frenzy walk. steady incline, approx. 5 mile 10am-12.30pm. Visit a working round trip. Meet at map ref. G. hill farm for a laid back approach to exploring the AUGUST 6 Wildflowers – their Folklore diversity of wildflowers. Meet at and uses Outdoor Activity Days map ref. F. 3 7pm–8.30pm. Join Sorcha High ropes 9.30am-12.30pm to learn about some of the Kayaking 1.30pm-4.30pm 23 Life, War and Death beautiful wild flowers found (see page 4) 11am. Join TRYSOR for an here in the Elan Valley. Meet at archaeological walk. Route map ref. F. 3 Bug hunt approximately 5miles across 2pm-4pm (see page 4)

www.elanvalley.org.uk 11 7 Pet Show both bumblebees and solitary 6 Dambusters Walk 2.30pm. Bring along your pets bees. Please book. Meet at 2pm-5pm (see page 7) to our annual Pet Show in the map ref. C. Visitor Centre. Please book 7 The Foel Experience in your pets beforehand on 23 Dam Open Day 10am. (see page 7) 01597 810390. Judging from 1pm-4pm (see page 8) 2.30pm. Sorry no dogs, ferrets 8 Railway Ramble or birds. Entry fee 50p per pet. 25 Dragons & Damsels 10am-12pm (see page 7) 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) 10 Outdoor Activity Days 9 Medieval Monks’ Trod High ropes 9.30am-12.30pm 29 Elan Valley Show 10am-2.30pm (see page 7) Kayaking 1.30pm-4.30pm Join locals and visitors for (see page 4) a bank holiday afternoon of 9 Walk the Solar System family fun and entertainment 6pm (see page 7) 10 Dragons & Damsels at the local agricultural show 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) and sports. Show enquiries call: 10 Around about the Common 01597 811306. Map ref. L. 10am (see page 7) 13 Elan Valley Sheepdog Trials 8am. Local shepherds 31 Dragons & Damsels 10 What’s that bee? compete to find the champion 2pm-3.30pm (see page 4) 1pm-3pm (see page 7) sheepdog. All day event. Enquiries to Eira Edwards 31 Living in the Hills – a 10 Village Tour 01597 810721. Map ref. K. summer evening stroll 2pm-3.30pm (see page 7) 6.30pm–8.30pm Join Sorcha 13 From the Elan to the Lewis for an evening ramble 11 Bronze Age Elan Valley Claerwen of approx. 2.5 miles with a 10am-4pm (see page 7) 9.30am. Join local shepherd gradual incline through the Tudor Davies for this energetic woods onto the open hill to 17 WaterAid Awareness Day 9 mile circular walk. Bridge the take in the spectacular views of 10am-3pm. Find out what landscape between the Elan the Elan Valley. Bring suitable WaterAid does in developing and Claerwen Valleys. Contact insect repellent. Meet at map countries to provide safe Tudor on 01597 811299. Meet ref. F. drinking water and sanitation. at map ref. J. All money raised on site goes to support projects in Uganda. 17 Outdoor Activity Days SEPTEMBER High ropes 9.30am-12.30pm WALKING FESTIVAL OCTOBER Kayaking 1.30pm-4.30pm 3 - 11 September 2016 (see page 4) See events below 2 Wildlife Tracking 2pm-3.30pm. Meet at Dol 17 Blast-Off! Bottle Rockets 3 Cwm Elan Mines Experience y Mynach layby to help our 10am-3pm (see page 4) 10am (see page 7) Rangers discover the videos captured on our wildlife camera 20 Dam Patrol 4 Garreg Ddu Roundabout traps. Please book in advance. 9.30am-1pm. (see page 8) 10am-4pm (see page 7) Meet at map ref. P. 20 What’s that bee? 4 Dam Open Day 3 Crash! Bang! Wallop! Silver 1pm-3pm. Take a walk along 1pm-4pm (see page 8) Jewellery Workshop the Elan Valley Trail with Janice 10am-4.30pm. Learn how to Vincett to learn about bees and 5 Navigation Workshop create unusual jewellery and how to identify them, looking at 10am-3pm. (see page 7) other items in sterling silver

Events marked in Purple are run by the For further details please check the website: local Community. www.elanvalley.org.uk

12 using traditional skills. All tools 26 Dam Open Day JANUARY 2017 & materials provided. Places 1pm-4pm (see page 8) are limited so book in advance. 7 Reservoir Roundabout 2017 £60 per person, payable in 28 Spooky Spectacular Annual walking (or running) advance, plus materials cost Halloween Crafts challenge event held across approximately £5-£20, payable 10.30am-12.30pm and open and difficult upland on the day. Led by Joy Powell, 1.30pm-3.30pm (see page 4) terrain in and around the Elan a local jewellery maker. and Claerwen Valleys. The route 29 Planetarium Show & Outer is waymarked but map reading 8 Fungi Foray Planet Observation skills are required. Either 13 or 2pm-5pm. A short walk to look 4pm-8pm (see page 3) 20 miles courses are available. at the fascinating world of fungi Contact: reservoir-roundabout@ with Ray Woods. NOVEMBER mail.com for entry forms and enquiries. Start at map ref. A. 15 Dam Patrol 9.30am-1pm. (see page 8) 19 Elan Valley 10 Mile Race 11am. Attempt this 10 mile scenic race around part FEBRUARY 2017 16 Wonder of Wool! of the Elan Valley. Race 10am–12.30pm. To celebrate 18 Build your own Nest Box National Wool week join Sorcha commencement at 1pm. Enquiries: www.rhayaderac.org. 11am-4pm. Celebrate National Lewis to try your hand at felting Nest Box week and build your some wool from local fleeces. uk. Registration from 11am at map ref. A. own box using Elan Valley Cost of £3.50 per person to timber. This is a family event, cover materials. Please book on no unaccompanied children 01597 810880. Map ref. A. DECEMBER please. Please book in advance.

22 23 Winter Craft Fayre Santa’s Grotto & 26 Astronomy Day 10am-4pm. Our Visitor Centre 17 18 24 Christmas Crafts 10am-4pm (see page 3) is packed with over 20 local 10am-4pm. Santa will be crafters and artists. Parents stopping by. browse at your leisure thanks to our children’s craft table. 28 Dambusters Walk 10am-1pm. A 4 mile guided 23 Howey Hedgehog Rescue walk to learn about the area, 11am-3pm. Join Howey including the remains of Nant Hedgehog Rescue’s Elaine y Gro Dam which was used and Nigel to see what goes on for tests before the WW2 Share your Elan! behind the scenes during a Dambusters Raid. There is a Show us your pictures hedgehog rescue. Learn how steep climb up the steps to the using #elanvalley to care for our prickly hogs and top of the dam and then a very how to improve our gardens for steep 140m climb. wildlife.

Exhibitions in the Visitor Centre

Artists in Residence Astrophotography from Elan Valley Astronomy May – June 10am-4pm October – December 10am-4pm See the Elan Valley through the eyes of artists Elan Valley Astronomers share astro images they’ve taking residence at Pen y Garreg cottage. A captured through the camera lens and telescopes. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Arts Council Wales collaboration. Elan Landscape Heritage Partnership January – March 2017 10am-4pm Rhayader Art Group Discover how the Heritage Lottery Fund has July – September 10am-4pm helped form partnerships to invest £3 million to Rhayader Art Group return by popular demand to conserve and enhance the Elan Estate and local showcase their collective local talent. communities.

www.elanvalley.org.uk 13 14 Holiday in the heart of the Elan Valley...

Exclusive accommodation within this fabulous Estate. Take in the peace and tranquility with spectacular scenery, reservoirs and dams right on your doorstep!

Enjoy peaceful, pet friendly holidays in this beautiful, unspoilt place with the choice of four self-catering properties and a Bed & Breakfast available:

Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse: ‘Hen Dy’ Tynllidiart Farmhouse: Sleeps 4 and (Upper) sleeps 4-6 and ‘Y Beudy’ (Lower) overlooks Garreg Ddu reservoir sleeps 3-5.

Penglaneinon Farmhouse: Sleeps 6 Penbont Tearooms and Bed and Breakfast with views across the Claerwen Valley situated below Pen y Garreg Dam

Self catering cottage accommodation owned and managed by the Elan Valley Trust.

T: 01597 810449 E: [email protected] W: www.elanvalley.org.uk/stay

15 To Cwmystwyth, Devil’s Bridge & Aberystwyth Key / Allwedd

Dams/ Argaeau Byways/ Cilffyrdd

P Parking/ Parcio Roads/ Ffyrdd

WC Toilets/ Tai bach Bridleways/ Llwybrau ceffyl

Visitor Centre Footpaths/ Llwybrau cerdded Canolfan Ymwelwyr Woodland/ Coetir Tearoom / Ystafell de Nantgwyllt Church Eglwys Nantgwyllt

Elan Valley Trail/ Llwybr Cwm Elan

Grid References for event start points:

A - Visitor Centre SN 928646

B - Penbont Car Park SN 916674 C - Caban Coch Car Park SN 924645 Craig Goch

D - Llannerch y Cawr Car Park SN 901616

E - Pont ar Elan SN 903716

F - Gwaelod y Rhos car park SN 902673

G - Nantgwyllt Church car park SN 909639

H - Penglaneinon SN 912627

I - Elan Village Green SN 935654

J - Craig Goch car park SN 895687

K – Frondorddu Farm SN 648658

L – Noyadd Farm SN 955666

M – Y Foel car park SN 914643

N – Penrhiw-wen SN 921706

O – Esgair Perfedd SN 929699

P – Dol y Mynach layby SN 904617

A nominal car parking charge applies for events starting at the Visitor Centre. Claerwen Codir ffi fechan am barcio ar gyfer digwyddiadau sy’n dechrau yn y Ganolfan Ymwelwyr. P 01597 810880 P [email protected] WC www.elanvalley.org.uk

Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HP To Cwmystwyth, Devil’s Bridge & Aberystwyth A470 Aberystwyth

To Rhayader

E P

A470

B4518 JI P WC Rhayader

Pen y Garreg

A44 P B B4518 Penbont P House F

I A470

WC Builth Wells C P A

Garreg Ddu P M Caban Coch

P P G Nant y Gro

H Elan Valley Visitor Centre

P WC D P P Dol y Mynach Canolfan Ymwelwyr