Afon Elan

"River Elan" and "Elan River" redirect here. For the river in Romania, seeElan (Prut).

Footbridge over the Afon Elan below Caban Coch dam

Afon Elan(Welshfor 'River Elan') is a tributary of theRiver Wyewhich runs through the wide expanse of upland moors, traditionally known asElenydd,in centralWales.Its valley is theElan Valley.The name probably arises fromelainmeaning 'hind' or 'fawn' in reference perhaps to the rushing, bounding nature of its course.

It has its source in wet moorland on the eastern flank of Pen y Deunant inCeredigion.It is joined by Nant Dderwen, Nant Cwta and Nant Hirin before entering the top of theElan Valley ReservoirsatCraig Goch Reservoirwhich in turn discharges to Garreg-ddu Reservoir and thenCaban-coch Reservoir.It emerges from this chain of reservoirs in a north-easterly direction and passes throughElan Villagebefore turning south-east after 2 miles and making its confluence with theRiver Wye.