Deep in the Welsh countryside, the secluded Elan Valley is one of the most remote locations on the British Mainland and is famous for its scenic views, rugged landscapes and incredible night skies.
Situated towards the west of Rhayader in Powys, the Elan Valley is also famous for the series of dams, reservoirs and aqueduct that were built here during the 1890s and the early 1900s in order to provide the city of Birmingham with much needed clean water. Nowadays, the Elan Valley is now a private estate and these immense structures serve as a monument to this incredible feat of civil engineering located within an area of breathtaking natural beauty. The dams and reservoirs also protect the Elan Valley's diversity of natural habitats and thereby protecting all the flora and fauna.
The Elan Valley is also a designated 'International Dark Sky Park' which means it is an area of "land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment". It gained this status in 2015 and it means the entire valley is now protected against any form of light pollution. The status also provides sanctuary for the abundance of wildlife and nature which can be found by day or night here.
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