- Ask Natalia about her favourite local walks and wildlife spots.
- Use reserve visitor information to check the actual entrance and access.
- Visit Pentwyn using public rights of way; its correct postcode is LD1 5UT.
A little beginning.
One of the things we love most about living here is that you don’t have to travel far to discover somewhere beautiful.
Beyond the famous Elan Valley and the wonderful red kites of Rhayader, there are quiet little corners of Radnorshire that many visitors simply don’t know about. Some are tiny nature reserves, some are ancient landscapes, and others are simply lovely places to slow down and take in the countryside.
We’ve gathered together some of our favourite local secrets for guests staying at our shepherd’s huts. We have included the Postcode for Sat Nav with each location. Postcodes identify the general area; check each reserve’s official visitor directions and access arrangements before setting out.
Aberithon- Newbridge on Wye (Postcode LD2 3SD)
Just a short drive from the huts, Aberithon is one of those places that feels wonderfully undiscovered. It is part of the area’s fascinating peatland landscape and is exactly the sort of quiet place we love exploring — away from the crowds and surrounded by nature.
Abercamlo Bog (Postcode LD1 6ED)
Near Crossgates, Abercamlo Bog is a fascinating Radnorshire Wildlife Trust reserve made up of wet heath pasture, birch woodland, scrub and tussocky grassland, with three small basin mires. It’s a wonderful example of the unusual and precious habitats hidden within the Mid Wales landscape.
Cors y Llyn (LD1 3RU)
If you enjoy discovering ancient landscapes, put Cors y Llyn on your list.
This National Nature Reserve is centred around an ancient peatland landscape, with a boardwalk allowing visitors to explore the bog without disturbing this delicate habitat( the walk will only take 30 minutes or so, it’s a small reserve and one drives through a local farm yard to get to it)
It’s a wonderfully atmospheric place — particularly if you’re interested in wildflowers, insects, birds and the quieter side of nature.
Pentwyn Farm (LD1 5UT)
Near Llanbister, Pentwyn is something rather special. It is part of an ambitious nature restoration project, where the landscape is being managed to create a wilder, more nature-rich environment.
It’s a lovely place to see how the countryside around us is changing and being restored for future generations.
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust lists Pentwyn at Llanbister Road, LD1 5UT. Public access is via public rights of way only; follow the reserve’s official directions and access guidance.
Cefn Cenarth (LD6 5LR)
Another Radnorshire Wildlife Trust gem near Rhayader, Cefn Cenarth is an ancient sessile oak woodland filled with mosses and lichens.
It is the sort of woodland where you can slow your pace, listen to the birds and simply enjoy being surrounded by trees.
Tylcau Hill (LD1 6UN)
Tylcau Hill is another beautiful example of the rich countryside around us, with flower-rich grassland, woodland and traditional Radnorshire habitats.
If you’re interested in wildflowers, butterflies and the smaller details of the landscape, this is one to look out for.
Pentrosfa Mire (LD1 5NW)
Another fascinating wetland habitat near Llandrindod Wells, Pentrosfa Mire is a wonderful place for anyone interested in birds, insects and wetland wildlife. These small reserves may not have the fame of the Elan Valley, but they are part of what makes this corner of Wales so special.
RSPB Carngafallt (LD6 5HP)
And then there’s Carngafallt, overlooking the Elan Valley.
This RSPB reserve protects ancient oak woodland, wood pasture and moorland. Mosses and lichens cover the trees, woodland birds fill the canopy and red kites can often be seen soaring overhead.
There are several trails from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, with one leading into the RSPB reserve. Some sections are steep and muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
And, of course, the red kites…
No local wildlife guide would be complete without mentioning Gigrin Farm in Rhayader. (LD6 5BL)
Watching the daily feeding of the red kites is a spectacular experience, with the birds swooping and circling above the farm. Booking ahead is recommended, and the experience currently runs throughout much of the year, with seasonal feeding times.
Our favourite thing about these places?
They’re not necessarily the places you’ll see on every tourist list.
They’re the places where you can slow down, listen, look closely and experience the landscape differently.
And that’s exactly what we hope you’ll do during your stay with us.
So, when you arrive, ask us about our favourite walks, wildlife spots and little discoveries. We are always happy to share a few of our local secrets.
