Mid Wales
is a sparsely populated area of outstanding beauty and tranquility, located just over the border, roughly 1 1/2 hour drive from the Severn Bridge, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from London. Whatever the season you will find a warm welcome, an easier paced lifestyle, little traffic and one of the lowest crime levels in the UK. The coastal resort and University Town of Aberystwyth is about an hours drive, as is the city of Hereford, with the capital city of Cardiff roughly a 1 1/2 hour drive. The area is ideal for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits, to include walking, fishing, horse riding, shooting and mountain biking (to include some national events).
Llandrindod Wells
is the most elegant of the Mid Wales spa towns, set in the Ithon Valley and surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains. Developed by the Victorians after the arrival of the railway in 1865, when fashionable society flocked to the town to take the spa waters. Since 1974 it has been the County Town of Powys and whilst its population is only around 5,000, it has an eviable range of ameneties to include excellent schools, a College of Further Education, cottage hospital, leisure center, indoor and outdoor bowls, golf center and beautiful parks. It also hosts the 2-day Welsh motor-cycle enduro and a number of rallies.
Builth Wells
is a small market town (population c. 2,500) set in the beautiful Wye Valley at the intersection of the A470, A483 and A481 road, surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains. It has a good range of ameneties to include a Cinema, and the adjacent Royal Welsh Showground hosts numerous events and attractions throughout the year.
Rhayader
is a picturesque, ancient small market town set in the upper Wye Valley (population c. 2,000) at the intersection of the A470 and A44 roads. It is known as the 'Gateway to the Welsh Lake District', a series of Reservoirs built in the Elan and Claerwen Valleys to supply water to Birmingham and the Midlands. There is a feeding station for the once near extinct Red Kite on the outskirts of the town and as a result these beautiful birds can be seen soaring most days.
Llanwrtyd Wells
is the smallest market town in England and Wales (population c. 850) set in the Irfon Valley on the A483 road and surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains. It has a primary school, medical centre, etc and is renowned for hosting some unusual events to include: - the Man versus Horse cross-country marathon, a Beer Festival and the World Bog Snorkelling Championship.
Newtown
is the largest town in Powys (c 12,000) and is located 27 miles to the north of Llandrindod Wells in the Severn Valley. It was transformed from being a historic market and woolen mill town into a busy light industrial centre during the 1970's and 80's. It now offers a wider range of shops and supermarkets, to include some national retailers.
