History of the town
Rhayader (ray-ad-er) is the oldest town in Mid-Wales, dating back to the 5th century, although Neolithic remains show people have been here far longer than this. Originally the town was distinguished by two natural features:
 |
The waterfall that can be seen today is the remains of the original that was blown up in 1780 to make way for the bridge and which gave the town its name Rhaeadr Gwy - Waterfall on the Wye.
The ford downstream leading to the opposite bank in Llansantffraed Cwmdauddwr - the Church of St. Bride by the joining of the two waters.
|
|
Rhayader lies in the very heart of Wales, midway between Hereford and Aberystwyth, halfway between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.
|
|
Set some 700ft above sea level in the beautiful Upper Wye Valley, Rhayader is cupped by hills rising to over 1500feet. It is the first town on the River Wye, lying just 20 miles from its source on the Plynlimon range to the north (Welsh spelling - Pumlumon). The town is also the gateway to the spectacular beauties of the flooded Elan Valley.
|
 |
Just two hours from Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham and only four from London, the town lies at a natural crossroads and has always been a natural stopping point for locals and travellers from the Romans who had a stopover camp in the Elan Valley, Monks journeying between the Abbeys of Strata Florida and Abbeycwmhir and Drovers taking their livestock to far off markets and returning with goods and news.
Nestling among the unspoilt peaks of the Cambrian mountains, today its friendly hotels, B&Bs and camp sites provide the ideal base for outdoor activities such as bird-watching, mountain biking, pony trekking, walking, caravanning, fishing and many more.
Free parking in the town means you can explore the area on foot or by leisurely cycle which will allow you to really get close to nature and give you time to take in all that's around you.
|
