Best attractions and places to see around Treflys, a community in Powys, Wales, offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The area is characterized by its impressive network of dams and reservoirs, particularly within the Elan Valley. Visitors can explore various natural landscapes and cultural points of interest. Treflys provides opportunities to experience both serene natural features and historical landmarks.
Last updated: August 13, 2026
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Beautiful church - well worth exploring
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Elan Valley is a mountain bikers dream. A mix of natural trails that follow the reservoirs and crest the lofty tops of each valley. There's also a great trailhead in the middle of the valley at Nantgwyllt for some great flowing singletrack.
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The old church, along with the manor house and nearby cottages, were enveloped by the waters and lost forever when Caban Coch dam was built. Among the lost houses was Cwm Elan, once the home of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley's uncle. Shelley visited on several occasions and fell in love with the area. In 1812 he tried to buy Nantgwyllt House, as a home to settle into with his wife Harriet. The old church at Nantgwyllt may have been lost, but in 1898 a new church was begun on high ground overlooking the Garreg-ddu viaduct. The architect was Stephen W Williams, who also built Elan Village to house workmen labouring to build the dams. The new church was erected at the southern end of the viaduct.
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Devil’s Staircase is a climb for mountain bike type gears and an advantage for those that can ride out of the saddle .My attempts have failed miserably,best of luck.
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Rough and ready along the side here
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Treflys is renowned for its impressive network of dams and reservoirs within the Elan Valley. You can visit the Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir, known for its significant dam and scenic cycle path. Another must-see is the Gravel Path Along Claerwen Reservoir, offering breathtaking views over the largest and newest of the Elan Valley Reservoirs. For a challenging natural feature, the "Devil's Staircase" near Abergwesyn provides dramatic scenery.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Devil's Staircase Climb (Abergwesyn) is a well-known and demanding hill climb. It features gradients up to 25-30% over 0.8 miles (1.3 km), attracting cyclists and offering a sense of isolation amidst dramatic scenery.
The Gravel Path Along Claerwen Reservoir offers a tranquil experience with breathtaking views over the large lake, free of traffic and cellular network coverage. Additionally, the Llyn Brianne Gravel Road provides a wide, easy, and gently undulating path around the western shores of the Llyn Brianne Reservoir, perfect for a peaceful ride or walk.
Beyond the gravel paths, Treflys offers several scenic road cycling routes. You can explore routes like the Abergwesyn Pass – Llyn Brianne Dam loop or the Tirabad Military Road – Llandovery Castle Ruins loop. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Treflys guide.
Yes, there are several easy hikes available. You can enjoy short loops around the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, such as the Elan Valley Visitor Centre – Caban Coch Dam loop or the Nantgwyllt Church – Elan Valley Visitor Centre loop. These routes are typically around 5-7 km and offer gentle terrain. Find more details in the Easy hikes around Treflys guide.
Treflys has a few notable historical sites. The Nantgwyllt Church is a significant site, rebuilt in 1898 after the original was submerged by the Caban Coch dam. It holds historical connections to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The Eglwys Oen Duw, a Grade II* Listed Building, is also located within the Treflys community.
The Elan Valley, with its dams and reservoirs, offers great opportunities for family outings. The cycle path alongside the Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir is suitable for families, with a small rest area. The wide, easy Llyn Brianne Gravel Road is also a good option for families looking for a gentle cycling or walking experience.
The natural landscapes around Treflys, particularly the Elan Valley reservoirs and surrounding woodlands, are rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species, including red kites, buzzards, and peregrine falcons. Mammals like otters, badgers, and deer are also present, especially in quieter, more secluded areas.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and the sense of tranquility offered by the reservoirs. The Gravel Path Along Claerwen Reservoir is particularly noted for its 'wow' experience and peaceful, traffic-free environment. Many also appreciate the impressive engineering of the dams, such as Caban-Coch Dam, and the challenging yet rewarding nature of climbs like the Devil's Staircase.
Yes, Treflys and its surroundings offer excellent mountain biking opportunities. You can find routes like the Caban-Coch Dam and Reservoir – Elan Valley Visitor Centre loop or the Arfon Forest – Caffi Sosban loop. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Treflys guide.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities in Treflys, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Always check local forecasts before your visit.
When visiting the Elan Valley reservoirs, be aware that some areas, like the Gravel Path Along Claerwen Reservoir, may have no cell phone network coverage, offering a truly disconnected experience. While cycling is popular, some gates on routes like the Llyn Brianne Gravel Road might be locked, requiring you to lift bikes over them. Swimming is generally not allowed in the reservoirs.


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