Rhayader is the first town on the River Wye and offers visitors a wealth of outdoor activities including cycling and mountain biking, long distance walking routes and wildlife and nature in abundance in the nearby Elan Valley
Rhayader is situated some 700ft above sea level in the beautiful Upper Wye Valley. Lying just 20 miles from its source on the Plynlimon range to the north (Welsh spelling - Pumlumon), the town is sheltered by the Cambrian Mountains and cupped by hills rising to over 1500 feet.
The town's Welsh name - Rhaeadr Gwy - means the "Cataract on the Wye". Until its destruction, during the building of the first stone bridge over the River Wye in 1780, there was a magnificent waterfall whose roar could be heard all over Rhayader, and which was described by one traveller as "a miniature Niagara Falls".
Rhayader's Old Market Hall was built in 1762 and lies at the central crossroads of the town. Farming, in particular sheep farming, has been an important part of Rhayader's history and it continues to be an important centre for livestock sales today.
See the best of what the area has to offer. From places to visit to historic sites.
Explore our range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
When you're looking for outdoor fun to suit everybody, you can take your pick.
Check out the wide range of events in the area suitable for all tastes.
