Claerddu is owned by the Elan Valley Trust, part of DwrCymru/WelshWater. Their contact details are here: T: 01597 810449 | E: info@elanvalleytrust.org . They have always been most helpful when I’ve contacted them so give them a call re: ‘sleeping’ livestock. I think that it is them that have been known to bring in massive supplies of firewood in the past too but don’t quote me on this.
Have you been to Claerddu previously? There’s no obvious access track from the tarmac. Approaching from the east, once at the tarmac (having negotiated the ford, about 1.5 km beforehand) continue down on the tarmac lane over two definite rises. The second of these is approx. 400m from the roadhead, turn right/ northish here and stick to the higher part of the ridge. Very soon you will come across a good track to the bothy.
The simplest route would be to use the cyclepaths up from Rhayader to Caban Coch reservoir, lanes to Claerwen dam and then the gravel track around the reservoir. There’s a ford (above) to be dealt with but the forecast is dry between now and the weekend so it should be OK. Return the same way is best tbh, calling in at the trails you passed at Nantgwyllt chapel. https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/elan-valley-mountain-bike-trails-409821 You can access the top of the trails from Ciloerwynt if you fancy a bonus climb. Likewise, if splish splas is your thing the track paralleling the Clerwen downstream from the dam is a hoot.
The Monk’s Trod over Clawdd Du is a total horror show. Miles of upland bike swallowing bog best left well alone.
The Nant Egnant down to Pontrhydfenigaid is wonderful but its a bit of a schlepp back up whichever way you do it.
There are a few geocaches in the area too.
