10 Wonderful Things to Do Near Our Shepherd’s Huts

A little beginning.

Staying in our shepherd’s huts isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful countryside escape — there’s a surprising amount to see and do within a short drive.

Whether you’re looking for wildlife, adventure, beautiful scenery or simply somewhere lovely to spend the day together, here are ten of our favourite things to do in the area.

1 Watch the Red Kites at Gigrin Farm

Just outside Rhayader, Gigrin Farm is home to one of the most spectacular red kite experiences in Wales.

Watch these magnificent birds gather for their daily feeding, or take your experience further by booking one of the photographic hides. Advance booking is recommended.

2 Explore the Elan Valley

The Elan Valley is one of the absolute must-sees during your stay.

Drive through the spectacular valley, visit the Victorian dams and reservoirs, stop for photographs, enjoy a walk or simply find somewhere peaceful to sit and admire the scenery.

There are also walking and cycling opportunities, with bike hire available from the Elan Valley area.

3 Explore by Bike

For couples who enjoy getting active, why not hire bikes and explore the Elan Valley?

You can choose a leisurely route or something more adventurous, with the reservoirs and surrounding mountains providing an unforgettable backdrop.

4 Go Horse Riding

See the countryside from a completely different perspective with a horse-riding experience.

There are riding schools close to Llandrindod Wells, including Underhill Riding Stables and Heart of Wales Riding School.

For adventurous couples, it’s a wonderful way to experience the landscape rather than simply driving through it.

5 Discover Gilfach Nature Reserve

Gilfach, near Rhayader, combines wildlife, countryside and history.

This old hill farm is now a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust reserve, with beautiful scenery and a fascinating mixture of habitats.

It’s ideal for a slower day exploring the countryside together.

6 Walk through RSPB Carngafallt

For something a little wilder, head into Carngafallt in the Elan Valley.

This ancient oak woodland is covered in mosses and lichens and provides habitat for woodland birds, while red kites can often be seen above the trees.

Don’t forget sturdy footwear for the steeper and muddier sections.

7 Walk the Boardwalk at Cors y Llyn

For something completely different, discover the ancient bogland of Cors y Llyn.

The boardwalk takes you into a fascinating peatland landscape where you can look for wildflowers, insects and birds.

It’s peaceful, unusual and wonderfully atmospheric.

8 Go Looking for Our Hidden Nature Reserves

If you enjoy getting away from the obvious tourist attractions, make a day of discovering some of the smaller reserves around Radnorshire. Aberithon, Abercamlo Bog, Pentwyn, Tylcau Hill, Cefn Cenarth and Pentrosfa Mire all offer different glimpses into the wildlife and habitats of this fascinating landscape. Radnorshire Wildlife Trust currently manages a network of nature reserves across the county.

9 Go Stargazing

The Elan Valley is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies.

After a day exploring, return to your hut, light the fire, step outside and look upwards. On a clear night, the stars can be extraordinary.

You don’t always have to go looking for an experience — sometimes the best ones are right outside your door.

10 Simply Go for a Walk

And finally, don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of walking.

There are paths, lanes, hills, rivers, woods and open countryside in every direction. Pick a route, bring a flask, take your time and see where you end up.

You might find a view you’ve never seen before.

A little piece of Mid Wales to yourselves

Perhaps that’s what we love most about this part of Wales.

You can spend a morning watching red kites, an afternoon exploring reservoirs and ancient woodland, and an evening sitting outside your shepherd’s hut beneath a sky full of stars.

And in between, there are plenty of little places waiting to be discovered.

We’d love to share them with you.