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Cosy Winter Weekend | Two Nights of Frosty Walks, Pub Lunches and Stars near Rhayader

A two-night winter weekend based near Rhayader in Powys, with a frosty walk, a pub lunch, a night under the stars and a slow Sunday in a market town. It's a good break for couples or friends from November to February, when the days are crisp and the nights are long.

Friday: arrive and settle in

Arrive in daylight if you can and settle into a cottage with a wood burner. Nannerth Country Holidays has farm cottages in the Wye valley just north of Rhayader, and Clyn Cottages is tucked away in the Elan Valley. Light the fire, cook something simple and have an early night.

Saturday morning: a frosty walk in the Elan Valley

Drive up the Elan Valley to Cwm Elan, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, for maps and a warm drink in the cafe, then walk the path beside the river to the foot of the Caban Coch dam. On a cold, clear morning the reservoirs are still and the hills are white with frost. Watch the red kite feeding at Gigrin Farm near Rhayader at 2pm, when hundreds of kites come down together.

Saturday afternoon: a pub lunch

Drive south-east to The Bell Country Inn on the edge of Llandrindod Wells for a late lunch in the bar or restaurant, then head back to the cottage before dark.

Saturday night: stars

The skies around Rhayader and the Elan Valley are some of the darkest in Britain. Step outside after dark, give your eyes 20 minutes and look for Orion rising in the east. For a guided session, Serydda runs stargazing experiences near Tregaron, over the mountain road to the west.

Sunday: a market town wander

Spend Sunday morning in Rhayader. CARAD TimeScape tells the story of the town and the valleys, and there are cafes and small shops around the clock tower. Have lunch before the drive home.

Good to know

Mountain roads can be icy in winter, so check the forecast and take care. Bring warm layers, a torch and a flask for the stargazing.