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Lake Vyrnwy combines its functional role as a water supply for
Liverpool with a touch of architectural genius in the shape of the huge
19th century damm at its southern end, and the turreted tower that
stands out into the icy waters. It's a magnificent spot, and a popular
centre for walking and birdwatching, with nature trails. To make the most of your day at one of Wales' most beautiful lakes,
call first at the Lake Vyrnwy Visitor Centre for up-to-date information
on all the activities on offer.
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Visit over 20 acres of mature gardens at Glansevern Hall, built
over 200 years ago overlooking a secluded valley towards the distant
Kerry Hills. Stroll along the lakeside
path which passes through mixed woodland, under-planted with flowering
shrubs, with ornamental shelters providing resting places on the way. Closer to the house are formal gardens with lawns, herbaceous beds and
borders. Facilities include a tea room, shop and plant sales.
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Powis Castle was built by Welsh princes and is now home to the Earls of
Powis. It contains one of the finest collections of paintings and
furniture in Wales and a beautiful collection of treasures from India
displayed in the Clive Museum. In the world famous garden, Italianate
terraces
overhung with enormous clipped yews, shelter tender plants and
sumptuous herbaceous borders. Facilities include a shop, plant sales
and a licensed tea room.
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The Elan Valley is a beautiuful and tranquil part of the world,
with a nine mile long string of lakes, rare plants and birds including
the Red Kite. The Elan Valley Visitor centre
incorporates a tourist office and a permanent exhibition about the
history and ecology of the area, and is a good starting point for a
walk. Guided walks and even Land Rover safaris head off from the
centre, with facilities including a shop and a cafe.
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The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture is a unique art collection in
the heart of Wales, and the only museum in Europe dedicated to a living
artist. Within the museum you will find pieces of sculpture, mirrored portraits and jewellery from the mid sixties to the present day. Andrew loves to give enjoyment and pleasure to others
through quirky and humorous mementoes of his life, and to show that art does not have to be pretentious but can be fun. Facilities include a cafe and gift shop.
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The rugged Welsh terrain lends itself to off-road driving, and a
number of schools offer trips and courses, from 4x4 off-road driving
tuition over specially constructed courses, to learning to drive a fast
rally car over a forest track! Tackle slopes that
appear imposibly steep, and learn how to drive through deep mud and
water. Practice hand brake turns and power sliding in a Ford RS 2000 or
Mitsubishi, and tackle a demanding six mile rally stage.
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At 240 ft (74 metres) tall Pistyll Rhaeadr is the highest waterfall in
Wales and England. It's located near the village of
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, not far from the English border. The
river tumbles down the crags in two stages, flowing under a natural
stone arch known as the Fairy Bridge. Walk up to the top of the falls
for awe-inspiring views of the valley, and paths up into the moody
Berwyn Hills. The riverside Tan-y-Pistyll licensed cafe offers Bed and Breakfast and camping facilities.
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To walk the 177 mile (285 km) Offa's Dyke Path is to explore both
spectacular landscapes and the history of the Anglo-Welsh border. This
National Trail links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the
Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the
Irish sea. It follows the impressive Dyke which King
Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, to divide his
Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.
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Montgomery is situated deep in the Welsh Marches and only a few miles
from the border with England. It's an attractive town, with a strong
architectural heritage complete with medieval castle and well-preserved
Georgian square. From the castle,
there are wonderful views over the lofty church tower and the handsome
Georgian Streets, notably the
well named Broad Street. Montgomery is a good place to use as a base to
explore the area, with a decent selection of
guesthouses and pubs.
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Llanidloes is a small Welsh market town, famous for its timber-framed
buildings and its annual fancy dress street party, which is held on the first Friday in July each year. Llanidloes museum consists of three themes - the social and
industrial history of the town, Victorian collection displayed in two recreated
areas of a kitchen and a parlour, and the "If you go down to
the woods..." exhibition, which looks at the importance of trees and man's
influence on the forests of Britain including the nearby Hafren Forest.
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