The Elenydd (Welsh: [ɛˈlɛnɨð]) is an upland area of Mid Wales, extending across parts of northern and eastern Ceredigion and Powys between Aberystwyth and Rhayader. Elenydd is also a name given to the medieval commote of Cwmwd Deuddwr which covered approximately the same area.[1]
The area is an upland plateau of moorland and rough grazing within the Cambrian Mountains, source of the rivers Elan, Severn, Teifi, Towy and Wye. Elenydd is generally interpreted to mean the upland area between Pumlumon in the north and Mynydd Epynt in the south. The term "Desert of Wales" is sometimes applied to this or a wider area.
Much of Elenydd is open land with public access, following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, widely known as the "CROW Act". Specific areas within Elenydd are designated as being of nature conservation importance.