The Watford and Three Rivers Ramblers enjoyed a four night stay at the Lodge. The trip started with a 5 mile circular walk from Rhayader to the confluence of the Elan and the Wye on Friday afternoon. Saturday offered two walks, starting off together, the shorter walkers circumnavigated Caban Coch whilst the more adventurous went as far as Claerwen Dam. Sunday saw the faster group heading up Drygarn Fawr, whilst the lower level group went from Craig Goch to Cwmdeuddwr and back to the Elan Village. Monday saw the whole group set off for Cruggan Ci and then down to Penygarreg Dam, some returned by the trail, others were waylaid by Penbont Tea Rooms whilst the focused followed the path down the west side of Garreg Ddu. Spectacular bluebells will be a lasting memory of the weekend.

Enjoying a sunny tea break with a view!

30 members of the Macclesfield group of the RSPB came for a weekend of birding in the Elan Valley. Unfortunately the glorious weather of the Easter weekend had turned wild and the birds were keeping their heads down! Fortunately Sunday was brighter and concluded a successful weekend in spite of the weather.

The Red Cross brought a multi-cultural group to the Lodge as part of the Elan Links project. http://tircoed.org.uk/elan-retreats They took part in bushcraft and canoeing activities and had a tour of the valley with Fiona, the education ranger from Welsh Water. https://www.elanvalley.org.uk/visit/school-visits/educational-programme

Seven Air Cadets from London wing enjoyed spectacular conditions for their training expedition over Easter weekend. Well prepared for wet and windy conditions the need for sun cream and loads of hydration were the biggest challenges of the trip.

A hardy bunch from Leek Ramblers enjoyed some fine weather for a March walking weekend.

“On behalf of the members from Leek Ramblers Group who attended the fabulous weekend with you at Elan Valley Lodge from Friday 22nd March to Sunday 24th March.  We would like to thank you and all staff for the excellent food that catered for everyone’s needs, clean accommodation and warm welcome we received from you all. Special thanks go to Steve for his knowledge of the area and for providing us with two scenic walks that were very much appreciated.

The weather was very kind to us as well that enabled us to see the Elan Valley under the most favourable circumstances and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Elan Valley Lodge to our members.” Kathy & Suzanne.

Photos below by Geoff Preston.

We may have got slightly carried away with the redecorating this year! Gone is one of the break out rooms adjoining the conference room, with the space adding nearly 50% to the main useable area of the main training room. Not only is it larger but the sizeable west facing window that was part of the break out room has brightened the main room significantly. We look forward to welcoming you to this new training area.