Alex & Katie’s local guide

Make the most of your stay.

Our favourite walks, places to eat and days out around Abbeycwmhir, Rhayader and the Elan Valley.

01 · Your walking booklet

Walks nearby

Doorstep walks from Cwm Bedw first, then six routes around Abbeycwmhir.

Open full walking guide

One complete PDF · 9 pages · 1.1 MB

03 · Head out for the day

Things to do

Wildlife, reservoirs and days out around Mid Wales.

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PDF · Save or print

Save or print the full guides from your PDF viewer. The doorstep map is illustrative; routes and distances are approximate. Check conditions before walking.

A few favourites

Food & drink

Check food service and dog policies. Book ahead for groups. Plan to collect takeaways; deliveries are unlikely to reach us.

Cwmdauddwr

The Triangle Inn

A characterful drovers inn serving homemade food, with a fire in colder months.

Rhayader

The Lost ARC

A lively café for breakfast or lunch, with vegetarian and vegan choices.

Rhayader

The Crown Inn

A traditional town-centre pub with a restaurant and beer garden.

Rhayader

Tŷ Morgan’s

An easy stop for breakfast, brunch or coffee and cake in the centre of town.

More food & drink20 more places

A proper meal out

Coffee, cake & a day exploring

  • Cakes and light food in a beautiful spot near Pen y Garreg Dam; ask ahead about afternoon tea.

  • Chalybeate Tea Room

    Coffee & a walk

    A favourite of ours for a coffee stop, with lovely walks around the surrounding area. Make time to stretch your legs while you’re there.

Easy takeaway

  • Evans Plaice

    Rhayader

    Fish and chips, with online ordering available through the venue.

  • Zeera

    Llandrindod Wells

    Indian and Bangladeshi dishes to eat in or take away; recommended by our guests.

  • Golden Rice Bowl

    Llandrindod Wells

    Our Chinese takeaway pick when you fancy an easy evening in.

  • Fabian’s Kitchen

    Llandrindod Wells

    Curries and takeaway favourites for a cosy evening back in the valley.

  • Quality Fish Bar

    Llandrindod Wells

    Classic fish and chips to collect from Waterloo Road.

Local pubs for a relaxed drink

  • Temple Bar

    Llandrindod Wells

    A relaxed town stop for a drink, with outdoor seating.

  • Arvon Ale House

    Llandrindod Wells

    A small, friendly ale house for real ales and ciders.

  • The Llanerch Inn

    Llandrindod Wells

    A characterful old coaching inn with a spacious beer garden.

  • A handy town-centre bar for a relaxed drink before supper.

  • A cosy pub with a beer garden and views towards the hills.

  • A welcoming traditional pub with a beer garden overlooking the River Ithon.

Worth a longer outing

  • The Harp Inn

    Old Radnor

    Locally sourced pub food and wide valley views. Book ahead for Sunday lunch.

  • The Lakeside Café

    Llandrindod Wells

    A relaxed café overlooking the lake, lovely for lunch or a coffee.

  • Arthur’s Restaurant

    Near Llanidloes

    A favourite from our original guidebook for a planned meal out. Reserve before travelling.

  • A village inn for a leisurely meal out. Book ahead, especially for groups.

  • The Fforest Inn

    Llanfihangel Nant Melan

    A cosy country inn serving homemade pub food. Book ahead for groups or a dog-friendly table in the bar.

Start close to home

Things to do

Check access, weather, opening times, tickets and activity availability before travelling.

Abbeycwmhir

Cwmhir Abbey

Explore the historic abbey remains in our own village.

Near Rhayader

Gilfach Nature Reserve

Follow waymarked routes through the Marteg Valley and keep an eye out for wildlife.

More things to do10 more places

Close to home

  • A lovely spot for dog walks and ice creams, with children’s paddleboarding and pedal boats for family fun on the lake. Check seasonal activity availability before visiting.

Get moving

  • Choose a gentle ride or a mountain bike route. The visitor centre has a bike hub and route information.

  • Brenin Adventures

    Llyn Clywedog / Mid Wales

    Book a canoe, kayak or paddleboard session if you fancy a more active day on the water.

Waterfalls & woodland

  • Water-Break-its-Neck

    Warren Wood, New Radnor

    A short waymarked woodland walk to the waterfall; especially impressive after rain.

  • Hafren Forest

    Near Llanidloes

    Choose from riverside cascades, waterfall trails and a longer walk towards the source of the Severn.

Family days & heritage

  • Grand historic rooms and remarkable terraced gardens for a full sightseeing day.

  • Devil’s Bridge Falls

    Near Aberystwyth

    A dramatic gorge and waterfall walk. Check the route and conditions before you set off.

  • Vale of Rheidol Railway

    Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge

    Take a heritage steam train through the valley and pair it with the falls. Check the timetable.

  • Borth Beach

    Ceredigion coast

    For a seaside day, head west for a long sandy shore and coastal views.

  • Magic of Life Butterfly House

    Cwm Rheidol, near Aberystwyth

    Walk among tropical butterflies and discover giant insects, fish and corals. Dogs welcome.

Recommendations curated September 2026. Menus, opening times and access can change.