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A day's drive across Mid Wales from the sea to the English border, following the Dyfi and then the Severn valley. It starts at the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle on the Cardigan Bay coast and ends at Powis Castle above Welshpool, one of the finest castles and gardens in Wales. The route is about 60 miles on the A487 and A470, and takes a full day with stops.
Walk round the castle ruins on the headland in Aberystwyth, built by Edward I in 1277, then drive north. Stop at RSPB Ynys-hir near Eglwys-fach, where trails and hides overlook the saltmarsh and woodland of the Dyfi estuary. A few miles further, the Dyfi Wildlife Centre is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project, with ospreys from April to August and wetland birds all year.
Machynlleth is where Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales in 1404. Walk the main street to the clock tower, look into MOMA Machynlleth, the Museum of Modern Art, and have lunch at one of the town's cafes. The Wednesday street market has been held for more than 700 years.
Drive east over the hills to the Severn valley. Dolforwyn Castle, just outside Abermule, was built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1273; the short climb gives wide views of the valley. A few miles on, Montgomery is a small Georgian town below the ruins of Montgomery Castle. The Dragon Hotel on the square is a 17th-century coaching inn serving food.
Finish at Powis Castle and Garden, the National Trust castle on a ridge above Welshpool, with terraced gardens from the late 1600s and a collection that includes treasures from India. Check the last entry time. Stay in Welshpool at the Royal Oak Hotel, a historic coaching inn in the town centre.
In the marvellous sweep of Cardigan Bay stand the ruins of one of Edward I's late 13th century castles. Of the seven major English strongholds he established in Wales, Aberystwyth Castle has fared least favourably in the survival stakes.
RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a wildlife haven in the heart of Mid Wales . Explore oak woodlands. peat bogs and salt marsh with views across the Dyfi estuary. Perfect for nature lovers & families wishing to discover their wild side.
The Dyfi Wildlife Centre near Machynlleth is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley.
Unwind in the heart of the Dyfi Biosphere at Machynlleth. Part of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere and offers exciting activities, from mountain biking to exploring the natural beauty of Mid Wales. The Centre for Alternative Technology is an excellent place to learn about environmentalism, while the…
Throughout the year MOMA WALES shows Modern Welsh Art, in a series of constantly changing exhibitions featuring Wales' top artists.
Discover Dolforwyn Castle, an ancient fortress nestled on a picturesque ridge above the enchanting Severn Valley near Newtown. Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Welsh-English conflict as you explore the rich history that surrounds Dolforwyn Castle. The sweeping panoramic views from its…
Montgomery Castle is a masonry castle standing on a rocky promontory above the town of Montgomery. Precipitous slopes to the north and east make this an excellent defensive site.
The homely, traditional décor extends to the cosy beamed restaurant, which has a fireplace converted from an old bread oven.
Cared for by the National Trust since 1952, Powis Castle & Gardens includes a world-famous garden, a 13th-century castle, the Clive Museum, and a historic collection.
Part of the award-winning Coaching Inn Group, The Royal Oak is a historic Hotel that is within easy walking distance of the National Trust Castle, Powis Castle, the leisure centre, Welshpool / Llanfair Light Railway and the restored canal and canal museum.
| From | To | Distance * (metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Aberystwyth Castle (52.41578,-4.0849) | RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve (52.54672,-3.94516) | 15.65 |
| RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve (52.54672,-3.94516) | Dyfi Wildlife Centre (52.56876,-3.91803) | 2.76 |
| Dyfi Wildlife Centre (52.56876,-3.91803) | Machynlleth (52.59063,-3.85302) | 4.52 |
| Machynlleth (52.59063,-3.85302) | MOMA WALES | Museum Of Modern Art (52.59167,-3.85261) | 0.11 |
| MOMA WALES | Museum Of Modern Art (52.59167,-3.85261) | Dolforwyn Castle (Cadw) (52.54606,-3.25092) | 36.93 |
| Dolforwyn Castle (Cadw) (52.54606,-3.25092) | Montgomery Castle (Cadw) (52.56281,-3.14934) | 6.41 |
| Montgomery Castle (Cadw) (52.56281,-3.14934) | Dragon Hotel (52.56008,-3.14916) | 0.27 |
| Dragon Hotel (52.56008,-3.14916) | Powis Castle and Garden (52.65056,-3.15882) | 9.09 |
| Powis Castle and Garden (52.65056,-3.15882) | Royal Oak Hotel (52.65967,-3.14723) | 1.15 |
| Total Distance * | 76.88 miles | |
| Estimated Journey Time | 2.47 hours | |
* Approximate distance by road
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