Claerwen Reservoir, a region in the Cambrian Mountains of Powys, Wales, is characterized by its expansive moorland, rugged uplands, and significant engineered features. This area, part of the larger Elan Valley complex, offers a diverse landscape of wild nature and impressive dam structures. The terrain includes peat bogs, acidic soils, and quiet woodlands, providing varied environments for outdoor pursuits. Visitors can engage in several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, touring cycling, and more across these varied landscapes.
The Claerwen Reservoir area provides a selection of routes for various outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, jogging, and touring cycling. More than 15,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.69 out of 5 stars for routes in this region. Hikers can explore diverse terrain, from gentle paths around the dam to more challenging treks through the Claerwen National Nature Reserve, with options like Hiking around Claerwen Reservoir or Waterfall hikes around Claerwen Reservoir. Cyclists will find traffic-free routes along the reservoir shores and more adventurous trails suitable for mountain biking, as detailed in guides such as MTB Trails around Claerwen Reservoir. Joggers can utilize the serene paths for running, enjoying the tranquil environment of Claerwen Reservoir.
81
Routes
4.6
(273)
Average rating
3106
People visited

5.0
(1)
39
runners
15.9km
01:45
190m
190m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

29
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

32
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
runners
10.9km
01:15
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(36)
218
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(17)
163
hikers
9.85km
03:03
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(22)
182
hikers
10.1km
02:42
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(8)
144
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(13)
188
riders
72.5km
06:33
1,460m
1,460m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.8
(5)
65
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
40
riders
14.6km
01:10
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(3)
13
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
165
riders
30.9km
01:41
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

92
riders
63.7km
03:15
990m
990m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

45
riders
110km
05:37
1,710m
1,710m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

42
riders
116km
06:31
1,770m
1,770m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.7
(7)
79
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
33
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
57
riders
64.1km
04:17
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
28
riders
13.8km
01:09
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
15
riders
47.1km
04:04
1,040m
1,040m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
69.8km
05:44
1,500m
1,500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Claerwen Reservoir is located in the Cambrian Mountains, Powys, Wales. It is the largest reservoir within the Elan Valley complex, known for its significant engineering and surrounding natural landscapes. The dam, completed in 1952, is a notable feature of the area.
Claerwen Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, jogging, and touring cycling. The region provides diverse terrain suitable for different skill levels and preferences. Komoot features guides for various sports, such as Hiking around Claerwen Reservoir and MTB Trails around Claerwen Reservoir.
Yes, Claerwen Reservoir offers family-friendly hiking options. These routes typically feature gentler terrain suitable for all ages. Information on these trails can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
The area provides excellent cycling opportunities, including a traffic-free track along the northern shore of the reservoir, approximately 6 miles (10 km) long. The wider Elan Valley also features the Elan Valley Trail, a surfaced path suitable for various types of cycling. For more options, consult the Cycling around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
Yes, Claerwen Reservoir has easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. The Claerwen Green Walk, a 20-minute route around the base of the dam, is an example of a gentle option. More easy routes are detailed in the Easy hikes around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
The Claerwen National Nature Reserve surrounds the reservoir, characterized by mountain upland, peat, and acidic soils. This reserve supports diverse plant and animal species, including rare plants and breeding birds like red kites. The area is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing.
Yes, Claerwen Reservoir offers mountain biking trails, including loops around the reservoir and sections of longer routes like the Trans Cambrian Way. The region features open moorland, rolling hills, and gravel paths. Explore specific routes in the MTB Trails around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
Claerwen Reservoir is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 15,000 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.69 out of 5 stars. There are 3 routes available across various sports.
Yes, the Claerwen Purple Walk is a 40-minute route leading to a waterfall. This offers a specific destination for those interested in waterfall viewing. More information can be found in the Waterfall hikes around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
Claerwen Reservoir provides serene, traffic-free paths suitable for jogging and running. These paths offer a tranquil environment for runners. Specific routes and details are available in the Running Trails around Claerwen Reservoir guide.
Claerwen Reservoir is part of the Elan Valley Estate. Official information can be found on the Elan Valley website. The website provides details about the area and its facilities.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging treks, the Claerwen National Nature Reserve presents rougher terrain and longer hikes. The Craig Cwplau loop is an hour-long walk offering views of the Cambrian wilderness. These routes provide a more strenuous outdoor experience.

