Beili Neuadd Bunk-Barn accommodation is beautifully situated in quiet, secluded countryside with delightful views and it's own stream, trout pools and woodland. It is only two miles away from the small market town of Rhayader, the gateway to the Elan Valley reservoirs, best known as
"The Lakeland of Wales".
The Elan Valley
This flooded valley is the area's most famous asset. It is surrounded by many traditional and non-intensive family farms, providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife. The rivers provide homes for otters, salmon and trout; rare orchids and fungi are abundant in the woods and fields, while the skies are home to kites and peregrines. The Elan Valley is also home to many nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is classified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre - This is the perfect place to start a visit to the area. The 70 square mile Elan Valley Estate has five reservoirs and is popular with people who come to see the spectacular scenery, which is ideal for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers. The Visitor Centre 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, large picnic area and a large car and coach parking area. The centre also provides easy disabled access.
The Elan Valley Trail - The trail follows the line of the old Birmingham Corporation railway from Rhayader to Craig Goch Dam in the Elan Valley, which is a distance of 8 miles (13Km). The route is traffic-free and open to walkers and cyclists, it provides them with maps and information boards along its length. The Elan Valley rail 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).
Rhayader
The town of Rhayader lies at the crossroads of Wales: halfway from Aberystwyth and Hereford, and between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Rhayader is a busy historic town with plenty to see and do. This is where the poet Shelley fled in search of his romantic dream.
Gigrin Farm - Wild Red Kites are fed at the farm, every day of the year, and visitors can watch. Being just 30 metres from the feeding ground means visitors have excellent photographic opportunities and views of the kite-feeding spectacle. Gigrin Farm also has a bird reserve, nature trail, picnic site and a children's play area. Visitors can also view badgers going about their nightly routines, there are live pictures on selected evenings via C.C.T.V., and recorded footage at other times.
Marston Pottery - Visit Phil Rogers' pottery showroom at Marston Pottery. Phil Rogers has been a potter for 20 years and is a fellow and former Chairman of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain. In the pottery showroom, visitors will find kitchen and tableware in the form of teapots, jugs and the like, aswell as vases and bottles where function is combined with more of a decorative and contemplative feel.
Welsh Royal Crystal - Visit the centre to see the 'Welsh Masters of Fire & Glass' at work. Take a tour to see 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.
Gilfach Nature Reserve - This 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.
Llandrindod Wells
Heart of Wales Riding School - Visit the Heart of Wales Riding School for trekking riding lessons, show-jumping and more.
National Cycle Collection - Learn about cycles through the ages, from Penny Farthings and boneshakers up to the most modern Raleigh cycles of today.
For more information on attractions in the Rhayader area:
Rhayader & District History Archives -
http://www.british-archives.co.uk/
Powys Digital History Project -
http://history.powys.org.uk/
Elan Valley -
http://www.elanvalley.org.uk/
