St Peter & St Paul

Raft Building for schools:

Steve Gamman
London and South Herts Ramblers

An intrepid group from London & South Herts Ramblers battled their way through our Covid precautions to enjoy a wide range of walks around the Elan Valley during a 5 night stay.

L&SHR Jun21.jpg
Steve Gamman
5 best places to walk in Mid Wales

Mid Wales has the definitive scene for walking or hiking. 
The countryside shifts from open moorland, antiquated woods and calm riverside ways. 

This suits walking veterans just as well as families who want to investigate the open country and natural life. 

The biggest bonus about Mid-Wales? You are never far from a little market town for some tea...or something stronger.

Elan Valley

When talking about walks in the natural beauty of Mid Wales, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the majesty of Elan Valley. 
Whether you want a simple and relaxed walk or a difficult climb, Elan Valley has it covered. 
There is open access over a large portion of the 70 square mile Estate, and there are more than 80 miles of rights of way. 
There are numerous strolls and trails with an impressive combination of lengths to cater for all, including nature trails and beautiful strolls.

The Elan Valley Trail is a fan favourite with its paths that follow the course of the old Elan Valley Railway. 
It is for use by walkers, horse riders and cyclists and is also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/powys/visitor-guide-elan-valley-mid-wales

https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/powys/visitor-guide-elan-valley-mid-wales

Devils Bridge Falls

Devil's Bridge Falls is a famous tourist spot in the core of the Cambrian Mountains; 12 miles from the coastline town of Aberystwyth. 

Since the 18th century, these remarkable falls have drawn in a large number of guests, such as William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”. 

Nowadays, the Devil's Bridge Falls gives an extraordinary chance to walk and experience this incredible natural element in Mid Wales.

Walkers can choose from 2 paths, the first is a difficult walk that should take around 45 minutes and the second is a moderate walk that should take 10 to 20 minutes.

https://mapio.net/pic/p-61405422/

https://mapio.net/pic/p-61405422/

Offa’s Dyke Path

The trek of the Offa's Dyke Path through the borders of England and Wales genuinely offers something for everybody. 
Regardless of whether you are searching to stroll around for a little while, or wish to attempt the entire Trail (which could take you half a month or more) a beautiful walk in the midst of glorious countryside is ensured. 

The scene is continually breathtaking, from the riverside glades of the Wye and Severn valleys, to the serene moving slopes of Shropshire and Powys and the sensational heather clad uplands of the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Range/Dee Valley.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/offas-dyke/

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/offas-dyke/

Coed y Brenin

Epynt Way offers a different walking route to those you are probably used to, and if you're up for something out of the norm, then you should attempt the Epynt Way. 

The territory is varied with lush valleys, high moorland and woodland areas and offers truly beautiful views.
This land is controlled by the Ministry of Defense and encompasses the Sennybridge Training Area. 
The Epynt Way follows a course near the boundaries of the training area and is around 50 miles in length. 

Walkers of the Epynt Way are safe, as long as they follow the assigned course marked by posts.

https://tomhuttonmtb.co.uk/essential_grid/coed-y-brenin-6/

https://tomhuttonmtb.co.uk/essential_grid/coed-y-brenin-6/

Cadair Idris

A little further north, Cadar Idris will offer the biggest trek of this list.

There are three approved courses to vanquish Cader Idris; they're nothing like the simple Mid-Wales  walks we've mentioned before, whichever course happens to take your fancy. 

Each course has been described as "strenuous", and you ought to give between five to six hours to arrive and back. 

You'll have to take a lot of food and drink as there aren't any amenities on the highest point.

Cadair Idris offers truly beautiful sites, as well as an overwhelming sense of achievement, for those dedicated enough to try.

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We hoped you found this blog post informative, and we also hoped that we’ve inspired you to take on some routes you may not have thought of.

For more information on Elan Valley Leisure and our Kayaking activities, contact us below.

Elwyn Davies
5 best places to kayak and canoe in Mid Wales

In this article we will be highlighting our picks for the 5 best places to kayak and canoe in Mid Wales.

Mid Wales is the vibrant heart of Wales, with picturesque views and rolling hills for miles; there is plenty to do and endless exploring to be done.
If you are into water sports, Mid wales is perfect for a kayaking/canoeing holiday, which is a great way to see the beautiful wildlife and landscapes Mid Wales has to offer with your friends and family.

1) Caban Coch reservoir (Elan Valley Leisure)

When talking about the natural beauty of Mid Wales, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the majesty of Elan Valley.

Elan Valley is a very popular destination for locals and tourists as it’s situated on the outskirts of Rhayadyr, a little market town; it is a great day out for a family adventure or even a solo trip.

It has something for all, especially if you’re up for an activity packed holiday.

Stunning scenery!
— Duane Cartwright

Through Elan Valley Leisure, you can witness the beauty of the Caban Coch reservoir and experience Elan Valley from an all-new perspective. This is the prime location for a kayaking holiday in Mid Wales and perfect for family friendly getaways.

What better way to see the natural beauty of Mid Wales than on a kayak?

JLR_CHALL_2013_121+kayak.jpeg

2) Glasbury

Glasbury a small Village in Powys, Mid Wales, that lies on an important crossing point on the River Wye connecting Brecknockshire and Radnorshire.

Glasbury has stunning views surrounding the village and offers the perfect location to kayak/canoe along the River Wye.

If you are a keen kayaker or even just fancy exploring the scenery and wildlife with easy access to the River Wye, you can kayak/canoe from Glasbury to Hay on wye, which is approximately a two-hour paddle and five-mile distance, the perfect opportunity to discover the breathtakingly beautiful views from the riverside.

This is a great activity to do on your family holiday as you can take as long as you like and stop off at picnic spots that are along the riverside.

3) Llanidloes

Llanidloes is the first town on the River Severn based at the heart of Wales.

Llanidloes is great location for a family adventure holiday and for anyone who loves great scenery and the outdoors. If you love pleasing views Llyn Clywedog is a must visit, it’s a man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Clywedog dam. 

The River Severn being the longest river in Britain from source to mouth is great for keen kayakers/canoers who are looking for a great picturesque paddle along the Mid Wales countryside. Not only are there beautiful countryside views, but the wildlife will not disappoint either - adding to the adventure of a long paddle along the River Severn!

4) Langorse Lake

Langorse lake is the largest natural lake in Mid and South Wales.

The Lake is located in the Brecon Beacons national park near to the town of Brecon and the little village of Langorse; is surrounded by stunning green countryside landscape perfect for a family adventure.

The Lake is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing where you can discover the wildlife and scenery encompassing the Lake.

5) Builth Wells

Lastly, we have the historic town of Builth Wells, home of the Royal Welsh show.

Builth Wells is where the River Wye and Irfon merge; is a great location for enthusiastic kayakers/canoers to take in some of the quiet majesty of a town rife in history.

The upper part of the river Wye passes through not only Builth Wells, but Hay-on-Wye as well as Rhayader, so if you wanted to have a kayak-based tour of towns that have culture and history connected to Prince Llewellyn, then Builth Wells is the place to start.

http://www.builth-wells.net/

http://www.builth-wells.net/

We hoped you found this blog post informative, and we also hoped that we’ve inspired you to take on some routes you may not have thought of.

For more information on Elan Valley Leisure and our Kayaking activities, contact us below.

Elwyn Davies
Stourbridge Ramblers

A group of walkers from Stourbridge Ramblers who enjoyed a great weekend with us here at the Lodge. Lots of water going over Dolymynach, so an interesting if noisy spot for lunch.

Stourbridge Dolymynach small.jpg
Steve Gamman
Cestrian Ramblers

An enthusiastic group from Cestrian Ramblers enjoyed four days walking in weather that was consistently better than the forecast!

Steve Gamman