Trying to avoid soggy footpaths after the almost non-stop winter rains, we kept to quiet lanes and cycle paths for our first walk of 2020. Crossing the Elan River at Dol-Afallen Bridge, we followed the lane leading to Elan Village, where we passed patches of snowdrops, and looked across lichen covered trees in the valley towards the Water Treatment Works above the Visitor Centre.

Continuing towards the village the rain began to fall, but we were all well-prepared and it didn’t detract from our enjoyment of the walk.

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We passed old buildings and farmyards with muddy horses, and the birds were calling as we walked through the woods into the village. Continuing through the village the rain eased off. We re-crossed the Elan River, stopping to look at the old suspension bridge which is slowly rusting away.

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Our return journey took us along the road from the Visitor Centre on the other side of the River, where we passed the little Baptist Chapel, and continued along the cycle track back to Dol-Afallen Bridge. Despite the intermittent rain showers, everybody enjoyed the walk.