A brief list of visitor attractions around Wye View.
Bryntail Lead Mine
Remains of buildings associated with the nineteenth-century extraction and processing of lead ore. Owned by Cadw.
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/bryntail-lead-mine-buildings/?lang=en
Clewedog Dam and Reservoir
Built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of water into the Upper Severn, Clewedog reservoir covers 615 acres and offers great views, fly fishing, walking and sailing. The reservoir also provides a wildlife habitat with regular sightings of Red Kites, Buzzards, Osprey, a host of butterflies, and many small mammals. You can drive a circular route around the reservoir which includes part of the Hafren Forest.
hdcymru.co.uk/wonderful-water/our-visitor-sites/our-visitor-sites/llyn-clywedog
Elan Valley
In the Mid 19th century the Elan river was dammed to provide fresh drinking water to Birmingham, 72 miles away. The result is a series of reservoirs surrounded by stunning scenery and supporting a host of wildlife.
Powis Castle
An imposing medieval castle, later the home of the Clive family, set above celebrated gardens. Tickets are available for the castle (including a guided tour) or for the gardens only. Includes entry to the Clive museum, shop and cafe. National Trust.
Gilfach Nature Reserve
A hill farm of open moorland, flower-rich grassland and oak woodland sitting in the Marteg Valley. Nature trails and walks, otter hide, salmon leaping in mid-November, old farmhouse and byre.
Devil’s Bridge
Three separate bridges span the river Mynach – built on top of each other between the 11th and 19th centuries. Beneath them a footpath weaves around the waterfalls in the gorge.
Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest sits on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, 7 miles west of the market town of Llanidloes. Hafren Forest covers 15 square miles and there are various short and long distance walking trails. Walk to the source of the River Severn – or choose from numerous walks including waterfalls.
naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/mid-wales/hafren-forest/
Bwlch Nant Yr Arian
Visitors centre with walking and mountain biking trail information, plus daily red kite feeding and a cafe.
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
An eco-centre in Powys, dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development, empower people to live a more sustainable life. (Image from CAT website.)
Dyfi Osprey Project
See nesting ospreys from a viewing tower or the CCTV screens. (Image from project website.)
Hafod Estate
Hafod Uchtryd house and gardens were built to the “Picturesque principles” fashionable in the 18th century, with circuit walks allowing the visitor to enjoy a succession of views and experiences. Hafod became an essential destination for the early tourist in Wales, and although the house was lost to fire the rest of the estate still offers a wealth of walks.
Strata Florida Abbey
The Cistercian abbey at Strata Florida (“Valley of Flowers”) was founded in 1164 and controlled many farms throughout Wales, farming sheep for wool and growing food crops. A route between Strata Florida and the Abbey at Cwm-Hir (near Llandrindod Wells) is known as “Monks’ Trod” and can still be walked today. Following the dissolution in 1539 the Abbey was abandoned and is now a ruin, with the largest remaining structure being an archway to the nave.
Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway
Narrow gauge heritage steam trains running between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge. Check timetable, as services vary according to seasons.