Claerwen Reservoir, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Claerwen Reservoir is a large water storage facility in Powys, Wales, part of the Elan Valley. The structure features a substantial dam with a concrete core and stone-dressed face that holds back a calm, wide body of water set against surrounding hills and open countryside.
The dam was constructed between 1946 and 1952 following World War II, involving major construction efforts that included Italian stonemasons in the work. Queen Elizabeth II visited the site in 1952 for its official opening, marking her first visit to Wales as queen.
The name Claerwen comes from Welsh and refers to the water in this valley. Local communities view this place as a symbol of how engineering and nature were brought together, reflecting how visitors today use the area for walks and quiet moments in the landscape.
Visit during daylight hours when parking is available nearby and the area is accessible by road. The site offers multiple walking trails of varying lengths, ranging from short strolls around the dam to longer hikes through the surrounding landscape.
The dam gained fame when a Top Gear presenter drove a Land Rover up and down its surface while mimicking an old vehicle advertisement, making the location instantly recognizable to fans of the show. This unexpected moment of television history has become part of the site's modern identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
![Priddellau [Esgair Nantybeddau]](https://img9.digsty.com/EMdy7EPijHS5yd0yVNB3M2ycIc8MH8zgy-8dj4umblY/rs:fill:230:230:1/g:fp:0.5:0.5/czM6Ly9hcm91bmR1cy8xNC8xMjg4Nzg2Mi1mZDk0ODZiMS5qcGc.jpg)
