FIFTEEN members of The Westbury Walkers travelled to the Elan Valley near Rhayader, mid-Wales on the 3rd September for a weekend of walking in this most beautiful but less-well-known part of mid-Wales.
Paddy Yerburgh reports: “We stayed at Elan Valley Lodge, a former school that was built for the children of the families involved in the construction of the series of dams and reservoirs on the River Elan and its tributary, Claerwen to provide water for Birmingham.
“Those on the River Elan were completed by 1904 to form 3 reservoirs and one on the Claerwen in 1952 which was opened by Elizabeth II and was one of her first public engagements as Queen. The resulting scenery is not unlike the English Lake District on a smaller scale and without the crowds.
“The Walkers set out on the first day for an 8.5 mile walk which comprised a series of steep climbs totalling nearly about 1,800 feet and steep descents around Caban-coch reservoir and through woodland and open moorland. They were led by Steve who was very knowledgeable on the area and gave them detailed descriptions of the incredible work involved in the construction of the dams and other places of interest.
“The water levels were unusually low due to the long period of dry weather but one dam at the upper end of the reservoir could still be seen with water thundering over the top of it. It made an interesting place to stop for lunch.
“On the Sunday, the group were treated to a very bumpy ride in land rovers up narrow roads to the start of the second walk of just over five miles which was more gentle and took us over wide open moorland which provided far reaching views across much of mid Wales. Red kites were a common sight as they took advantage of the thermals to aid their flight.”
“Although it is an area that does experience high rainfall the walkers enjoyed warm and dry weather during their stay and are already planning to go back in a couple of years for the fifth time.”
The following Sunday twelve walkers, including four guest walkers, set out on an eight-mile walk led and reported by Phillip Lock.
“Starting from Avebury car park on a bright Sunday morning the group walked east up a long incline until the Ridgeway was met. Crossing over this the group walked through Overton Down and Fyfield Down past many sarsen stones of different sizes. Turning right a long downhill path led to North Farm and the A4.
“Crossing this, a short walk led to West Overton church and lunch was had in the peaceful churchyard. After lunch, the group walked through West Overton to East Kennet past the very impressive East Kennet House. The path then led to West Kennet and across the fields with the Long Barrow on our right on the ridge. Crossing the A4 again and walking past Silbury Hill we were soon back in the car park.”
