Discover Powys

The Elan Valley lies in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Powys has many facets: routes through the countryside, historic sites, wildlife watching and railway experiences. Which of these you choose to focus on can give your trip its own distinctive emphasis.

Landscapes, trails and wildlife watching

The Elan Valley Trail is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Check for diversions before setting out. The Elan Valley Estate was awarded International Dark Sky Park status in 2015. For travellers interested in the night sky, this designation adds a special dimension to the experience of the landscape.

The Montgomery Canal also brings nature and activity together in different ways. The Welsh section of the canal is internationally recognised as a Special Area of Conservation because of the diversity of its aquatic plants. A route runs alongside the canal between Newtown and Welshpool and can be used on foot or by bicycle; check route conditions and diversions in advance. For those weighing up the options, there is a clear distinction: the Elan Valley Trail is also open to horse riders, while the section of canal mentioned here is designated for walks and cycle rides.

Wild red kites are fed daily throughout the year at Gigrin Farm; visitor arrangements may change. Five large, east-facing hides are just a few metres from the spots where the red kites swoop down, offering good photographic opportunities. Check the latest arrangements before your visit. This allows you to combine wildlife watching with an interest in photography without losing sight of the birds themselves.

Castles, gardens and history

Powis Castle was built as a medieval fortress in the 13th century. Its garden is a Grade I listed garden and includes 17th-century Italian terraces. More than 300 objects from India and the Far East are displayed in the Clive Museum in the castle. The combination of fortress, garden design and collection offers several ways to explore the history of the place, from the building itself to the objects on display.

Tretower Court and Castle spans 900 years of history. The great hall is furnished as it might have looked during a lavish banquet in the 1460s. This cautious interpretation brings the past to life without presenting it as a verified reconstruction of a particular event. The site also includes a reconstructed 15th-century garden. Visitors to historic sites can experience the interior and garden as two different aspects of the same complex.

In Knighton, the Offa's Dyke Centre has an exhibition about the history of the earthwork Offa's Dyke. The centre also provides maps and ideas for local walks. The Offa's Dyke Path crosses the border from Herefordshire into Powys and continues to Knighton; check the latest trail information before setting out. The exhibition and walking ideas offer two different ways to explore the earthwork and landscape. Check the centre's visitor arrangements before your trip.

Train journeys and travel planning

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway offers a 16-mile round trip through the hilly countryside along the Welsh border, with each leg taking about 45 minutes. Its first passenger train ran on 4 April 1903. The journey time makes it easier to include this experience in your schedule; the historic train ride also tells the story of the railway's early days.

Welshpool is served by regular Cambrian Line trains from Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. Timetables may change, so it is advisable to check the latest service before travelling. The train connection and the journey on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway are two different railway experiences: one is a way to travel to Welshpool, while the other is a round trip through the border countryside.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Libanus, Builth Wells, Llanymynech, Colva, Trecastle, Knighton, Caersws, Llanwern, Ystradgynlais, Erwood, Carreghofa, Llangynidr, Llanafanfawr, Church Stoke, Carno, Clyro, Llanbrynmair, Machynlleth, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llanwddyn, Llanwrthwl, Llangorse, Pencelli, Sennybridge, Vaynor, Glasbury, Brecon, Pen-Y-Cae, Rhayader, Garthbrengy, Llanfyllin, Cathedine, Newtown, Bronllys, Berriew, Llandrindod Wells, Llangammarch Wells, New Radnor, Llandinam, Llanllwchaiarn, Montgomery, Llanidloes, Crickhowell, Presteigne, Llandysilio, Newbridge On Wye, Welshpool, Abercrave, Forden, Hyssington, Llangynog, Llangurig, Hay-On-Wye, Llanfair Caereinion, Guilsfield, Evenjobb, Llanrhaeadr-Ym-Mochnant, Aberhosan, Abergwesyn, Llangattock, Pen-y-bont, Mochdre, Llansantffraid, Llanbedr, Cwmdu, Staylittle, Sarn, Pontrobert, Ystradfellte, Meifod, Abercegir, Van, Cwm-twrch Uchaf, Talgarth, Bwlch, Cilmery.

For the main travel guide: Wales.