On a crisp January morning fourteen of us set out from Dolafallen Bridge to walk to the Elan Village and Visitor Centre via the back lanes, returning along the cycle path. There was snow on the ground from a previous fall, which made the scenery even more spectacular than usual. Approaching the village, we passed the playing fields and then we walked beside the Elan River.

As we reached the end of the village, we came to the bridge which lies alongside the old bridge which is no longer in use.

Crossing the bridge, we made our way to the Visitor Centre and some of us ventured closer to the Caban Coch Dam, which was overflowing with a cascade of water, with the stone monuments in the foreground. Meanwhile, those who hadn’t risked the slippery road towards the dam had found a snowman to play with! The group reassembled, and before moving on we studied the poignant statue which stands at the entrance of the Centre.

Our return route along the road towards the cycle track allowed us to look back across the valley and the river to Elan village. Continuing along the track we walked past Bethania Baptist Chapel with its graveyard covered with snow. Further along, as we passed the Elan Valley Hotel we looked across the fields as we made our way back to Dolafallen Bridge and the start of our hike. A most enjoyable walk, in stunning scenery.