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There are plenty of place for guests to visit, all within easy
reach of the cottages. Here are just a few ideas. We have a resource
centre situated adjacent to the cottages with maps and information
of the surrounding area.
Cycling & Walking:
Download walking maps here: Leaping Stiles
The Llanidloes area is seamed with paths and trails
of all descriptions, and finding your way around them has never
been easier. Access to European Funding through the Powys County
Council administered Community Tourism Capital Grant Scheme has
enabled over thirty separate circular and linear routes to benefit
from new way-marking, fingerposts, gates and stiles. Linking
Llanidloes with the surrounding villages of Llangurig, Llandinam
and Trefeglwys, and creating routes ranging from just a few miles
to a good day's walk, the network is the ideal way to discover
the full glory of the stunning Llanidloes countryside.
  Lake Clywedog
Lake Clywedog is one of the most beautiful lakes
in Wales, offering stunning scenery and wonderful fishing. Lake
Clywedog provides a perfect habitat for wildlife. Buzzards and
Red Kite are now a common sight, and recently there have even
been occasional sightings of Ospreys. Mallard are attracted to
the lake, while Tawney Owls, Pied Flycatchers and a whole host
of Tits have established themselves in the woods bordering the
shore. In season, a great many butterflies can be seen (hedge
brown, meadow brown, small copper, small tortoiseshell, common
blue) flitting amongst grass that is studded with wild thyme,
yellow tormentil, harebells, violets and clumps of heather. Squirrels
are a common sight, and there are polecats, foxes, and the much
put upon short tailed vole, which has the unhappy distinction
of being the primary source of food for the birds of prey and
other carnivors that inhabit the lake shore.
The lake is amply stocked with brown and rainbow trout, the
management of which and the fishing rights are the preserve of
the Llanidloes Angling Society. Sailing on lake is run by the
Clywedog Sailing Club. Both organisations hold numerous competitions
and regattas throughout the year and visitors are always welcome.
The Lake is owned and operated by Severn Trent Water Limited,
who have established a number of walks, such as the Clywedog
Gorge Trail around the Bryn Tail Mine workings and the Llyn Clywedog
Scenic Trail, while there are a number of viewing points arranged
along the circular drive around the lake that allow the visitor
to make the most of the wonderful panoramic views. The National
Trail of Glyndwr's Way also passes beneath the dam before pursuing
a course along the southern shore of the lake, making this one
of its most picturesque stages.
At the viewing area situated above the dam, Severn Trent has
created the Look Out, an elevated platform sheltered from the
elements, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding
country. At the Look Out you will also find the Red Kite Kiosk,
where (weather permitting) a welcoming cup of tea and a snack
is available on Wednesday through to Sunday from May to to September.
Glyndwrs Way
The 135 m/217km Trail is a long
distance walk which can be enjoyed as a continuous journey, typically
taking around nine days, or over a series of weekend or
day trips. It begins at Knighton on the English border
and meanders through the open moorland, rolling farmland, woodland
and forest of Mid Wales, through the town of Machynlleth. Along
the Trail are some of the finest landscape features in Wales
including the tranquil Radnorshire Hills, the shores of the Clywedog
Reservoir and heather clad Plynlimon.
There are spectacular
views over Cadair Idris, Lake Vyrnwy, the Cambrian Mountains
and Y Golfa. The route reaches its highest point at Foel
Fadian (1530ft/510m) from which on a clear day views stretch
out along the majestic Dulas valley to Machynlleth and the sea.
Blaentrinant to Llanidloes – 8.5 m / 13.5km
From Blaentrinant to Llanidloes the Trail zigzags through some
of the most picturesque countryside on the route.
Llanidloes to Afon Biga – 9m / 14.5km
This trail starts at the Market Hall in Llanidloes,
crosses the River Severn, then follows the path in the shadows
of the Clywedog Dam wall, where you will arrive on the shores
of the Clywedog reservoir. Make sure you keep your
eyes open for Red Kite! You will eventually arrive at the
Afon Biga picnic site.
Hafren Forest
The Forest takes its name from Afon Hafren (River Severn) which
rises in a deep, blanket-peat bog, 800m outside its boundary,
high above, on the slopes of Plynlimon. Almost immediately it
begins its long journey to the Bristol Channel, passing first
through woodlands of pine and spruce.
It is possible to walk
to the Source of the Severn from Hafren Forest. The Severn Way,
Britain's longest riverside walk, begins at the Source. Llanidloes
acts as a base for Hafren Forest, Llyn Clywedog and many other
visitor attractions.
There are numerous walking and cycling routes to be found in
Hafren Forest. Please visit their page on the Forestry
Commission web site for more information and
maps.
Coed Trallwm
The Coed Trallwm Mountain
Biking Centre has plenty of trails for
you to try out and a log cabin visitor centre with the Forest
Cafe to keep you refreshed.
Walking and Cycling links:
Forestry Commission
Wye Valley Way
Cambrian Way
Glyndwrs Way
Mountain
Biking Wales
Pony Trekking:
Aberhafesp
The Mill
Pony Trekking Centre Tel 01686 688440
Golf:
St
Idloes Golf Club - Llanidloes
Tel 01686 412559
St
Giles Golf Club - Newtown
Tel 01686 625844
Welshpool
Golf Club - Welshpool
Tel 01938 850249
Fishing & Sailing:
Llanidloes & District
Angling Association - Tel 01686 412329
Clywedog
Sailing Club - Keith
Rollinson, tel 01686 640305
Other Places of Interest:
Llanidloes
Just three miles from Barn View Cottages, nestling amidst the eastern slopes
of the Cambrian Mountains, Llanidloes is one of the great little market towns
of Mid Wales. The first town on the River Severn, and easily one of the prettiest.
Red Kite Feeding Centre
Mid Wales has the greatest density and diversity of birds of
prey in Southern Britain and was home to the last remaining
Native Kites. Now due to the hard work of the conservation
bodies here in Wales, Red Kites are once again on the increase.
Why not visit the Red Kite
Feeding Centre at Gigrin Farm, Rhayadar.
Feeding takes place each day at 2pm in winter (from 29th October)
and at 3pm in summer.
 Powis
Castle
Powis Castle survives as a captivating example of a military stronghold
which was preserved and renewed by continual occupation for centuries.
Rich in history, its fabric contains architecture of many different
periods, beginning with a medieval square keep and stone hall.
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is the principal holiday resort of the west coast of
Wales.
The town is nestled between three hills and two beaches, and
hosts some castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding
hills hold the visible remains of a iron age fort and also a
monument to Wellington and once climbed offer stunning views
of Cardigan Bay.
Borth
The old fishing hamlet of borth features golden sandy beaches. While you're there,
don't forget to visit the Animalarium, a showcase of unusual and interesting
animals.
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