Elan Valley - Garreg Ddu Reservoir
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This walk from the visitor centre joins the Elan Valley Trail, a linear path following the line of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. At intervals beside the reservoir you will see sculptural benches, created by artist Dominic Clare. The Foel Tower (Waymark 2) is the point at which the water is extracted from the reservoirs before starting its 120km journey to Birmingham by gravity.
Leaving the reservoirs we ascend over heather moorlands with a short detour to admire the view, before descending to the Elan Village built to replace the wooden 'navvies' village' that had housed all the workers whilst the dams were being built. A pleasant stroll through the village brings us to Cnwch Woods, an example of an ancient semi-natural oakwood and in 1965 designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The two turbine houses in front of the dam make use of the daily release of water to provide clean electricty which goes straight into the National Grid.
Wales - Mid Wales - Powys - Countryside
Features
Birds, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Wheelchairs, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Nature Trail, Play Area, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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