WITH nearly 150 people taking part, this year’s Elan Valley Reservoir Roundabout event has been declared “a great success” by the ‘Roundabout Team’.

The event is once again expected to raised hundreds of pounds for local causes.

With such a big turnout, the annual challenge event aimed at long distance walkers and runners, there was plenty of excitement in the air on Saturday, January 4.

The 148 participants enjoyed almost perfect conditions with a dry mild day, glimmers of sunshine and firm going.

The event comprises of two routes, a 13 mile and a more challenging 20 mile distance. Starting from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, both routes follow the eastern edge of Caban Coch Dam before passing the destroyed Nant-y-Gro dam, a short climb over Gro Hill drops down to the manned check point at Llanerch Cwr.

The two routes then split, the 20 milers heading up Claerwen river, past the to the Henfron for hot dogs, meeting back up with the 13 milers who have taken the more direct route above Nantgwilt Church.

Both routes then travel alongside the western edge of Garreg Ddu to Penbont Bridge below Pen-y-Garreg Dam, where the 13 miler route turns south along the cycle path back to the Visitor Centre.

The 20 miler route turns west along southern shore of Pen-y-Garreg to the manned check-point for hot drinks and whisky cake at Craig Coch Dam.

County Times:

The walkers follow the northern edge of Craig Coch before climbing to the Roman Camp on the Old Mountain Road, turning south over the Crugyn with elevated views back over Pen-y-Gareg before dropping down to the Filter Beds and the short walk back to the Visitor Centre.

Quickest over the 20 mile distance in an unofficial time of three hours five minutes was Fern Cotterill whilst Ieuan Joyce was first back in two hours, eight mins on the 13 mile route.

Since its re-introduction in 2007, the event has raised a total of £11,185 for local causes and the proceeds from the walk this year will once again go to local charities.

The organisers are particularly delighted to have previously donated towards the new road ambulance provided to the event by the Rhayader division of the St John Ambulance.

Manned by volunteers Martyn Price and Luke Rees Nicholls, the ambulance, one of only four in Wales, has a 4-wheel drive capability allowing greater access to the rugged countryside of the Elan Valley and Mid Wales. Fully supplied and equipped, its additional features include an hydraulic snow plough and winch with built in satellite navigation.

County Times:

The Reservoir Roundabout team wish to thank the Elan Valley Trust for permitting the event to take place, the St John’s crew with their continued support and presence at the event every year and Dwr Cymru, Welsh Water for opening up the Visitor Centre to accommodate the early start.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event which will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021.