Day 1

Basing ourselves again at Clyro, Dave & Tav arrived on a sunny Sunday evening and enjoyed a barbecue before setting out the next Morning for Rhayader and the Elan Valley.

Parking at the visitor centre and noting the cafe for later, we set out along the cycle track heading away from the impressive damn of Caban-coch reservoir. The cycle track made for a relatively flat warm up, but all too soon it was time to leave it behind, cross the road we had come in on, and start heading steeply uphill. Crossing another minor road we headed up through woodland and then out onto bleak open moorland as we traversed steadily uphill to Bwlch Croesnewydd.

The wind had got up now and it was blustery, and although the forecast had suggested rain later in the day it appeared to have arrived earlier than expected. From Bwlch Croesnewydd we followed a path towards the distinctive rocky outcrop of Crugyn Ci and a trig point. The views when the rain was sweeping in were impressive but it was time to leave behind the moors and head downhill back towards the reservoir.

Thankfully as we descended the rain passed and the day brightened. We crossed the water below the damn at Penygarreg, and followed the track and footpaths along the far bank of the Garage-ddu reservoir. This was a lovely stretch of woodland walking with regular views of the water below.

Eventually we reached the impressive multi arched bridge that crosses back to the other side of the reservoir and the cycle track back to the visitor centre. A beautiful scenic days walking.

Day 2

A shorter walk through the Begwyn Hills to the roundabout. Relatively low level but with truly stunning views of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.