We are the Broxtowe Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Ralph M.
We are planning a weekend walking break in the Elan Valley in October 2026. The break will stay at the Elan Valley Lodge; this is a Victorian building that has been extensively adapted and renovated to offer excellent en-suite accommodation for up to 36 people, fantastic food and a warm welcome at the end of your walks with afternoon tea and homemade cakes.
The Elan Estate was formed over 100 years ago with the building of a series of spectacular reservoirs. Most of the 73 square miles is protected by EC and UK conservation directives with much of it designated as sites of special scientific interest. This creates an unrivalled walker’s paradise, a haven for wildlife in a beautiful setting away from the crowds.
The Lodge has a wide range of walks ranging from 4 to 12 miles or more, most include hills but nothing massive and they undertake to always take them slow and steady. If we can get more than 25 members attending we will have two guides and have exclusive use of the Lodge. The Lodge also provide safe routes for shorter self guided walks for any of the group that would prefer a more gentle option. We will discuss the options with the Lodge before we go to agree a walking programme that will attempt to satisfy everyone who goes and to make sure that the walks suit the needs of the club. The terrain is very varied with lakes, woodland, mountain and moors.
The weekend break will include:
3 nights’ bed and full breakfast in 12 twin en-suite, 2 single en-suite and 10 single rooms with shared en-suite facilities (2 bedrooms share 1 shower room).
Three days packed lunches with a wide selection of sandwich fillings.
Three course evening meals.
Tea and coffee throughout your stay with home made cake each afternoon.
Licensed honesty bar with selection of wines and beers.
Local guide who will plan the walks to suit your party and the weather conditions.
Three nights including three days walking £370 per person
Based on the response we have made a provisional booking that is going to be held for three weeks. To confirm the booking we will need a £30 per person non-refundable deposit, the balance is then payable before our stay. If anyone drops out we are welcome to refill their place and transfer the deposit. If this is not possible their deposit is forfeited.
Cycling
The Elan Valley has an extensive network of bridleways and rideable trails which which allow cyclists to ride the trails in a beautiful setting away from the crowds. The lodge has bike washing facilities and there are maps showing the area. If a group member wanted to bring a suitable bike they would be welcome to do so. They would be responsible for organising their own rides and maintenance (although there are facilities in the village and the Lodge have said they would advise).
Bird Watching
The Elan Valley Lodge backs directly onto the RSPB’s Carngafallt Nature Reserve. This is an area of ancient wood pasture with veteran trees and oak-dominated Celtic rainforest, rising through hay meadows and other grassland habitats to the upland heath and moor.
Elan Valley Lodge Elan Village, Rhayader, Powys. LD6 5HP.
