Activities around Rhayader and Mid Wales

Bird Watching

This area of Mid Wales is a birdwatchers’ paradise with resident Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons and Ravens. Red Kites can be seen in the skies above the lodges and at the popular Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, attracting hundreds of birds. The Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre is open daily, summer and winter.

Walking

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, flora and fauna of Mid Wales. From your doorstep you have the two Farm Trails and Nature Walks, or take the 4/5 mile walk along country lanes or over the hill tops to the ancient monastery ruins at the village of Abbeycwmhir. Take a picnic or have lunch in the friendly Happy Union Pub.

The Elan Valley Dams and Reservoirs

This is an area of spectacular beauty and abundant wildlife with many signposted walking routes. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre has a café and Tourist Information Centre and is often the starting point for guided walks.

Offa’s Dyke

This famous 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.

Cycling

There are cycle rides to suit all abilities, from the country lane cyclist to the adrenaline seeker.

Clive Powell’s Mountain Bike Centre

This centre in Rhayader provides good quality bikes for hire and runs an efficient repair service. As well as bike sales, the shop carries a good stock of spares, accessories and clothing.

Elan Valley Trail and Cycle Path

This is an 8 mile/13 km path running 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.

The Radnor Ring or Regional Cycle Route 2 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. Photos courtesy of Sustrans

Fishing

This area is known as ‘The Lakeland of Wales’ as there is 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 5 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 from The Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association. Fly fishing equipment for sale and information on the best places to fish can be obtained from the local Hafod Hardware Shop in Rhayader via Links page.

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. Or visit the two local riding stables -Underhill Stables and The Heart of Wales Stables, both offer instruction or hacks out. Booking is essential.

Falconry Experiences

Guests can enjoy a wonderful experience with Birds of Prey. E & C Falconry Experiences offer personalised falconry experiences with their beautiful birds of prey, located only a short distance from Lon Lodges. Pony rides offered and other visit other farm animals. See links page for contacts. .

Fungi Forays

Mid Wales has the perfect growing climate for many types of wild mushrooms. Daniel Butler, fungi-fanatic, leads regular ‘Fungi Forays’ in an effort to hunt the most interesting and edible mushrooms possible. Dan’s forays are a fascinating insight to the world of edible fungi and he is happy to organise forays for lodge guests. Dan also took many of the lovely photos on this site.

Cambrian Safaris

Excursions into the Cambrian Mountains in a Landrover Discovery, licensed for Private Hire. A variety of Tours start from Devils Bridge or pick up from your Lodge accommodation. Lunch and convenience stops are arranged. Please visit our website from the Links page for more details and booking details with special arrangements to suit you..

Welsh Overland Safaris

This independent guided tour company offers unique overland tours of to the most beautiful, unspoilt landscapes and rare natural habitats for wildlife. The region has a rich and diverse history dating back to well before Roman times. The tour itineraries are created to be enjoyed be all.
For more information and to book a tour visit the website via our Links page or call Richard on 01982 552140.

The Rhayader Museum and Gallery

The Rhayader Museum and Gallery is a space for all to enjoy, it is a place of many voices and shows a good insight in the local history. Open all year, fully accessable, museum shop open with local crafts. Please contact on telephone (01597) 810561 or (01597) 810192.

Abbeycwmhir Hall

Mid Wales has the most unique and beautiful historic home open daily for tours. The 52 room, Grade II Victorian Revival Gothic Mansion and 12 acre garden overlooks the ruins of the 12th century cistercian abbey.

Thomas Shop Museum

An award winning restored shop museum/gallery with traditional arts and crafts & tea rooms, just six miles away from your Lodge.

National Cycle Collection

Thought to be the finest collection of cycles anywhere in Europe. Journey through history and see bicycles from 1819, such as the Hobby Horse, Boneshakers and Penny Farthing, up to the most modern Carbon Fibre machines of today. Open daily in Llandrindod Wells.

The Judge’s Lodging

Step into the 1870s at the award-winning Judge’s Lodging and discover the world of a most unusual household. Explore the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of the Victorian Judges, their servants and felonious guests. Open in the nearby town of Prestiegne.

Powis Castle and Gardens

Medieval castle which houses one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. The castle is world famous for it’s exquisite gardens and Italianate terraces.

The Centre for Alternative Technology

Europe’s leading eco centre based near Machynlleth welcomes visitors. This education centre demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability covering all aspects of green living.

Quackers Indoor Play Centre, Newbridge-On-Wye

This indoor children’s play centre, situated Nr Newbridge-On-Wye, has the biggest drop slide in Mid-Wales! Outside there is a large sandpit and go-cart track with peddle go-carts.

Llangorse Indoor Multi Activity Centre

An award winning centre offering indoor climbing, outdoor zip wires, horse riding and many other activities.

Ten Pin 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. Situated in nearby town of Newtown.

Swimming and Leisure Centre

Rhayader Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, with spa bath. Other facilities include a fitness room, squash courts, a solarium, snooker/pool and table tennis tables, and outdoor tennis courts to hire.

The Rock Spa at the Hotel Metropole

Fabulous Spa with indoor swimming pool, thermal suites, treatment rooms and Gym. Lon Lodge’s guests can have an exclusive day membership for £10 per person, £7.50 for children, this will allow you to use the Spa throughout the day and includes towels/car parking. Spa treatments are available with a 10% discount on your chosen package/treatment. For Spa details call (01597) 828557.

Golf

There are three 18 hole courses nearby at Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Llanidloes. 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.

Phillip Clegg

Phillip 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.

The Wyeside Cinema and Arts Centre

Cinema, gallery and theatre with performances and shows throughout the year in nearby town of Builth Wells.

Socialising and Dining Out

Rhayader has 10 popular pubs all within a round trip of 400 metres. They all serve good food and range from the traditional pub with real ales to the more modern of bars and restaurants. An award winning Fish and Chip shop and an Indian Restaurant/takeaway are also located in Rhayader. Some public houses arrange music nights with local bands and entertainment evenings.