Severn 1st January 2024

To Grace & Adrian.

Thank you so much for accepting our extremely last minute booking. The cottage is the best we have ever stayed in and in such a beautiful area too. So well equipped, stylish & comfy! We could live here! The weather was awful but still the scenery & area is stunning and it was nice to come back to a warm cosy cottage.

We visited Elan Valley (x2), Aberystwyth & Nant y Bwlch for the red kites.

A lovely break. Thank you!

Sara, Dave & Moss.

Severn 29th September 2023

I have had a lovely holiday. Cottage is beautiful. Very clean and cosy. Scenery is stunning. Plenty of places for Poppy to explore. Bwlch Nant Yr Arian is definitely worth a visit for Red Kites and beautiful walks. Staff in shop and café were lovely. Elan Valley is also stunning.

A huge thank you to Adrian and Grace for creating this lovely place. Definitely coming back, nothing is too much trouble and welcome tea and coffee very much appreciated, also the milk you provided for my arrival. Can’t wait to recommend Wye View.

Thank you again for a relaxing much needed break.

Elaine & Poppy.

Elan 16th September 2023

Immaculately clean – could not fault. So comfy beds. Lovely views from property. Elan Valley a must. Claerwen Dam had a spectacular walk on the byway (top of dam). Old mountain roads are stunning. Powis Castle also lovely too. Brilliant walk from Pen Y Garreg to Craig Goch, really lovely to have a full size fridge/freezer, especially as staying for 2 weeks. Dressing tables us both bedrooms very nice too- thank you.

Alli & Rash.

Wye 11th August 2023

Very comfortable stay loved the cottage. Lots of super walks – Elan Valley, Gilfach Nature Reserve, Hafren Forest (great for off lead and lots of water!) around Llanidloes, beach South of Aberystwyth also allows dogs – great as next to a river. Super views from coastal path. Red kite feeding well worth a visit too!

Now Percy is going to sleep for a week!

Andy & Sarah
Percy the Golden Retriever.

Severn 26th May 2023


Thank you Grace and Adnan for a wonderful stay in your well equipped and comfortable cottage. We did appreciate your helpful information folders which were excellent.
The cottage has amazing views and the scent of roses by the front door was lovely, thankyou.

We returned to Elan valley ana Devil’s Bridge and enjoyed travelling along the Aberystwyth Mountain Road and found places of beauty and interest to visit – “Hafren Estate the sourcee of the River Severn and Hafod Estate with its stunning views and magestic trees.

The sound of bird song cheered us too! There was a friendly and warm welcome at the Blue Bell Inn Llangurig where we enjoyed several meals.

Mia-Wales was a great place to visit!

Thanks again.

Sue and Pete.

Elan Valley Dam Open Days 2023

The Elan Valley is a great day out at any time, but on open days you can visit the inside of one of the dams between 10am and 4pm.

The dates for 2023 are as follows:

  • Tuesday 30th May
  • Tuesday 25th July
  • Tuesday 1st August
  • Tuesday 8th August
  • Tuesday 15th August
  • Tuesday 22nd August
  • Tuesday 29th August
  • Spooky Dam Open Day* Sunday 29th October
  • Spooky Dam Open Day* Monday 30th October
  • Wednesday 27th December

* Disclaimer: The dam will be decorated and made to be spookier than usual! This may involve spooky noises and things to make you jump. Costumes are optional but also encouraged!

This is your chance to venture into the Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central tower. You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Reservoir wall – and learn about the feat of engineering that made Elan.

We recommend booking ahead either online or from the Visitor Centre shop. Take the receipt from the shop as proof of purchase if you buy on the day. You can also buy entry at the dam, but you must have the correct change for your party.

We can print our guests’ online tickets here at Wye View.

Entry is £5 for adults and £1 for those aged 18 and under, with half of all proceeds going to WaterAid. 

Park at Penbont car park (adjacent to the Penbont  House Tea Room) and take a walk through the woodland, up the steps to the dam entrance.

There are steps inside the dam which may be wet and in some areas there are low light levels. Children should be carefully supervised at all times.

Please check the Elan Valley events page for any late changes to this schedule.

Wye 2nd January 2023

A charming, cosy cottage with everything you need! Very clean, lovely and warm with fantastic views.

We loved to watch the birds & bought extra seed from the local shop. The water running through the garden was so pretty, we called it the “Peckham Spring” !

The Gilfach nature reserve is well Worth a visit (take seed the birds will take it!)

The Devil’s Bridge is also worth a visit. Although we could not do the full walk as my dog could not manage the 675 steps!

Elan Valley is a must. Just beautiful! We had the absolute pleasure of getting tickets for the Dam Open Day which was amazing.

Llanidloes is the closest village for supplies. Raj Mahal Indian was good!

Jo & Gareth & Reggie 🐾

Hafren 22nd October 2022

First Impressions – LOVELY!! I always have reservations when staying somewhere new but very pleasantly surprised, Adrian and Grace were very welcoming and the cottage is lovely, very clean and cosy.

All showered and ready for our first night in, had a lovely Indian takeaway from the Raj Mahal, well mine was lovely, I am vegan and the only thing I would say is to may be avoid the as they were rather greasy, husband said his was a bit inconsistent but a decent effort. We met Adrian & Grace again today and met their chickens, Jack was very happy to be able to stroke one!

Day 3 – we went to the Great Oak café, nice jackets, sausage rolls and homemade broccoli and leak quiche.

Also went up the road to have a walk with Amy, we went to the nature reserve, beautiful scenery, just watch out for all the sheep poop! Wellies advised.

My son wants me to mention that his daddy made “OK Google” cry haha! He said “OK Google, Alexa is better” and she cried!

Daniel and Jack went to Elan Valley today whist Chloe and I had a girly day in the cottage playing games. The pictures they took were incredible, beautiful rainbows too. There is a visitors centre with a café too. We went for dinner at La Terrazza Bistro, Lovely little Italian restaurant, very accommodating for people with dietary requirements and fussy children. LOL.

Visited Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Station today, lovely little shop with knickknacks. I even bought some Christmas pressies!

Back in the hide to view the kites, lots and lots of them gliding through the sky, swooping down to the ground. Not much to do there other than the viewing and gift shop. Went to Aberystwyth Pier, saw the castle ruins, the kids had lot of fun in the arcade. Try to arrive early as parking is challenging.

Amy enjoyed her very first visit to the beach. Woof woof.

In the cottage for our last night, cooking a wholesome meal in preparation for our long drive back to Surrey tomorrow morning.

Overall, we have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday to Wales and our stay in Hafren Cottage.

Already planning our next visit when finances allow!

Enjoy! Thankyou Adrian and Grace! X♡X

Rachael, Daniel, Jack, Chloe and Amy Pup 🐾

Elan 13th August 2022

(A comment left by one of our younger guests.)

Thanks for a lovely week at Elan Cottage. We thought it was lovely how there was hot chocolate, teas, coffee, sugar, cake, milk. The kitchen we thought was very well equipped. It was very nice how there was films, books and games to play.

It is a lovely view from outside looking across the fields, it was also spectacular view from the main bedroom. It was a relief not to have to take a bag of wet towels and flannels home with us because there was towels and flannels here.

There is stunning views from the top of the hill just be careful coming down as it is very steep and bumpy and you can very badly hurt yourself.

Thanks again,

Louise, Charlie, Emily and Jess.

Elan 6th August 2022

Great cottage! We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. I loved the early morning display on the bird feeder outside the kitchen window. So many birds.

Red Kite feeding centre is well worth a visit. The Elan Valley dams are very interesting.

Took the kids to Zip World which gave us chance to explore further afield.

Thank you for a lovely stay!

Jonny, Niky, Holly, Ivy & Ted the GSD.

Elan 16th July 2022

Well-presented cottage with stunning views from every window – superbly well located for mid-Wales; Elan Valley, Welsh west coast and Snowdonia. Information packs really useful and Adrian a font of knowledge on
local attractions, including shaded walks during a heatwave!

Elan Valley, Hafod Estate, Hafren Forest, Gilfach reserve and Aberdovey all worth a visit – enjoyed by the dog as much as the humans!

A wonderful stay – many thanks.

Claire, Richard & Pixie.

Severn 17th June 2022

A lovely comfortable cottage.

Sadly, Hugo wasn’t well for the 1st few days but it was no hardship staying in. We still managed to visit Elan Valley, although the water wasn’t flowing due to maintenance. Had scenic drive round the valley and the mountains.

The Black Lion pub in the village is tiny but friendly, had a lovely meal in there on Sunday. Also visited the Hafren forest & lake and the lead mine. How people worked those conditions is difficult to imagine.

A drive to Aberystwyth and then on to Corris stopping for a delicious meal at the Wildfowler, very friendly and dogs are welcome.

We have had a lovely week Adrian & Grace are wonderful hosts by generous with the eggs.

We hope to come back soon.

Derek, Pat & “Hugo” 🐾

Elan 17th June 2022

Day 1. Fabulous day at Red Kite feeding centre in Rhayader & visit to Elan Valley visitor centre to plan cycle trip.

Day 2. Cycled Elan Valley. One day not enough so will do more later in the week.

Day 3. Aberystwyth via Devil’s Bridge. Nice day and the cliff railway is essential. Or if you are energetic walk up the path.

Day 4. Gilfach nature reserve walk. Look for rock carvings, picnic at old farm building. Take plenty of water if hot, about 3.5 miles. Llandrindod Wells in afternoon for a relaxing cuppa and piece of cake and Victorian fronted shops. Call at Aldi for food and wine.

Day 5. Back to Elan Valley 20 mile circular cycle ride to top of valley and return via Rhayader. Lovely day and finished at Elan Visitor Centre for tea and a piece of cake.

A lovely holiday in a fantastic location. Thank you to Adrian & Grace – perfect hosts & accommodation is superb.

Carol & Greg.

Severn 10th June 2022

Had a lovely holiday, Rob relived his childhood memories of being here. Such a lovely cottage and such a comfy bed.

We were out most days Elan Valley, Devils bridge which killed us and Mitzy. Found a lovely pub & great food, Halfway House. Wondering half way to where?

Went on steam train to Aberystwyth. Great views looking out. Saw dolphins out at sea, so lovely to see them jumping.

For Rob he hadn’t done this since he was 8, now 68 and relived again. Last day had rain.

Thank you for the cake & eggs.

Thank you for your friendship, see you next year.

Susan, Robert & Mitzy.

Wye 5th June 2022

What a fabulous little cottage this is! I literally want it.

Fantastic hosts, so friendly and accommodating – the bowl of fresh eggs were a great touch and they tasted amazing – thank you!

Also, that is the best shower in the world – LOVE IT!

Cottage was so clean and simply beautiful. Thank you, too, for the Triangle Inn suggestion, amazingly cosy place for food.

For walks we recommend the Lady’s Walk at Hafod, the Elan Valley Trail and going to watch the kites being fed! And Devil’s Bridge.

All the best both,

Rachel & Adam.

Elan 14th May 2022

Great stay and thank you for making us feel so welcome in this super cottage. Grace & Adrian went the extra mile, lovely eggs, dog treats & bara brith. Thank you.

We spent the week walking in Elan Valley & surrounds – stunning.

Grace suggested we visited Gilfach nature reserve – what a place – dog (on lead) friendly.

Take care if you attempt the walk at Llangurig out of the Kittiwake book – signs have gone & 3 farms with dogs.

Thanks again for everything.

Mike & Sue.

Severn 9th May 2022

Thank you for providing such a beautiful, comfortable and well equipped cottage with stunning views. We were only here for a few days but were able to walk and and enjoy the stunning Welsh landscape. We plan to return for a longer visit if possible as soon as we can. Thank you Adrian and Grace for providing everything we needed and being so helpful, and for the delicious eggs.

Glynis & Roger.

Severn 29th April 2022

Very pleasant stay here with excellent weather. (Temperature lower than further inland.)

Can recommend Powis Castle and Elan Valley and dams. If you’re feeling adventurous try “Silver Mountain Experience” – not good for those who don’t like dark and enclosed spaces!

Lots of various eateries in Rhayader, can recommend the Elan Hotel for v. good Sunday lunch.

Lovel cottage, imacculate and with a cofortable bed. Adrian and Grace are great hosts and kept us supplied with eggs which we loved.

This is our second visit to Mid Wales and will definitely not be our last. Highly recommended. 🙂

David & Christine.

Severn 15th April 2022


We have had a wonderful week here. It has been cosy & very comfortable.

We had everything we needed & more. Best place we have ever stayed in! Thank you so much for all extras & Rocky loved the treats left him.

We visited Aberystwyth, the Pistyll waterfall, Devils Bridge/ waterfall (lots of steps) Bwlch Nant yr Arian – highly recommend watching the feeding of the Red Kites!!! Newtown has a lovely walk along the river & lots of shops.

Thank you for the jump start Adrian & the fresh eggs! The views are stunning.

Alison & Andy (& Rocky too!)

Severn – 23rd October 2021

This was our 2nd visit to Wye View, we last stayed in Severn Cottage in Oct 2018. The place is like a home from home. Grace & Adrian work hard to make sure visitors have everything they need, plus all those extra special touches. The new bed is so comfortable “I struggled to get out of it”! This was only a short visit, spur of the moment thing to view a house. (Thank you so much for booking us in at short notice.) The cottage is always so clean and well equipped, wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else in this area.

Julie, Pete & Dotty 🐾.

Elan 16th October 2021

Thank you Grace and and Adrian for the welcome treats and for being so helpful.

We’ve enjoyed the the cottage, which is excellent. So well equipped; and and love the view thru our kitchen window and the daily visits of the sheep.

The area around is absolutely superb: the Elan dams spectacular, the Llyn Clywedog dam & lead mine ruins were very interesting. Lots of tearooms in the area. Lovely historical buildings in Llanidloes. We found people about were so friendly. Several trails on the Wye Valley walk, where we spotted a red kite soaring above us, were favourites.

Our last day here was spent at Gilfach Nature Reserve towards Rhayader & was unforgettable. Well worth a visit. The views from the top were superb! The weather has been unbelievably good for October. We’d definitely like to return to this lovely part of Wales.

Love – John & Marion.

Wye 8th October 2021

Fabulous week – a beautiful area. A big thank you to Grace and Adrian; fet very welcomed and well looked after. Dillan says thank you for the treats. 🐾❤.

We managed to get to Pen Y Garreg dam* and Claerwen reservoir and enjoyed Hafren Forest and especialy Hafod Estate walks – an absolute must for long or short walks. Don’t miss the kite feeding centre if you’re into twitching!

Thanks again and we’ll be back.

Dawn, Ian & Dillan.

*Forgot to say – if you’re following on from us the Pen Y Garreg reservoir is overflowing at the moment due to works on one of the other reservoirs – its very spectacular so worth prioritising (noisy, vast, crashing water – awesome).

The repair work on Craig Goch is now complete. With heavy rain in the autumn / winter the reservoirs will fill up in about 48 hours – and if the rain continues they will all overflow the tops of the dams with water cascading down the dam faces and the spillways on each side. As Dawn and Ian say it is spectacular and well worth a visit with your waterproofs on!

Grace & Adrian

Elan 17th September 2021

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time at Elan cottage. Everything has been lovely. The cottage is cosy and comfortable. It is ideally day situated for exploring the local area.

We went to Gigrin to see the red kites being fed. We also went to the Elan Valley. On the last day we went to Brecon, then up in the National Park where we saw several more Red Kites, always an inspiring sight.

We shall return home with many happy memories, Maria to Plymouth and myself to the Staffordshire Moorlands.

By the way, we do have a very few red kites in the moorlands and hope they will increase in time.

Thank you for everything.

Mary and Maria.

Elan 11th September 2021

Such a lovely Cottage in lovely surroundings. Thoroughly enjoyed our week here!
Very welcome tea, coffee, cake & milk provided on arrival. Beautiful fresh eggs too which were a treat. Buddy loved his doggy pack treats too!

We visited Elan Valley – stunning + very close, Hafod Estate, Hafren Forest and Gilfach Nature reserve. All beautiful with amazing walks and views to behold.

We had takeaways from Raj Mahal & Evans Fish & Chips – both delicious & stayed hot. Drinks at the Mount Inn of an evening were good.

Overall a great time had – thank you so much! 🙂

Anna + Marc + Buddy.