Between the streets of Rhayader and destinations nearby, you’ll find riverside paths, church trails and natural areas. The Elan Valley Trail begins in Cwmdauddwr, west of the town, and runs for 9 miles to Craig Goch Dam. Other trails pass through Rhayader or start there. You can focus on historic streets, churches or the landscape towards the Elan Valley.
Routes between Rhayader and Cwmdauddwr
The Rhayader Town Trail is a self-guided walk through Rhayader’s historic streets and across the river to Cwmdauddwr. The Riverside Walk offers a different kind of route: this easy circular walk follows the River Wye through Rhayader and Cwmdauddwr. The Gwastedyn Church Trail combines a circular walk along an established pilgrimage route with visits to historic sites. It starts and ends in Rhayader and leads to seven historic churches.
The Dragon Trail also starts in the centre of Rhayader, passes through Cwmdauddwr and continues towards the Elan Valley. The Elan Valley Trail offers a different focus: its starting point is in Cwmdauddwr, west of Rhayader; from there, the route runs for 9 miles to Craig Goch Dam. The details about the routes and their lengths help distinguish these trails when planning, rather than treating them as one continuous route.
Landscapes, trails and wildlife
Nearby Cwm Elan, the Elan Valley, offers opportunities for walking and cycling, wildlife watching, and visiting famous dams and reservoirs. The nearby Elan Valley Estate has International Dark Sky Park status. Selected locations there offer opportunities to observe the night sky.
Gilfach Nature Reserve lies in the Marteg Valley. The site was a working hill farm for centuries; today, the reserve has several waymarked trails, including the short, accessible Easy Access Trail. At nearby Rhayader Tunnel Nature Reserve, a path leads directly through the reserve and into the Elan Valley. The old railway tunnel there serves as a winter roost for bats. Five species have been recorded: lesser horseshoe bat, Daubenton’s bat, whiskered bat, brown long-eared bat and Brandt’s bat.
Gigrin Farm, the Red Kite Feeding Centre, is half a mile from Rhayader. Hundreds of red kites feed there every day. As feeding arrangements may change, check before your visit.
Cultural sites and further discoveries
Timescape Rhayader explores the region’s stories and legends. Its two floors feature exhibitions, installations and films. As opening arrangements may change, check before your visit. Rhayader’s notable landmarks include the Rhayader War Memorial Clock Tower, designed by B. Lloyd in 1924. Rhayader Castle stands on a rocky spur above the River Wye.
For another activity in town, Pump Track Wales is located in the centre of Rhayader. The facility is a split-sprint pump track and is open year-round, with free use. Check operating details before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Abercrave, Llansantffraid, Bronllys, Pencelli, Llanbedr, Llanwrthwl, Llanllwchaiarn, Llandrindod Wells
View the main travel guide: Powys.
