Craig Goch Dam, Masonry dam in Elan Valley, Wales

Craig Goch Dam is a masonry dam at the top of a chain of four reservoirs in the Elan Valley, Wales. The curved wall is built from local stone and features round towers and arched openings that give it a distinctive look.

Work on the dam began in the late 19th century as part of a project to supply Birmingham with fresh water from the Welsh hills. Building the dam required laying a dedicated railway line to carry heavy materials through remote terrain.

The round tower and stone arches show a building style common to large water supply projects of the late 19th century. Visitors can see the stonework up close because a path runs directly across the top of the wall.

A path runs across the top of the wall and gives open views over the valley on both sides. The stone surface can get slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.

In 1997 a small hydroelectric generator was fitted inside the dam to produce power from the water flowing through it. This makes Craig Goch one of the earlier examples of renewable energy being added to a listed historic structure.

• Location: Rhayader
• Location: Powys
• Elevation above the sea: 289.1 m
• GPS coordinates: 52.30470,-3.62389
• Latest update: March 3, 2026 14:04