Craig Goch Dam, Masonry dam in Elan Valley, Wales
Craig Goch Dam is a masonry dam in Elan Valley, Wales, with a curved wall that stretches 119 meters in length and rises 37 meters high. It forms the uppermost reservoir in a chain that supplies fresh water to Birmingham.
Construction began in 1897 and required building extensive railway infrastructure to move heavy materials through rocky Welsh terrain. Its completion marked an important step in Britain's industrial water management.
The round tower and arched structure show how Victorian engineers solved complex problems in remote valleys. This design became a model for similar water projects built later across Britain.
You can walk across the dam's narrow roadway and enjoy views over the valley and surrounding landscape. The walk is easiest on dry days, as the surface can become slippery when wet.
A small hydroelectric generator was installed in 1997 and produces power from water flowing through the dam. This addition makes it an early example of renewable energy integrated into a historic structure.
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