Wales Way - Central Cambrian Mountains Tour
The central Mid Wales uplands provide one of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. Running from north to south, the Cambrian Mountains straddle the counties of Powys and Ceredigion and are often described as the backbone of Wales.
This one day tour starts in Rhayader and the nearby Elan Valley. The 70 square mile Elan Valley Estate has five reservoirs and is popular with people who come to see the spectacular scenery, which is ideal for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers.
From the Elan Valley, you then travel on the scenic mountain road to Devil's Bridge. This route across the top of the Cambrian Mountains is a spectacular drive in itself, through abandoned slate and copper mining areas and you will be sure to see Red Kites flying overhead.
At Devils Bridge a visit to the famous Devil's Bridge Falls is a must and then on to Bwlch Nant yr Arian on the A44 for a stroll through the forest and well-deserved afternoon tea in the cafe.
Leaving Nant yr Arian you can turn right to take you on to Aberystwyth and the Mid Wales coast or turn left towards Llangurig and travel back to your starting point in Rhayader
Make BrochureMorning
From Rhayader its a short drive to the Elan Valley and you should allow around 2 hours to explore all the historic reservoirs and dams. The Visitor Centre is a great starting point and you can opt for a guided tour of the historic dams & reservoirs, pick up a map of the area, hire a bike or drive and explore this beautiful area before lunch at the visitor centre cafe or stop for a picnic lunch on the way.
A busy, historic market town, Rhayader is named after 'Rhayadr Gwy', a Welsh name for a local waterfall on the Wye. The town is situated in the very heart of Mid Wales in the beautiful Upper Wye Valley sheltered by the Cambrian Mountains.
Powys, LD6 5BU
The Elan Valley Estate in Powys, Mid Wales is truly epic and sprawls over 72 square miles, making up 1% of the whole of Wales! The area is designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Nr Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP
Lunch
** THE VISITOR CENTRE IS NOW CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE IN LINE WITH UK WIDE EFFORTS TO DELAY THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS **
Cwm Elan | Elan Valley & Visitor Centre, Nr Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP
Afternoon
Reaching Devil's Bridge is the Rheidol Gorge (home to the famous Devil’s Bridge Falls), whose famous admirers include William Wordsworth, and nearby Cwmystwyth, home to the oldest mine in the UK, dating back some 4,000 years.
Your next stop is Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, well-known for its long established tradition of daily feeding of red kites, Wales’s National Bird of Prey.
You could consider a Cambrian Safaris Tour and sit back and experience the area through the eyes of a local guide or treat yourself to a trip on the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway which will take you to Aberystwyth through the peaceful landscapes of the Rhiedol Valley.
Its now time for your return journey on the A44 back to Rhayader - with the highest concentration of pubs per capita in the UK your can be sure to find somewhere for a quiet evening meal to end the day.
The village of Devil's Bridge, which translated in Welsh is Pontarfynach, means 'The bridge on the Mynach' is internationally famous for its waterfalls, and the Rheidol narrow gauge Steam Railway.
Ceredigion, SY23 3JW
According to legend, the original Devil’s Bridge was built by the Devil himself. He constructed the bridge for a little old lady in exchange for her soul, or the soul of the first person to cross...
Devil's Bridge Falls, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre sits at the head of the dramatic Melindwr valley with commanding views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. It's an established Red Kite feeding site with multiple outdoor trails to suit everyone.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB
Cambrian Safaris provides excursions into the Cambrian Mountains and of all of Wales in a Land Rover Discovery. Tours can start from your accommodation, Devils Bridge, or Aberystwyth.
Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JL
All aboard for an unforgettable 12 mile journey from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge travelling up 700ft through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery on a historic narrow-gauge steam railway.
Rail Route: Aberystwyth - Devil's Bridge
Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1PG
