Clâs Barn
A guide to your stay in the Elan Valley
01
Welcome to Clâs Barn.
Set amongst the hills, reservoirs and open countryside of the Elan Valley, Clâs Barn is a place to slow down for a while.
The property is made up of two converted agricultural buildings, retaining something of their original character while creating a comfortable place to spend time together. There are spaces for long lunches, quiet mornings, games, films, evenings around the fire and, most importantly, doing very little at all.
The valley outside is just as much a part of your stay as the barn itself. Follow the road and you quickly find yourself amongst reservoirs, stone dams, woodland and wide open hills. Look up and you may see red kites circling overhead.
In 2015, the Elan Valley was awarded International Dark Sky Park status. With very little artificial light, the difference becomes obvious once the sun goes down.
On a clear night, step outside the barn, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust — and look up.
Make yourselves at home.
02
A Few Things to Know
Wi-Fi
Network: Clâs Barn Wifi
Password: Barn12345
Check-In
From 3:00pm
Check-Out
By 11:00am
When leaving the property, please return the keys to the key lock box.
Emergency Contacts
Clâs Barn:
07507 661174
Call or WhatsApp
Emergency:
999
For general health advice when it isn't an emergency, contact NHS 111 Wales.
Getting Settled
The thermostat is located downstairs on the wall beside the stairs, near the utility, storage and garage area. We adjust the heating depending on the weather, so please leave it at its current setting. If you do need to change it during your stay, just let us know so we can reset it afterwards.
Instructions for the dishwasher and other appliances can be found in the kitchen drawers.
Bins are located in the driveway, with food waste stored underneath the kitchen sink.
If you need additional logs for the fire, please contact us via WhatsApp. Additional logs are available at an extra cost.
03
The Important Bits
We want you to enjoy the barn, but there are a few things we'd ask you to keep in mind.
The maximum occupancy of Clâs Barn is 8 guests, but only the number of guests included in your booking may stay at the property. Please don't invite additional overnight guests without speaking to us first.
For safety reasons, please do not enter the stairs above the kitchen.
Although the Elan Valley is a wonderfully peaceful and safe place, please lock the doors, secure vehicles and close windows when you're away from the property or at night.
As mentioned in the property listing, security cameras are positioned at the front and side of the property for security purposes. There are no cameras inside the property.
Clâs Barn is a no-smoking and no-vaping property, and we ask that guests respect the house, its contents and the surrounding countryside.
Please also be mindful that this is a rural property. Keep noise considerate, particularly in the evening, and take care around livestock, wildlife and the surrounding land.
04
The Valley & Its Story
There is something special about the Elan Valley. Beyond its hills, reservoirs and wide open skies lies a remarkable story of Victorian engineering.
In 1893, work began on a huge scheme to supply Birmingham with clean water. Four main reservoirs — Craig Goch, Pen y Garreg, Garreg Ddu and Caban Coch — were built, with water travelling around 73 miles to Birmingham through a gravity-fed aqueduct.
The project changed the valley forever, with around 100 people displaced as farms, homes and community buildings disappeared beneath the reservoirs.
The later Claerwen Reservoir, completed in 1952, became the final major addition to the scheme.
Today, the dams and reservoirs are part of what makes the Elan Valley so distinctive — where extraordinary engineering has become part of an extraordinary landscape.
A century later, the water still flows.
05
Food & Drink
Rhayader may be small, but there are some genuinely lovely places to eat and drink. Rather than giving you a huge directory, these are a few places we\u2019d recommend starting with.
Narrative Coffee
A fantastic independent coffee shop in the heart of Rhayader and one not to miss if you’re serious about coffee. Narrative focuses on specialty-grade coffee, with rotating beans, homemade cakes, teas and milkshakes. It was also recognised with an Outstanding Achievement award at the 2026 Welsh Cafe & Bakery Awards.
The Lost Arc
A relaxed local favourite in Rhayader — perfect for a casual breakfast, coffee or lunch while you’re exploring the town.
The Triangle Inn
A wonderfully traditional little Welsh pub with plenty of character. It’s particularly known locally for its food and ales, with a cosy interior and a menu that makes good use of local produce. It’s small, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Elan Valley Hotel
One of our favourite dinner spots, with an ever-changing menu and a fantastic interior. A lovely choice when you’re looking for something a little more special.
The Green Bear
A newer addition to Rhayader and a great option for anyone looking for something different. The Green Bear is a family-run vegan guesthouse and restaurant, with a changing dinner menu and a strong reputation locally.
The Crown Inn
A traditional Rhayader pub — ideal for a relaxed drink or an easy meal.
Rhayader isn\u2019t short of pubs, so take a walk around town and find your own favourite.
06
Out & About
You don't have to go far from Clâs Barn to have a good day.
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is an obvious starting point for exploring the dams and reservoirs, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.
Please feel free to take any of the leaflets of local areas and attractions provided in the barn.
If you're heading out walking, remember that this is genuine rural countryside. Weather can change quickly, paths can be wet and mobile signal can disappear in places. Sensible footwear and a jacket are always a good idea.
07
Good to Know
The Elan Valley is beautiful partly because it feels remote, so a little preparation goes a long way.
The nearest larger shops are the Co-op in Rhayader, with Tesco and Aldi in Llandrindod Wells, approximately 20 minutes away.
For minor injuries, Llandrindod Wells Memorial Hospital has a Minor Injury Unit. It operates on a “phone first” basis; the current number is 01597 828735. It is not an A&E department. The nearest 24-hour A&E is in Hereford or Aberystwyth.
For anything life-threatening, always call 999.
08
Before You Leave
We hope Clâs Barn has given you the chance to see a little more of this remarkable part of Wales — and perhaps to slow down a little while doing it.
Before you leave, please:
- Check you've packed everything
- Leave the barn reasonably tidy
- Return the keys to the key lock box
- Follow the waste and recycling arrangements
- Make sure windows and doors are secure
Most importantly, take the memories with you.
Thank you for staying at Clâs Barn.
We hope to welcome you back to the Elan Valley.