The best running trails around Claerwen Reservoir

There are nearly 20 dedicated running routes around Claerwen Reservoir, offering a variety of experiences. These routes are rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars, indicating their popularity and quality among runners.

The terrain around Claerwen Reservoir is quite varied, ranging from vast open moorland and rolling hills to quiet woodlands and upland bogs. You'll find a mix of paved surfaces and more challenging paths, providing diverse experiences for runners.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Craig Goch Dam – Elan Valley Reservoirs loop from Craig Goch Dam is a popular 6 km circular trail offering scenic views of the Elan Valley reservoirs.

The running trails around Claerwen Reservoir cater to various abilities. You'll find a good mix of moderate and difficult routes. There are 9 moderate trails and 8 difficult trails, ensuring options for both casual joggers and more experienced runners seeking a challenge.

Jogging around Claerwen Reservoir offers stunning views of the reservoir itself, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cambrian Mountains. You can also see impressive man-made attractions like the Claerwen Dam, the largest and most recently constructed dam in the Elan Valley, which features a viewing platform. Other Victorian dams like Craig Goch and Caban Coch are also prominent features on some routes.

Yes, for those looking for longer runs, routes like the Pen-y-Garreg Dam – View of Craig Goch Reservoir loop from Pen-y-Garreg Dam cover over 13 km and are rated as difficult, providing a substantial challenge. There's also a traffic-free track running for about 6 miles along the northern shore of Claerwen Reservoir, perfect for uninterrupted long-distance training.

While specific 'easy' jogging routes aren't listed, the area's diverse network of trails includes options that can be enjoyed by families. The traffic-free track along the northern shore of Claerwen Reservoir offers a relatively flat and scenic path, which could be suitable for families looking for a less strenuous outing.

The Elan Valley, including Claerwen Reservoir, is renowned for its beautiful and unspoilt scenery year-round. However, for jogging, spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colours. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter can be challenging due to colder temperatures and possible snow or ice on higher ground.

Parking is generally available at key access points around the Elan Valley. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is a good starting point, and there are also parking options near the various dams, including Claerwen Dam and Caban Coch Dam. The town of Rhayader also offers parking facilities.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Runners often praise the stunning reservoir views, the sense of serenity, and the lack of crowds, allowing for an immersive experience in the beautiful natural setting. The diverse terrain, from open moorland to quiet woodlands, is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The Caban Coch Dam – Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir loop from Llannerch y Cawr is a moderate 10.9 km path that follows the reservoir shoreline, providing continuous panoramic vistas throughout your run.

Yes, many routes in the Elan Valley offer this combination. For instance, the Nantgwyllt Church – Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir loop from Llanerchi Wood is an 8 km trail that leads through varied natural terrain while also passing by historical points of interest like Nantgwyllt Church and the Caban Coch Dam.