Explore MID WALES
Set in the little village of Nantglas near the Elan Valley, Mid Wales Lodges provides the perfect base to explore the countryside of Mid Wales. There’s lots to do locally and many sights to enjoy. We’ve shared a few favourites to help you make the most of your stay.
5 min walk
Experience Beekeeping at Mid Wales Lodges
We keep bees on our nursery grounds near the lodges, over 35 busy colonies that produce lots of honey. That’s almost 3 million bees!
If you want to see our bees and learn more about them during your stay at Mid Wales Lodges we would be happy to show you around a hive. We offer chances to look inside beehives, taste honey, do honey extraction or enjoy a taster day. It’s all free, the area is wheelchair accessible and we provide full protective clothing for visitors so you can enjoy your experience.
For more details call us in advance of your stay on 07806 781131.
7 min drive
St Gwrthwl Church, Llanwrthwl
Set in the pretty village of Llanwrthwl on the River Wye and River Elan, St Gwrthwl Church is a 19th-century Victorian building built on a more ancient, possibly pre-Christian, site. In the churchyard there is a massive prehistoric standing stone that suggests this site has been a focus of worship in one form or another for over 4,000 years.
Another point of interest is the oldest feature inside the church, a Norman font with four faces that dates from the 12th century.
Tarmac pathways allow reasonable access around the site, but please note there is a small raised step to negotiate at the entrance of the church.
9 min drive
Valley View Falconry
Visit Valley View Falconry in their Rhayader-based centre for a unique and memorable family outing. Visitors can handle and fly birds of prey in a falconry handling experience, and can meet a variety of hawks, falcons and owls from across the world. Host Tim has over 37 years of experience, an HND in animal welfare and management, and training days are available for those looking to get into falconry.
The sessions are unhurried, and they do their best to cater for all ages and needs. Younger spectators are welcome under close adult supervision, and photo opportunities are available. Booking is essential, so call in advance to secure your dates and to ask for accessibility information.
10 min drive
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Station
Hunted to near extinction in the 19th century, the red kite is now a success story in Wales after over a century-long conservation protection programme by the RSPB.
To see these birds of prey in flight visit our local red kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm in Rhayader. This working hill farm feeds kites all year, and presents excellent opportunities to take close-up photos. Three of their five hides are suitable for disabled access.
Visit gigrin.co.uk for details on disabled access to facilities and parking options available.
11 min drive
Rhayader
Named after ‘Rhayadr Gwy’, a Welsh name for a local waterfall on the Wye, the historic market town of Rhayader is a short drive away. Offering access to lovely riverside walks and cycle routes, it’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The town boasts a good range of independent shops, various attractions and things to do, and interesting places to eat and drink. There’s a busy calendar of local events, including an annual Carnival week in July, and Rhayader Farmers Market on the first Saturday of every month.
11 min drive
Lion Royal Trekking Centre
The Lion Royal Trekking Centre has offered guided treks on horseback into the heart of the Elan Valley since 1972. It’s a fantastic way to see some beautiful countryside.
They take different routes through the hills, valleys, rivers and woodlands each day, exploring parts of the area that would be difficult to get to on foot. A BHS-approved and recommended centre, they cater to all levels of riding ability from novice to advanced riders.
Visit their website for further details and booking.
12 min drive
Cors yr Llyn National Nature Reserve
One of 76 Welsh National Nature Reserves, Cors yr Llyn near Builth Wells is well worth a visit for its peaceful wildflower meadow. Meaning bog of the lake, Cors yr Llyn is a rich, mixed habitat that supports a range of plants and wildlife.
This level, accessible walk, consisting of grass tracks and a well-maintained boardwalk, allows you to wander through a landscape where over 100 flowering plant species have been recorded.
Visit naturalresources.wales or download their leaflet for more information on this accessible trail.
12 min drive
Elan Valley Trail: Rhayader to Elan Valley Visitor Centre
This section of the Elan Valley Trail follows the old Birmingham Corporation Railway line to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, and takes about 1.5 hours.
The 3m/5km trail starts in Cwmdauddwr, just west of Rhayader on the B4518 road opposite a small car park, and is marked by a sculptural gateway created by artist Reece Ingram. Follow the Red Kite Waymarker along a linear tarmacked path that’s mostly flat and suitable for all users, including wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is one steep hill on the outskirts of Cwmdauddwr at Rhayader Tunnel, a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve, home to many bat species.
The trail is open for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Visit the Elan Valley website for trail details and a map.
13 min drive
Llandrindod Wells Lake
The beautiful 13-acre lake at the centre of Llandrindod Wells was originally created as a boating lake towards the end of the last century, when the town was a popular spa destination.
There is an enjoyable 1km circular walk around the lake, with flat accessible tarmac paths. The lakeside views, with spectacular dragon statue and surrounding woodland and scenery, are rewarding.
Facilities include the Lakeside Cafe, Lakeside Boathouse with boat and fishing tackle hire, accessible bird hide, and nearby public toilets.
13 min drive
National Cycle Museum
The UK’s National Cycle Museum, located in nearby Llandrindod Wells, is home to over 260 cycles from an 1818 Hobby Horse, Victorian solid-tyred machines, classic lightweights to the latest carbon-fibre designs.
Located in The Automobile Palace, a very ornate grade 2 listed Art Deco building in Temple Street, this accessible museum also has many cycling memorabilia items on display.
Check cyclemuseum.org.uk for admission fees, opening times and accessibility information.
Albert Hall Theatre
A beautifully preserved Victorian theatre, The Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells, was originally built as a church hall in 1896. It transformed in 1922 to become a community hub and a centre for the performing arts, with the addition of a stunning Art Deco foyer.
Community-led, The Albert Hall programmes a wide range of live events. With step-free access to the auditorium, accessible toilet, hearing assistance, and assistance animals permitted, they endeavour to make everyone welcome.
Check their website for the schedule of events and full accessibility information.
Radnorshire Museum
The Radnorshire Museum, based in nearby Llandrindod Wells, holds artefacts relating to the former county of Radnorshire and is housed in the old Carnegie Public Library.
Visitors can browse natural, military and social history, archaeology, palaeontology and fine art collections, and learn about the former county’s rich cultural heritage.
The museum has full disabled access, including a lift. Check their website for opening times, photos of treasures from the Radnorshire collection and accessibility information.
Pavilion Mid Wales
Built in 1912, Pavilion Mid Wales in Llandrindod Wells has been a community hub for over 100 years. Now managed by a community interest company, this independent live music and arts venue has welcomed over 170,000 visitors since it reopened in 2016 and hosts a regular programme of events.
An all-inclusive venue, Pavilion Mid Wales has a step-free entrance and access to ground level, accessible toilet and parking, and assistance animals are permitted.
Check their website for details on community classes, workshops and events, live events and full accessibility information.
15 min drive
ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SHOW
The annual Royal Welsh Show is the main event in the British agricultural calendar, and takes place in Builth Wells on its permanent showground. There is something to interest everyone, with a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays, livestock and equine competitions, and a wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink.
For accessibility information, check out their showground facilities and visit rwas.wales/royal-welsh/ for dates, tickets and further details.
17 min drive
Elan Valley Estate & Visitor Centre
Set in a beautiful and unspoilt landscape, you can expect some stunning views throughout the 45,000 acre Elan Valley Estate, part of the Cambrian mountain range. It achieved International Dark Sky Park status in 2015, so the views at night can be pretty spectacular too.
Famous for its six reservoirs, six dams and 73 mile aqueduct that were built a hundred years ago to provide fresh water to Birmingham, Elan Valley is a real marvel of engineering set amongst some breathtaking scenery.
Visit elanvalley.org.uk for Visitor Centre accessibility details and information on their wheel-chair friendly routes.
18 min drive
Gilfach Nature Reserve & Centre
Once an old working hill farm, Gilfach is now a nature reserve with superb views of the Marteg Valley. It’s a special place with many species of butterflies, 70 different types of birds, and over a quarter of the lichens found in Wales.
A short path from the old farmyard offers fine views, and the Dipper Hide is wheelchair-friendly, though due to the sloping terrain, access to the reserve is not easy for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility. Mobility scooters can drive through the reserve along the public road.
Visit rwtwales.org for details on the reserve, check their accessibility information, or download their trail guide.
19 min drive
Garreg Ddu Dam
The viaduct at Garreg Ddu is quite different to the other dams on the Elan River as the dam part of the structure is not visible above the water surface in normal conditions.
This low, completely submerged dam plays a vital role in maintaining a constant supply of water to Birmingham. It also supports masonry pillars carrying the access roadway to the neighbouring valley of the River Claerwen. Garreg Ddu holds water back on the upstream side so that water can always be extracted at the Foel Tower.
Offering beautiful views, Garreg Ddu is easily accessible by car. Visit elanvalley.org.uk for further information.
20 min drive
Caban Coch Dam
The lowest of the four dams on the river Elan, Caban Coch Dam resembles a natural waterfall when the reservoir is full and the dam is in full spate. Accessible by car along the scenic mountain road to Aberystwyth, the dam offers some breathtaking views along the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
Not just a pretty view but a renewable energy source too, as hydropower production has been in place in Elan Valley since 1997, with turbines installed at the bases of the dams. The output at Caban Coch South delivers 850kW which is transmitted to Rhayader and the National Grid via 7km of underground cable.
Accessible by car, visit elanvalley.org.uk for further information.
26 min drive
Pen y Garreg Dam
Often referred to as the ‘middle dam’, Pen y Garreg is the third dam on the River Elan. At 37m high and 161m long the dam has a reservoir of 6,055 megalitres.
The dam houses an access tunnel to the central tower, which is lit by apertures in the downstream side of the dam. This unusual feature enables Pen y Garreg to be opened to the public on certain days of the year.
Visit elanvalley.org.uk for details on open days and accessibility information.
29 min drive
Craig Coch Dam
The highest upstream of the series of dams on the River Elan, Craig Coch, often referred to as the top dam, was the last one built. A rocky outcrop first had to be blasted and dug through, known as Devil’s Gulch, to enable the new railway line to reach the site. Construction finally began in July 1897, and on 21st of July 1904, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra officially opened the Elan Valley scheme at Craig Coch Dam.
With an elegantly curved retaining wall, a domed valve tower, and a series of arches carrying a narrow roadway, the dam is 1040 feet (317 metres) above sea level. When the reservoir is full, water pours between the arches and into the valley below.
Easily accessible by car, there is some parking available at either end. Visit elanvalley.org.uk for further information. An accessible walk, the Elan Valley Trail, also runs alongside the reservoir.
30 min drive
Claerwen Dam
The reservoir at Claerwen Dam holds almost as much water as the combined total of Craig Coch, Pen y Garreg and Caban Coch in the neighbouring Elan Valley. The last of the six dams to be built, Claerwen Dam was built in concrete then faced with dressed stone, to be in keeping with the appearance of the much older structures nearby.
It was ceremonially declared open by the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II in October 1952, in one of the first official engagements of her reign.
Accessible by car, at 56m high and 355m long this huge dam is a spectacular sight. Visit elanvalley.org.uk for further information.
39 min drive
Small Breeds Farm Park
Open every day, the Small Breeds Farm Park in Kington is the perfect attraction for animal lovers. Visitors can see a mix of larger animals, ranging from pygmy goats, miniature horses, miniature donkeys to alpacas, and smaller animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, degus, and various waterfowl and poultry.
The Small Breeds Farm Park also cares for one of the finest collections of breeding owls in Europe, with over 30 different owls to visit on-site.
Facilities include a tearoom with indoor and outdoor seating, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can access all display areas. For further details visit: www.owlcentre.com
46 min drive
Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls
For a spectacular sight, visit the natural waterfalls at Devil’s Bridge village in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. With five drops and intervening cascades, the 300m tiered falls are among the highest in Wales. Attracting visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth, a local legend involving the devil adds myth and mystery to the place.
Follow a circular 45-minute nature trail through a wooded gorge for breathtaking views. The ancient Sessile Oak woodland is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to many mosses and lichens. Or take the shorter option and descend to the river to view The Three Bridges and Punchbowl up close.
Due to the terrain, access to the waterfalls is challenging; however, a level tarmac path to a viewpoint area enables wheelchairs and pushchairs to view the three bridges. Check their access statement for further information.
Hafren Forest: Cascades Walk
Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, is well-known for its waterfalls and numerous walking trails, including one which takes you to the source of the River Severn.
For an accessible trail, head to Rhyd-y-benwch car park with picnic area and accessible toilets, and follow the ‘Cascades Walk’. Designed in partnership with local disabled associations, this 30-minute trail includes a boardwalk along the riverbank that leads to a viewing platform over the cascades.
Visit naturalresources.wales or download their leaflet for more information on this accessible trail.
1 hour drive
Aberystwyth
Head to Aberystwyth on the Cardigan Bay coastline to enjoy a day of cultural attractions and historical sights. A university town home to the National Library of Wales, one of the largest Welsh arts centres, a 13th-century castle, an Iron Age hillfort, and a bustling shopping centre that includes varied independent shops and eateries, there is plenty to keep everyone in your group happy.
Wander a mile-long promenade lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian terraces alongside a wide sandy shingle beach, to the oldest pier in Wales, built in 1864. For excellent panoramic views, ride the 778 feet (237m) long funicular Aberystwyth Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill and try out the world’s largest Camera Obscura.
Find out more on the official Ceredigion County Council Tourism site, Discover Ceredigion.
1 hour drive
Vale of Rheidol Railway
The railway opened to the general public in December 1902 and was the last steam railway owned by British Rail until privatised in 1989. Now run by a not-for-profit charity that restores and maintains the railway, locomotives and carriages, you can take the 12-mile train journey from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge behind one of their vintage steam locomotives built in the 1920s and enjoy stunning Welsh scenery along the way.
The museum in the Engine Shed houses a changing exhibition of historical narrow gauge locomotives and rolling stock. The railway has a calendar of special events and driver experiences are available.
An accessible compartment is available on the train, contact the railway directly for full details. For tickets and events visit www.rheidolrailway.co.uk.
1 hour 2 mins drive
The Magic of Life Butterfly House
Visitors to this indoor tropical house in the heart of the Rheidol Valley will experience walking into a world of free-flying butterflies. Run by botanists, this registered charity aims to inspire a sense of wonder for nature, while raising awareness of local and tropical biodiversity issues.
They keep over 100 species of butterflies over the year and breed around 25 of these. The Butterfly House features over 800 varieties of plants including some rare collections, a tropical coral reef display with 75 species of corals, and a collection of giant tropical beetles and various insects.
Open daily and suitable for wheelchairs users. Visit www.magicoflife.org for further information.
1 hour 4 mins drive
Powis Castle
Built as a medieval fortress for the Welsh princes of Powys and in the Herbert family for over 450 years, Powis Castle has been cared for by the National Trust since 1952.
Visitors can explore the 13th-century castle that reflects the Elizabethan period through to the Edwardian period, with a magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture, tapestries, and treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum. The world-famous garden with views across the Severn Valley retains many original features, including 17th-century Italianate terraces with lead statues, an orangery and aviary, vibrant herbaceous borders, a towering 30ft hedge of clipped yew trees, an Edwardian formal garden with apple trees and roses, and a peaceful woodland area.
There is a step-free route around the garden, steep slopes and unfenced terraces, but no step-free access to the castle and Clive Museum. For access information, visit the website and view the accessibility guide.