Lôn Lodges
Activities
Bird Watching
This area of Mid Wales is a birdwatchers’ paradise with resident Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons and Ravens. March and April are particularly good months for seeing a variety of birds of prey. Red Kites can be seen in the skies throughout the year and the popular Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader attracts hundreds of birds.
This area of Mid Wales is a birdwatchers’ paradise with resident Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons and Ravens. March and April are particularly good months for seeing a variety of birds of prey. Red Kites can be seen in the skies throughout the year and the popular Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader attracts hundreds of birds.
Redstarts, Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatchers arrive locally from mid April and are commonly seen until late June. Redstarts stay up until the end of September. Dippers, Goosanders, Grey Wagtails and Common Sandpipers can be seen on the local riverbanks, as can the beautiful Otter, and Skylarks can often be heard singing over local moorlands.
The Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre is open daily, summer and winter.
Tel 01597 810243 www.redkitecentre.co.uk
The RSPB reserve Carngafallt in the Elan Valley is a heathered moorland common with ancient woodlands and farmland. Summer visitors include Redstarts, Whinchats and Tree Pipits. www.rspb.org.uk/reserves
Tel 01597 810243 www.redkitecentre.co.uk
The RSPB reserve Carngafallt in the Elan Valley is a heathered moorland common with ancient woodlands and farmland. Summer visitors include Redstarts, Whinchats and Tree Pipits. www.rspb.org.uk/reserves
Cycling
There are cycle rides to suit all abilities locally, from the country lane cyclist to the adrenaline seeker.
There are cycle rides to suit all abilities locally, from the country lane cyclist to the adrenaline seeker.
Clive Powell’s Mountain Bike Centre in Rhayader hires bikes and runs cycling breaks, days and weekends, which include on and off road cycling. All levels of fitness and ability are catered for from the age of 12 upwards. The centre includes a bike shop and licensed café with great food.
01589 811343 www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk
01589 811343 www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk
The 8 mile or 13 km Elan Valley Trail and Cycle Path runs along the railway line built to service the building of the Elan Valley Dams over a century ago. The trail is clearly signed, passes the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and Cafe and is one of the most beautiful and accessible cycle tracks in the country. www.elanvalley.org.uk
The Radnor Ring or Regional Cycle Route 25 is an 86-mile (135 km) tour that links the towns of Rhayader, Kington, Knighton and Llandrindod Wells. It has stunning landscapes and an optional off road section.
National Cycle Route 8 (Lôn Las Cymru) passes through Rhayader on it’s way from Anglesey to the Bristol Channel.
National Cycle Route 81 (Lôn Cambria) crosses over the mountains from the coast at Aberystwyth to the Elan Valley and then on to the border town of Shrewsbury. www.sustransshop.co.uk
National Cycle Route 81 (Lôn Cambria) crosses over the mountains from the coast at Aberystwyth to the Elan Valley and then on to the border town of Shrewsbury. www.sustransshop.co.uk
Fishing
This area is known as ‘The Lakeland of Wales’ and so there’s a lot of fishing!
Llyngwyn Lake is a natural, 16 acre Trout Master Water, just 2 miles from the lodges. The lake is restocked weekly and permits and boat hire are easily arranged. The Elan Valley has 4 reservoirs covering 850 acres of water available for fly-fishing.
This area is known as ‘The Lakeland of Wales’ and so there’s a lot of fishing!
Llyngwyn Lake is a natural, 16 acre Trout Master Water, just 2 miles from the lodges. The lake is restocked weekly and permits and boat hire are easily arranged. The Elan Valley has 4 reservoirs covering 850 acres of water available for fly-fishing.
The beautiful Rivers Wye, Elan and Marteg are fished for Grayling, Salmon and Trout.
More detailed information can be found on The Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association website www.rhayaderangling.co.uk or by contacting Alan Lewis at Hafod Hardware, East Street, Rhayader, telephone 01597 810383.
More detailed information can be found on The Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association website www.rhayaderangling.co.uk or by contacting Alan Lewis at Hafod Hardware, East Street, Rhayader, telephone 01597 810383.
Walking
There’s no better way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and flora and fauna of Mid Wales.
From the lodges, a 4 - 5 mile walk, either along country lanes or over the hill tops will take you to the ancient monastery ruins at the lovely village of Abbeycwmhir. Take a picnic or have lunch in the friendly Happy Union Pub.
There’s no better way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and flora and fauna of Mid Wales.
From the lodges, a 4 - 5 mile walk, either along country lanes or over the hill tops will take you to the ancient monastery ruins at the lovely village of Abbeycwmhir. Take a picnic or have lunch in the friendly Happy Union Pub.
The Elan Valley has many beautiful well signposted routes. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre has a café and Tourist Information Centre and is often the starting point for guided walks led by knowledgeable Rangers
For details of Elan Valley Ranger guided walks and events telephone 01597 810880
or visit www.elanvalley.org.uk
For details of Elan Valley Ranger guided walks and events telephone 01597 810880
or visit www.elanvalley.org.uk
Local Nature Reserves include The Gilfach, a 418-acre farm owned by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, on the outskirts of Rhayader. The reserve has many well-marked trails starting from it’s Visitor and Education Centre.
Telephone 01597 823298 or visit www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk for more information.
Telephone 01597 823298 or visit www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk for more information.
Llandrindod Wells has three interesting 5-mile circular Town Walks and sometimes offers guided walks.
For more information contact 01597 824102
or visit www.llandrindod.co.uk
For more information contact 01597 824102
or visit www.llandrindod.co.uk
Offa’s Dyke runs through Mid Wales along the Radnorshire and Shropshire borders. The Offa’s Dyke Centre in nearby Knighton is a great place to start an exploration of King Offa’s Path and Glyndwr’s Way.
01547 528753 www.offasdyke.demon.co.uk
01547 528753 www.offasdyke.demon.co.uk
Horse Riding and Pony Trekking
We are situated in the heart of the Mid Wales riding scene.
The well-established Lion Royal Trekking Centre in the Elan Valley offers full and half day rides, for all levels of rider. www.lionroyal.co.uk 01597 810202
We are situated in the heart of the Mid Wales riding scene.
The well-established Lion Royal Trekking Centre in the Elan Valley offers full and half day rides, for all levels of rider. www.lionroyal.co.uk 01597 810202
Two local riding stables Underhill Stables and The Heart of Wales Stables both offer instruction or hacks out. Booking is essential.
Underhill Riding Stables 01597 851890
www.underhillridingstables.co.uk
Heart of Wales 01597 851884
Underhill Riding Stables 01597 851890
www.underhillridingstables.co.uk
Heart of Wales 01597 851884
Golf
There are three 18 hole courses nearby at Llandrindod Wells (8 miles), Builth Wells (13 miles) and Llanidloes (15 miles). Each has a clubhouse and Llandrindod and Builth Wells have shops.
A further 3 courses can be found at Knighton, Kington and Aberystwyth with a coastal Links course at Borth, just north of Aberystwyth.
There are three 18 hole courses nearby at Llandrindod Wells (8 miles), Builth Wells (13 miles) and Llanidloes (15 miles). Each has a clubhouse and Llandrindod and Builth Wells have shops.
A further 3 courses can be found at Knighton, Kington and Aberystwyth with a coastal Links course at Borth, just north of Aberystwyth.
Llandrindod Wells Golf Club 01597 822010 www.lwgc.co.uk
Builth Wells 01982 553296
Llanidloes 01686 412559
Information on the Llandrindod and Builth courses can also be found on
www.heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk telephone 0845 2600622 (local rate).
Builth Wells 01982 553296
Llanidloes 01686 412559
Information on the Llandrindod and Builth courses can also be found on
www.heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk telephone 0845 2600622 (local rate).
Fungi Forays
Mid Wales has the perfect growing climate for many types of wild mushrooms. Neighbour, Daniel Butler, environmental writer and fungi-fanatic leads regular ‘Fungi Forays’ in an effort to hunt out the most interesting and edible mushrooms possible.
Mid Wales has the perfect growing climate for many types of wild mushrooms. Neighbour, Daniel Butler, environmental writer and fungi-fanatic leads regular ‘Fungi Forays’ in an effort to hunt out the most interesting and edible mushrooms possible.
Dan’s forays are a fascinating and fun insight to the world of edible fungi and he is happy to organise forays for lodge guests.
Contact Dan on 01597 811168 or visit www.fungiforays.co.uk
Dan also took many of the lovely photos on this site.
Contact Dan on 01597 811168 or visit www.fungiforays.co.uk
Dan also took many of the lovely photos on this site.
Philip Clegg is a qualified Mountain Leader based near Rhayader in Mid-Wales. He runs a range of 'Hill Skills' training courses and is available for 'Accompanied Walks' in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains.
For more details visit www.learn-outdoors.co.uk
or ring Philip on 07794 523085.
For more details visit www.learn-outdoors.co.uk
or ring Philip on 07794 523085.
Heart of Wales Spa
Fabulous Spa with indoor swimming pool, thermal suites, treatment rooms and Gym. Great place to unwind and relax after a busy day.
For more information and prices: www.heartofwalesspa.co.uk or 01597828557.
Children Welcome. 15 minutes from Lon Lodges.
For best rates quote 'Lon Lodges'.
Fabulous Spa with indoor swimming pool, thermal suites, treatment rooms and Gym. Great place to unwind and relax after a busy day.
For more information and prices: www.heartofwalesspa.co.uk or 01597828557.
Children Welcome. 15 minutes from Lon Lodges.
For best rates quote 'Lon Lodges'.
Swimming and Leisure Centres
Our nearest Swimming Pool, with spa bath, is within Rhayader Leisure Centre. The Centre also has a fitness room, squash courts, a solarium, and snooker, pool and table tennis tables.
Our nearest Swimming Pool, with spa bath, is within Rhayader Leisure Centre. The Centre also has a fitness room, squash courts, a solarium, and snooker, pool and table tennis tables.
The Leisure Centre also often hosts children’s sports and activity sessions during the school holidays.
For opening times call 01597 810355 or visit
www.rhayader-leisurecentre.powys.gov.uk
For opening times call 01597 810355 or visit
www.rhayader-leisurecentre.powys.gov.uk
Cinemas and Arts Centres
The Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells has a cinema, gallery and theatre with performances and shows throughout the year. For details of films, exhibitions and shows contact 01982 552555 or visit www.wyeside.co.uk
The Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells has a cinema, gallery and theatre with performances and shows throughout the year. For details of films, exhibitions and shows contact 01982 552555 or visit www.wyeside.co.uk
CARAD, Community Arts Rhayader and District, is based in East Street, Rhayader and regularly runs events, workshops and exhibitions. Contact CARAD on 01597 810192 or visit www.carad.org.uk
Aberystwyth Arts Centre (30 miles). For information about what’s on call 01970 623232 or visit www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
Aberystwyth Arts Centre (30 miles). For information about what’s on call 01970 623232 or visit www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
Bowling
uStrike is Mid Wales' only ten-pin bowling centre with four state-of-the-art lanes with a licensed bar for snacks and drinks. Opening hours are from 11AM to 10PM during the local holidays.
For any enquiries or bookings,
call us on 01686 622688.
Visit us at www.ustrike.co.uk
uStrike is Mid Wales' only ten-pin bowling centre with four state-of-the-art lanes with a licensed bar for snacks and drinks. Opening hours are from 11AM to 10PM during the local holidays.
For any enquiries or bookings,
call us on 01686 622688.
Visit us at www.ustrike.co.uk
Contact Us: 
or +44 (0) 1597 810 128Print Friendly Version
or +44 (0) 1597 810 128Print Friendly Version