Activities & Attractions

Elan Valley

Birdwatching
Birdwatching - a leaflet 'Where to watch birds on the Elan Estate' is available giving the grid references of the best birdwatching areas.The Elan Valley Ranger service runs birdwatching safaris on weekend mornings during May and June. The kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm is close by, where every day, visitors can watch red kites (and numerous other species) being fed. Hides are located just 30 metres from the feeding ground, which means visitors have excellent photographic opportunities and views of the kite-feeding spectacle.

Elan Valley Visitor Centre
This includes an exhibition (which shows the history and natural history of the area), an audio-visual show, information desk, shop and cafe, toilets, children's play area, and large picnic and parking area. The centre also provides easy disabled access.

Fishing
Fishing - available in the Elan Valley reservoirs, Rivers Wye, Marteg and Elan and Llyngwyn. Permits are available in Rhayader.

Riding
Pony trekking is available from the Lion Royal during the summer months, while the Heart of Wales Riding School at nearby Penybont is open year round for trekking, riding lessons, show-jumping and more.

The Elan Valley Trail
The Elan Valley Trail is a surfaced path which follows the route of the old Elan Valley Railway. It is for use by walkers, horse riders and cyclists and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The trail starts just west of Rhayader and finishes 13 km (8 miles) further up the Elan Valley at Craig Goch reservoir. The route is traffic-free and provides users with maps and information boards along its length. The Elan Valley trail is part of the National Cycle Network and passes through a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve which is based around a disused railway tunnel (now home to several species of bat)

The Elan Valley, Dams and Reservoirs
The Elan Valley Estate has five reservoirs set amidst spectacular scenery high in the Cambrian mountains. The 70 square miles of moorland, bog, woodland, river and reservoir are of national importance for their diversity of plants and the Elan Valley Estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales. The majority of the Estate is included in a Special Protection Area under the EC Directive on Wild Birds, and falls within the Cambrian Mountains Environmentally Sensitive Area. In addition, over 6,000 ha of the Estate is included in three Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive. Almost 80% of the Estate is contained within 12 separately designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These cover a range of habitats, from unimproved pasture and species-rich meadows to ancient woodland, and upland mire. There is open access over most of the Estate, with over 80 miles of designated rights of way.

Walking and Cycling
There are many leafleted walks and trails with a good mixture of lengths to cater for all, including nature trails and scenic walks. Some maps of walks and mountain bike routes are provided, others, such as 'Ten Hillwalks around Rhayader and the Elan Valley' is available from the Visitor Centre or Rhayader Tourist Information centre. Mountain bikes and guides can be hired in Rhayader

Rhayader

The small market town of Rhayader has plenty of amenities for visitors For eating and drinking there is a choice of 11 pubs, as well as Indian, Chinese, and Turkish restaurants and take-aways, and several other cafes.

Gilfach Nature Reserve
Owned by the Radnorshire wildlife trust, the reserve offers a variety of way-marked trails for bird watchers, walkers and naturalists. The paths extend from the Interpretation and Education Centre complex which is situated two miles from Rhayader. There is also an easily accessible trail for wheelchair users and the less mobile.

Marston Pottery
Where Phil Rogers, a potter for 20 years and a fellow and former Chairman of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain has his showroom, displaying kitchen and tableware as well as vases and bottles where function and a decorative form is combined.

Rhayader Leisure Centre
Here there is a swimming pool, fitness suite and squash courts

Rhayader Parks
These are in a wonderful setting on the banks of the River Wye, and besides children’s playgrounds they have bowls, a putting green and tennis courts.

Welsh Royal Crystal
Welsh Royal Crystal – glass factory, offering tours showing the manufacturing process and traditional techniques handed down over generations. The factory shop offers visitors a wide selection of quality Crystalware and gifts at affordable prices.