Walk inside a Victorian dam!
Don't miss an exclusive chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam and up the central tower. One of our rangers will be on hand to answer all your questions so don't be shy...
These short self-guided tours are a perfect addition to your day's itinerary at Elan Valley. Walk through the dam at your own pace, before emerging onto the central platform where you’ll enjoy a bird's-eye view of the dam wall – and learn about the feat of engineering that made Elan.
Booking ahead recommended, either online or from the Visitor Centre shop. Please bring the receipt from the shop if you buy on the day. We can take walk ins at the dam, but you must have the correct change for your party (£5 per adult, £1 per child).
Park at Penbont car park and take a walk through the woodland, up the steps to the dam entrance. The walk from the car park will take between 10-20 minutes.
If you feel that the access through the woodland to the dam is not suitable for yourself/a member of your party, please speak to a member of staff at the lower car park. They will be able to direct you if appropriate to a small space at the top of the dam that allows easier access, which has fewer steps and is closer to the dam.
Please be aware that you may have to wait outside the dam before entering. There are a number of steps to get to the dam, which can be uneven and muddy. The steps inside the dam may be wet and in some areas there are low light levels and narrow corridors. Children should be carefully supervised at all times. Well behaved dogs are welcome on short leads.
Entry is £5 for adults and £1 for those aged 18 and under with half of all proceeds going to our chosen charity WaterAid. Babies do not need a ticket.
Refunds: there will be no refunds issued to bookings made on the day. If you need to rearrange your booking to another time/date due to unforeseen circumstances then this may be possible, depending on availability.
Car Park Grid Reference: SN 914 673
Note - please don't use the postcode LD6 5HP as this covers much of the Elan Valley estate.
Arrive at the car park and follow the red arrows to walk to the dam within your chosen slot - you don't have to arrive on the hour/half hour.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the dam, you can enter and walk through the corridor at your own pace before emerging onto the central platform and enjoy the view, ask the ranger any questions you have or have a look at the construction photos.
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4.6
See what people are saying about Elan Valley Visitor Centre.
18 days ago
Didn't stat there long as I was riding my bike, but the cafe and visitor centre were very good. Free parking for 60mins, food was varied and the cakes were delicious. A good place to stop if you're in the area.
Chris McEvoy
23 days ago
Stunning views around the Dam - visitor centre had good facilities and you can walk up to the top of the dam - steps initially moving in to an uneven, but quite doable, path.
Jacqui O'Rouke
24 days ago
I’m reviewing the bike ride…. I started off at Rhayader village at the official start of the trail. An amazing and fairly easy going route passed the dams and reservoirs. Near the end it’s quite steep and I had to have a ...
g t
a month ago
Great cycle hire. Clean toilets. Good little cafe and gift shop. Tourist centre has maps and walks. 2 teenagers hired bikes and we walked around 2 dams. V interesting and picturesque. Beautiful scenery once you got up to ...
Nickie Ward
a month ago
Beautiful area, well worth a visit. £3 parking reasonable. Great for cycling, a specific path off the road.
Louis
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