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Rhayader

Rhayader (Welsh: Rhaeadr Gwy) is a market town and community in Powys, Wales, situated on the left bank of the River Wye, marking the first settlement along the river from its source in the Plynlimon massif.^[1]^[2] The town, within the historic county of Radnorshire, has a population of 2,080 as recorded in the 2021 census for the community area.^[3] Historically a key stopping point for Roman travellers, medieval monks, and later Welsh drovers transporting livestock to English markets, Rhayader developed as a bustling market centre, retaining its charter-granted market traditions that continue weekly. Its economy now centres on tourism, leveraging its position as the "gateway to the Elan Valley" with reservoirs constructed in the early 20th century to supply water to Birmingham, alongside outdoor pursuits in the surrounding Cambrian Mountains.^[4]^[5] Rhayader is promoted as the "outdoors capital of Wales," hosting events like the annual Rhayader Adventure Weekend and serving as a hub for mountain biking trails, hiking routes, and birdwatching, particularly for red kites reintroduced in the region.^[6] Archaeological finds, such as the Rhayader Hoard of Bronze Age artefacts discovered nearby, underscore its long human occupancy dating back millennia.^[7] The town's compact stone-built core, featuring Georgian and Victorian architecture around a central clock tower, preserves a neat, rural character amid challenging hilly terrain.^[8]

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Rhayader is situated in Powys, central Wales, within the historic boundaries of Radnorshire, on the banks of the River Wye approximately 20 miles (32 km) downstream from the river's source on Plynlimon, the highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains.^[2]^[9]^[10] As the first town encountered along the Wye from its upland origins, it occupies a strategic position in the upper Wye Valley, where the river begins to widen amid rolling hills and moorland.^[2] The town's topography features a modest elevation of around 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level, set against the enclosing folds of the Cambrian Mountains, which rise to over 500 meters nearby and form a natural amphitheater of steep gradients and exposed plateaus.^[11] The River Wye flows eastward through the town, carving a valley floor that contrasts with the surrounding upland terrain, while immediate vicinity includes the Rhayadr Gwy waterfalls—translating to "falls of the Wye"—where the river descends over rocky ledges, contributing to the area's dramatic hydrological profile.^[12]^[10] To the west, Rhayader borders the Elan Valley, a series of narrow, dammed gorges and reservoirs developed in the Elan and Claerwen river catchments, which feed into the Wye system and enhance the local topography with artificial lakes amid natural moorlands.^[13] These reservoirs, positioned within 5 miles of the town center, create a landscape of controlled watercourses and elevated dams that integrate with the prevailing hilly contours.^[14]^[15] This configuration positions Rhayader as a topographic gateway to broader mid-Wales uplands, facilitating access to the Cambrian Mountains' expansive tracts of heather-clad slopes and peat bogs.^[12]

Climate Patterns

Rhayader exhibits a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), moderated by proximity to the Atlantic and its position at approximately 180 meters elevation in the Mid Wales uplands, resulting in consistent mildness without extreme seasonal swings. Mean annual temperature stands at 8.3 °C, with summer (July) averages around 15 °C and winter (January) means near 3 °C; diurnal highs in midsummer typically reach 18 °C, while lows dip below freezing on about 40-50 nights annually, posing frost risks that delay agricultural starts.^[16]^[17] These conditions stem from prevailing westerly airflow, where moist depressions track across the region, fostering reliable grass growth for livestock but limiting crop diversity due to shorter frost-free periods. Precipitation averages 1,131 mm annually, exceeding 100 mm monthly in most periods and peaking at 140-190 mm from October to January, driven by orographic lift as air masses rise over surrounding hills.^[16]^[18] Winds from western fronts amplify this, with gusts often exceeding 30 knots during active weather, eroding soils and complicating haymaking while channeling runoff into the River Wye, which shapes local hydrology. Such patterns enforce tourism seasonality, concentrating visitors in drier summers when visibility and trail access improve for hill walking. Met Office analyses reveal a century-long trend of 15% increased winter rainfall across the UK, including Mid Wales, linked to intensified low-pressure systems and contributing to heightened flood frequency.^[19]^[20] A notable instance occurred during Storm Dennis on 15-16 February 2020, when over 100 mm of rain in 24 hours swelled the Wye, flooding low-lying areas in Rhayader and disrupting valley transport.^[21] This variability, rooted in atmospheric dynamics rather than localized anomalies, underscores causal pressures on pastoral yields, where saturated ground reduces forage quality in prolonged wet spells.

Etymology

Name Origins

The name Rhayader is an anglicized form of the Welsh Rhaeadr Gwy, literally translating to "waterfall on the Wye," in reference to a historical cascade on the River Wye adjacent to the settlement.^[2]^[22] The term rhaeadr denotes a waterfall or cataract in Welsh, compounded with Gwy, the indigenous name for the River Wye, to specify the location.^[2]^[23] The earliest recorded mention of the name appears in 1177 as Rayadyr Gwy, in medieval documents attesting to the site's prominence due to the natural feature.^[24] By 1295, the variant Rayader is documented, marking the onset of phonetic adaptation under English administrative influence following Norman incursions into Wales, which facilitated the gradual incorporation of anglicized spellings in official records.^[24] This nomenclature distinguishes Rhayader from other Welsh locales bearing similar hydronymic roots, such as generic Y Rhaeadr ("the waterfall"), by explicitly tying it to the Wye's course, underscoring the town's foundational association with the river's topography rather than unsubstantiated mythic origins.^[25]^[26] Orthographic variations persist in historical texts, but the core etymological structure remains consistent across primary sources, reflecting unaltered Celtic linguistic heritage amid external adaptations.^[24]^[10]

History

Early and Medieval Periods

Archaeological evidence for prehistoric occupation in the Rhayader vicinity is limited, with Bronze Age artifacts indicating early exploitation of the River Wye's valley for settlement and resources.^[2] Roman presence was marginal, confined largely to temporary military camps in the adjacent Elan Valley established around AD 70, alongside sporadic finds such as a 1st- or 2nd-century AD gold ring, bracelet, and necklet unearthed locally.^[28] These suggest intermittent use of the area for transit rather than sustained colonization, with the river ford providing a natural crossing for early trade paths through mid-Wales. The name Rhayader, deriving from Welsh Rhaeadr Gwy meaning "waterfall on the Wye," reflects the site's foundational role as a ford facilitating east-west movement across the river, likely drawing post-Roman settlers for its strategic position on natural routes.^[29] By the late 12th century, amid Anglo-Norman incursions into Welsh borderlands, Prince Rhys ap Gruffudd of Deheubarth ordered construction of Rhayader Castle circa 1177 on a bluff overlooking the Wye, aimed at securing control over this vital crossing and countering threats from English forces.^[30] The motte-and-bailey structure, positioned to dominate traffic into central Wales, epitomized the era's defensive priorities in contested frontier zones. The castle endured repeated assaults during Welsh-English strife; it was razed in 1190 by allied princes of Powys and Gwynedd resisting Norman expansion.^[31] A successor fortification emerged around 1274 under English oversight following conquests by Edward I, though it too succumbed to destruction in subsequent conflicts.^[32] King Edward I formalized Rhayader's economic function with a market charter issued on 20 September 1291, granting rights to Bishop Thomas of St David's and establishing weekly markets that leveraged the ford's position on nascent drovers' paths for livestock exchange with England.^[33] This development anchored the medieval town's growth around agrarian trade, with the Wye ford serving as a conduit for cattle herded eastward, predating the 18th-century droving boom but rooted in longstanding transhumance practices.

Modern and Industrial Developments

![Rhayader station with local Mid-Wales line train geograph-2540449-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg][float-right] Rhayader attained prominence as a drovers' town during the 18th and 19th centuries, functioning as a vital waypoint for sheep and cattle herded from the Welsh uplands across the Cambrian Mountains toward English markets including Banbury, Hereford, and London.^[2]^[12] Local fairs, held regularly, and an array of inns catered to the drovers, their livestock, and associated traders, underpinning the town's economy through this seasonal trade.^[2] The enactment of turnpike roads, such as the route linking Aberystwyth to Rhayader established around 1790, enhanced connectivity but levied tolls that strained agricultural communities, exemplified by farmer discontent manifesting in the Rebecca Riots of the 1840s.^[34]^[10] Subsequently, the extension of the Mid-Wales Railway to Rhayader in 1864 facilitated direct livestock shipments, eroding the droving economy and precipitating relative stagnation after the 1850s as improved infrastructure diverted trade from traditional routes through the town.^[35]^[10] In the Victorian era, railway links fostered emerging tourism by easing access to the Wye Valley's landscapes.^[2] The Birmingham Corporation's Elan Valley dam project, commencing in 1893 with the Caban-coch dam and encompassing multiple reservoirs to secure Birmingham's water supply, generated transient employment for approximately 50,000 workers across the initiative, bolstering Rhayader's vicinity through labor influx and ancillary demands despite the primary workforce residing in purpose-built villages.^[36]^[37]

20th and 21st Century Events

In the post-World War II era, Rhayader, like many rural Welsh communities, faced depopulation pressures driven by agricultural mechanization, which reduced labor demands on farms and accelerated outmigration to urban centers for employment.^[38] This structural shift contributed to broader upland Wales trends, where farm consolidation and modernization under policies like the 1967 Agriculture Act prioritized efficiency over labor-intensive practices, leading to a net loss of rural residents despite some compensatory afforestation efforts.^[39] Community population figures hovered around 2,000-2,100 from the early 20th century onward, with the 2001 census recording 2,075 residents and the 2021 census showing 2,080, reflecting stagnation rather than growth amid these dynamics.^[3] The Elan Valley reservoirs, operational since their early 20th-century completion, maintained their critical role in supplying Birmingham with drinking water through the century, impounding roughly 50 million cubic meters to meet urban demands via gravity-fed aqueducts.^[13] Engineering assessments underscore their reliability, with minimal structural interventions needed due to robust Victorian-era design, though 21st-century environmental management has emphasized biodiversity offsets, such as the 2015 International Dark Sky Park designation to mitigate light pollution from maintenance activities.^[40] Debates on reservoir operations center on data-driven trade-offs, including sediment management to preserve capacity without excessive ecological disruption, as evidenced by ongoing monitoring by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.^[41] Infrastructure milestones included the 1963 closure of Rhayader railway station under the Beeching Report, severing the Mid-Wales line and further isolating the town from regional transport networks, exacerbating reliance on road travel.^[35] Policy responses from the EU and Welsh Government, via funds like the Rural Community Development Fund, allocated grants for preservation projects in Powys, aiming to bolster local economies through infrastructure and training.^[42] ^[43] However, empirical trends indicate subsidies' causal limitations, as they propped up existing activities without addressing root drivers like youth outmigration for higher-wage opportunities, resulting in persistent demographic stability rather than reversal of decline.^[38]

Demographics

Population Trends

The 2011 United Kingdom census recorded 2,088 residents in the Rhayader community.^[44] The 2021 census showed a marginal decrease to 2,080 residents, corresponding to an annual population change of -0.04% over the intercensal period. This equates to a net loss of eight individuals over ten years, consistent with patterns of gradual rural depopulation in mid-Wales. Rhayader spans 139.5 km², making it the largest community by land area in Wales, yet its population density stands at just 14.91 persons per km². In 2011, 55% of residents reported some form of Welsh national identity.^[44] Age structure data reveal an aging demographic, with the average age in the local LD6 postcode area reaching 48.6 years by 2021, exceeding the Welsh median of 42 years.^[45]^[46] This shift aligns with net outmigration among younger cohorts, as evidenced by elevated proportions in older age bands relative to national averages.^[47] Population projections for Powys, encompassing Rhayader, anticipate stability around current levels through 2025 but with continued aging, driven by low fertility and sustained youth outflows to urban centers.^[47] Welsh language fluency, while not precisely quantified locally in recent censuses, follows national ONS trends of decline, with fewer residents aged 3 and over able to speak Welsh proficiently compared to prior decades.^[48]

Socio-Economic Composition

In the 2021 census, Rhayader's economy reflects rural self-reliance, with employment concentrated in agriculture, tourism, and small-scale services; Powys-wide data indicate 31.3% of workers are self-employed, far exceeding the Welsh average of 12.2%, driven by family farms and seasonal visitor-related businesses.^[49] This structure underscores limited large-scale industry, fostering entrepreneurial adaptation amid geographic isolation rather than dependency on external subsidies. Demographically, the community maintains ethnic homogeneity, with 2,040 of approximately 2,083 residents (98%) identifying as white, including a predominance of white British, and minimal non-white presence (e.g., 22 Asian, 2 Black, 19 mixed).^[3] Immigration remains low, contributing to stable cultural continuity. Gender distribution approximates balance, though women are overrepresented in care, health, and retail sectors, comprising key support roles in a locale where male employment skews toward manual trades like farming and construction. Deprivation indicators via the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2019 rank Rhayader's areas at mid-level (decile 5/10 overall), highlighting rural access barriers and service sparsity as primary challenges over urban poverty metrics.^[50] Educational qualifications align with Welsh averages, but constrained local prospects—evident in agriculture's dominance and tourism's seasonality—causally propel net out-migration of younger, skilled residents to urban centers, sustaining a stable yet aging populace.^[51]

Economy

Primary Sectors

Agriculture remains the dominant primary sector in Rhayader, reflecting the town's location in the upland areas of Powys where sheep and beef farming predominate on extensive pastures.^[52] Local farms utilize the hilly terrain for grazing, with sheep flocks supported by common land practices in nearby valleys like the Elan, contributing to livestock sales at Rhayader's historic market facilities.^[53] As a traditional market town on the River Wye, Rhayader facilitates the trade of local produce, including wool and meat, serving surrounding rural communities.^[2] Employment data indicates that approximately 13% of Rhayader residents aged 16-74 are engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, underscoring the sector's role amid Powys's broader economy where it employs over 6,900 workers county-wide.^[54] ^[49] This aligns with Wales's upland farming patterns, where beef and sheep operations face income volatility driven by weather extremes, such as droughts and storms, and market fluctuations from trade policies.^[52] ^[55] Average Welsh farm business incomes fell 39% in 2023-24, highlighting the challenges of subsidy-dependent viability without diversified revenue.^[56] Small-scale manufacturing and extractive activities have historically supplemented primary production but have diminished, with micro-businesses now limited in scope compared to agriculture's centrality.^[57] Forestry elements persist through local timber management, though they constitute a minor share of employment relative to livestock rearing.^[58] Overall, primary sectors in Rhayader exhibit lower productivity metrics than UK averages, with Powys's economic output per capita trailing national figures due to reliance on weather-sensitive upland farming.^[59]

Tourism and Challenges

Tourism in Rhayader primarily revolves around the nearby Elan Valley, which draws visitors for walking trails, reservoirs, and cycling routes, positioning the town as a gateway to outdoor recreation. The Elan Valley supports a visitor economy that contributes to regional spending, with Mid Wales tourism generating approximately £1 billion in direct expenditure and £1,453 million overall economic impact, though specific figures for Rhayader remain tied to broader Powys trends showing millions of annual visitors.^[60] Events such as cycling challenges and trail-based activities bolster seasonal influxes, but lack sustained high-profile international competitions like UCI World Cups, limiting year-round economic multipliers.^[61] Despite these inputs, tourism's seasonality exacerbates economic vulnerabilities, with many jobs in hospitality and related sectors being low-paid and temporary, failing to offset persistent year-round employment gaps in non-tourist industries like farming.^[60] Over-reliance on visitors heightens sensitivity to external factors such as weather and economic downturns, where reduced off-season activity does not generate sufficient revenue to diversify local enterprise or stabilize incomes.^[41] A key drawback is the pressure on housing affordability from second homes and holiday lets, which inflate demand and prices in Powys, including Rhayader's catchment, reducing availability for local residents without corresponding long-term job creation. Local housing assessments indicate second homes drive up market values, straining natives' access to ownership or rentals, with post-pandemic trends amplifying this effect amid limited supply. This dynamic risks community displacement, as tourism benefits accrue disproportionately to external owners while locals face elevated costs without proportional wage gains from visitor spending.^[62]

Governance

Local Administration

Rhayader falls under the jurisdiction of Powys County Council as the principal unitary authority, which holds primary responsibility for services including planning, waste management, and education across the region.^[63] Locally, the Rhayader Town Council—also known as Rhayader and Cwmdauddwr Town Council—operates as the community-level body, comprising 14 elected volunteer councillors who represent residents on grassroots matters.^[64] ^[65] The council elects a mayor from among its members to chair meetings and ceremonial functions.^[66] The town council's powers, as defined under Welsh legislation for community and town councils, include the ability to provide and maintain local amenities such as allotments, public toilets, and recreational facilities, while advocating for community interests to the county council.^[67] ^[68] It supports initiatives like public space improvements and community grants, funded primarily through a precept levied on council tax, which for the 2025/26 financial year totals approximately £65,089, equating to £70.43 for a Band D property—an 8% increase from £65.48 the prior year.^[69] ^[65] Administrative operations are supported by a small paid staff, including a clerk responsible for day-to-day management.^[70] This tiered structure enables localized input into county-level decisions, such as service delivery in areas like libraries and community facilities, though ultimate authority resides with Powys County Council.^[67] Elections for town councillors occur periodically, ensuring democratic accountability at the community scale.^[64]

Political and Policy Issues

Rhayader and surrounding areas in Powys demonstrate a pattern of local advocacy for infrastructure improvements amid perceived neglect by centralized Welsh Government policies, as evidenced by a October 2025 Powys County Council motion—supported unanimously—calling for targeted investments to repair hazardous sections of the A470 trunk road, which impacts rural access and safety near the town.^[71] This reflects ongoing frustrations with delayed maintenance on key routes essential for local commerce and emergency services in sparsely populated regions.^[72] In response to the Welsh Government's proposed visitor levy, Rhayader Town Council voiced strong opposition in May 2025, arguing that the tax would impose undue burdens on not just tourists but also contractors, family visitors, and those traveling for hospital appointments, potentially deterring essential economic activity in tourism-dependent rural communities.^[73] Such concerns underscore a broader resistance to levies seen as disadvantaging locals and border visitors without commensurate benefits for infrastructure or services in areas like Powys.^[74] Planning disputes highlight tensions between development ambitions and local environmental safeguards, as seen in 2022-2023 objections from community councils to expansions of "Hobbit-style" underground holiday homes near Rhayader, citing risks to drainage, sewage capacity, and ecological impacts on sensitive rural land.^[75]^[76] Despite these, Powys County Council approved the projects in January 2023 after mitigation measures, prioritizing tourism revenue while navigating pushback favoring stricter property and land-use protections over expansive holiday accommodations.^[77] The Welsh Government's blanket 20mph speed limit rollout in 2023 further fueled debate in Rhayader, with residents expressing divided views but notable calls for exemptions or reversions to 30mph on rural roads, arguing the policy hampers practical mobility and increases frustration without evident safety gains in low-traffic areas.^[78] These positions align with a local emphasis on pragmatic, autonomy-oriented policies that address rural realities—such as road repairs and economic flexibility—over top-down mandates often critiqued for insufficient adaptation to decentralized needs.^[79]

Culture and Community

Amenities and Facilities

Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School serves as the town's main educational facility for children aged 3 to 11, accommodating approximately 240 pupils with a pupil-to-teacher ratio of 19.9:1.^[80]^[81] Secondary education is provided at nearby institutions such as Llanidloes High School, reflecting the town's small population of around 2,100 residents, which limits on-site comprehensive schooling.^[82] The Rhayader Surgery, also known as Rhayader Group Practice, functions as the primary healthcare provider, offering general medical services, minor injury treatment, and support for mental health, sexual health, and family planning, located on Caeherbert Lane.^[83]^[84] This facility serves the local community amid ongoing contract tendering processes by Powys Teaching Health Board as of March 2025.^[85] As a historic market town, Rhayader features a modest retail core along East, West, and North Streets, including independent antique shops, small supermarkets, cafes, and at least 12 traditional pubs that once ranked the town highest in the UK for pubs per capita in 2008.^[86]^[87] These outlets sustain local trade despite broader Powys trends of declining high-street vitality from online shopping growth and economic pressures on consumers.^[88] Rhayader Library on West Street provides public access to books, e-books, audiobooks, and community events such as storytime sessions and knitting groups, operating limited hours including Mondays from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 16:30.^[89]^[90] The Rhayader Leisure Centre offers indoor amenities including a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, soft play area, and a main hall for up to 400 seated events, managed by Freedom Leisure for Powys County Council.^[91] In November 2024, a petition with over 1,000 signatures emerged in response to proposals potentially closing the centre, highlighting community reliance on such facilities in this rural setting.^[92] St Clement's Church on Church Street serves as the principal place of worship, supporting local religious and social gatherings for the town's approximately 2,100 inhabitants.^[93] Community halls, including the Rhayader Community Centre (formerly sports hall) and spaces within the leisure centre, facilitate events like meetings and cultural activities, with usage scaled to the modest population size.^[94]^[95]

Sports and Recreation

Rhayader Rugby Football Club competes in the Welsh Rugby Union Division Five North league, maintaining junior and senior teams that utilize dedicated pitches for training and matches.^[96]^[97] Rhayader Town Football Club, one of Mid Wales' historic teams, received a £38,000 grant from Sport Wales in 2025 to install LED floodlights, enhancing its facilities alongside a further £25,000 investment for infrastructure improvements.^[98] The town serves as a hub for mountain biking, with the Elan Valley trails hosting events such as the Elan Valley MTB Challenge, featuring big climbs and technical descents, and guided tours for experienced riders.^[99]^[100] Cycling routes span scenic roads and challenging tracks in the surrounding valleys.^[101] Fishing on the River Wye is managed by the Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association, which controls approximately five miles of the river from one mile south to four miles north of the town, targeting salmon, brown trout, and grayling.^[102]^[103] Rhayader Leisure Centre provides a gym with cardio and weights equipment, a sports hall accommodating badminton, indoor football, basketball, and volleyball, plus an outdoor gym installed in Waun Capel Parc in November 2024 through community funding.^[91]^[104]^[105] Local walking groups organize free Sunday morning walks from November to April, exploring Mid Wales trails without membership fees, alongside annual events like the Reservoir Roundabout challenge in the Elan and Claerwen Valleys.^[106]^[107]

Notable Individuals

Thomas Jones (17 July 1819 – 24 June 1882), born in Rhayader to commercial traveller John Jones, was a Welsh Independent minister celebrated as the "Welsh Poet-Preacher" for his poetic and rhetorical preaching that drew large congregations across Wales and England.) Orphaned young, he trained at Carmarthen Presbyterian College and pastored congregations in Llanelly and other locales, authoring works that blended theology with literary flair.^[108] Jonathan Williams (c. 1752 – 19 August 1829), a native of Rhayader, pursued careers as a clergyman, schoolmaster, and antiquarian, contributing writings on Welsh history and local antiquities from his base in the town.^[109] Mary Jones (20 February 1915 – 26 March 1990), born in Rhayader, worked as a Welsh actress and writer, appearing in British films including Account Rendered (1957) and Under Milk Wood (1972), as well as television roles in series like Z Cars.^[110] ^[111]

Transport and Infrastructure

Road Networks

The A470 trunk road forms the primary arterial route through Rhayader, serving as a vital north-south link across Wales from Cardiff to Llandudno, with the town located roughly midway along its 186-mile length.^[112] This trunk road facilitates connectivity between southern urban centers and northern coastal areas, handling significant through-traffic despite its undulating terrain through the Cambrian Mountains.^[113] Complementing the A470, the B4574 branches southwest from Rhayader, providing essential access to the Elan Valley reservoirs and surrounding rural districts, though it features narrower alignments suited to lower-volume local and tourist traffic.^[114] Maintenance challenges persist on these routes, particularly due to the region's exposure to severe weather. Sections of the A470 near Rhayader have experienced closures from flooding, as seen in December 2024 when the River Wye reached elevated levels, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting connectivity.^[115] Potholes and surface degradation exacerbate risks, compounded by heavy rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles common in Powys, leading to frequent repairs that strain local resources. In response, Powys County Council in October 2025 endorsed a motion pressing the Welsh Government for targeted investment to address these deficient A470 segments, citing persistent flood vulnerability and structural wear as barriers to reliable access.^[71] Private vehicle dependency defines mobility in Rhayader, driven by sparse public alternatives and the necessity of road access for employment, services, and remote valley travel. Car ownership rates in Mid Wales exceed national averages, with over 80% of households possessing at least one vehicle, underscoring the private car as the dominant mode for daily and regional journeys in this low-density locale.^[116] This reliance amplifies wear on the network, as freight and commuter volumes concentrate on the A470 and feeder roads like the B4574 without viable multimodal offsets.^[117]

Public and Future Connectivity

Public transport in Rhayader relies primarily on bus services operated by Celtic Travel, with routes such as the X47 connecting the town to Llandrindod Wells (approximately 20 miles east, journey time 40-50 minutes) and Llanidloes (westward via Llangurig, about 15 miles, 30-40 minutes) on weekdays only, excluding bank holidays and Sundays.^[118]^[119] The T4 service provides links to Aberystwyth (around 40 miles northwest, with travel times exceeding 1.5 hours due to rural routing), but frequencies remain low, typically 3-5 buses per direction daily, reflecting the area's sparse population and demand.^[120]^[121] Rhayader lacks a railway station, with the nearest active stations being Builth Road (10 miles southeast on the Heart of Wales Line) or Llandrindod Wells (20 miles east), requiring additional bus transfers that extend journey times significantly.^[122]^[123] These constraints contribute to practical isolation, as evidenced by travel to major hubs: the drive to Cardiff Airport (about 100 miles southeast) takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car via the A470 and A40, but public options involve multiple changes and total around 5-6 hours.^[124]^[125] Low service frequency and absence of direct rail access impose economic and accessibility costs, particularly for non-drivers in a region where car dependency exceeds 80% due to geographic sparsity. Future enhancements face structural barriers from Rhayader's low population density (around 2,000 residents) and rural setting, limiting the viability of high-frequency public services or rail revival without substantial subsidies. Regional plans under the Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan emphasize incremental improvements in walking and cycling networks to support tourism, such as potential cycle paths along the Wye Valley, but prioritize integration over new infrastructure due to cost-ineffectiveness in low-demand areas. Broader Welsh initiatives, including the Welsh Bus Network Plan, aim for network enhancements like better EV charging integration for buses, yet specific commitments for Rhayader remain absent, with causal challenges like poor connectivity deterring investment.^[126] Local action plans focus more on pedestrian realms than transit expansion, underscoring realism over optimism in addressing inefficiencies.^[5]

Recent Developments

Revitalization Projects

In the 2020s, Rhayader became the focus of the Powys Town Investment Plan, a strategic framework developed by Powys County Council to revitalize the town center through enhanced visitor economy, employment opportunities, improved public realm, and business resilience. The plan, drafted in January 2023, envisions Rhayader as the "Outdoor Capital of Wales," leveraging its proximity to the Elan Valley for year-round tourism while addressing post-COVID recovery challenges, with priorities including upgraded signage and trails, enterprise park modernizations, pedestrian-friendly public spaces, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.^[5] A key initiative under this framework was the opening of TimeScape Rhayader, a heritage and arts visitor attraction operated by the Community Arts Rhayader and District (CARAD) charity, which launched on May 23, 2024, to provide immersive exhibits on local history, landscapes, and communities as an all-weather complement to outdoor activities. This project builds on earlier post-2010 efforts like the Lost Arc adventure facility and pump track to diversify attractions beyond seasonal hiking and cycling.^[127]^[5] Funding for these efforts has drawn from Welsh Government programs, including the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant, which allocated £4 million regionally for capital investments in Powys town centers, alongside specific allocations such as £34,400 to Rhayader Town Council for a 3.5-mile Dragon Trail tourism enhancement in 2025 and over £1 million in green space access improvements in 2022. The plan emphasizes attracting private investment through premises upgrades and marketing to reduce reliance on public grants, citing annual town center expenditure of £1.1 million and average daily shoppers around 500, though unit churn reached 14 between 2016 and 2022 amid some recent closures. While vacancy rates remain low—indicating relative retail stability as a high-performing district center—broader reversal of rural economic decline has shown mixed results, with ongoing emphasis on enterprise support over sustained grant dependency.^[128]^[129]^[130]^[5]

Local Controversies and Debates

In 2023, proposals for additional eco-friendly "hobbit homes" near Rhayader sparked debate, with St Harmon community council objecting on grounds of potential land drainage issues exacerbating local flooding risks, while planners approved the seven turf-covered structures after assessing that problems were unlikely to arise.^[131]^[77] Proponents highlighted the need for affordable rural housing amid Powys's housing shortage, where average prices exceed £200,000, arguing that stringent environmental regulations often delay essential developments without proportional risk mitigation evidence. Critics of the objections emphasized property rights, noting that site-specific engineering could address drainage without broad regulatory vetoes that stifle local growth. A proposed tourism levy in Powys, enabled by Welsh legislation passed in July 2025, drew opposition from Rhayader councillors in May 2025, who warned it would impose £1.25 per night on visitors but burden local contractors, families, and small businesses in a tourism-dependent town hosting events like the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Festival.^[73] Councillor David Evans argued the tax would disadvantage Rhayader economically, as tourism generates over 10% of Powys GDP, potentially reducing stays without offsetting infrastructure gains.^[73] Advocates for local control countered that centralized mandates overlook rural vulnerabilities, favoring voluntary contributions over taxes that could deter 20-30% of visitors per industry estimates.^[132] Debates over flood and road management in Rhayader center on prioritizing local solutions like targeted drainage over centralized Welsh Government schemes, with evidence from 2020-2024 showing unspent flood defense funds exceeding £5 million in mid-Wales while rural roads deteriorate, increasing accident rates by 15% on A-roads like the A470.^[133] Local advocates critique top-down spending for inefficiency, citing historical Elan Valley flooding where community-led barriers proved more responsive than delayed national projects, underscoring preferences for decentralized authority to allocate resources based on verifiable site data rather than uniform policies.^[134]

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The town has an impressive history, dating back over 5,000 years. Rhayader was once a bustling market town and today, it retains a blend of traditional Welsh ...
[8]
Let's move to Rhayader & the Elan valley, Powys - The Guardian
Mar 17, 2017 · Rhayader itself is neat and tidy and pretty, all grey stone Victorians or Georgians, town houses and cottages, huddled round the sweet little clock tower.
[9]
Rhayader, Radnorshire - An introduction
The small market town of Rhayader, in the north-west of the ancient county of Radnorshire, is the first town on the banks of the River Wye. It has long been a ...
[10]
Rhayader, Powys | History, Photos & Visiting Information
Rhayader is a pretty market town set in a wonderfully scenic area in the upper Wye Valley. It is the first town on the River Wye and was once the ...
[11]
Rhayader topographic map, elevation, terrain
Average elevation: 1001 ft • Rhayader, Powys, Wales, LD6 5AD, United Kingdom • Visualization and sharing of free topographic maps.
[12]
Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader - Visit Mid Wales
Rhayader is a busy, historic market town, named after 'Rhayadr Gwy' a Welsh name for a local waterfall on the Wye.Missing: key economy notable
[13]
Elan Valley: Welsh dams that helped save Birmingham turn 120 - BBC
Aug 24, 2024 · Now supplying water to mid and south Wales too, the structures near Rhayader in Powys have stood the test of time, and are now staples of the ...
[14]
The Elan Valley dams The source of Birmingham's water
The annual rainfall was high, and the valleys of the rivers Elan and Claerwen near Rhayader were narrower downstream, making it easier to construct masonry dams ...
[15]
Reservoir & Dams | Elan Valley
The dams, reservoirs and 73 mile aqueduct of the Elan Valley were built a hundred years ago to supply desperately needed clean water to Birmingham.
[16]
Weather Rhayader & temperature by month - Climate Data
In Rhayader, the average annual temperature is 8.3 °C | 47.0 °F. Precipitation here is about 1131 mm | 44.5 inch per year. The specified area is located in ...Missing: Powys | Show results with:Powys
[17]
Rhayader Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature ...
Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 33°F to 65°F and is rarely below 22°F or above 74°F.Missing: UK | Show results with:UK
[18]
Rhayader weather by month: monthly climate averages | Wales
Check out Rhayader weather averages by month. Compare detailed monthly climate statistics including temperature, rainfall and sunshine figures.
[19]
Analysis: How UK winters are getting warmer and wetter - Carbon Brief
Feb 16, 2024 · The average UK winter has become around 1C warmer and 15% wetter over the past century, new Carbon Brief analysis shows.
[20]
Recorded changes in the climate of Wales - Forest Research
The data show a reduction in the contribution of heavy rainfall events in summer months. However in the winter months there has been a trend of increasing heavy ...Missing: Mid | Show results with:Mid
[21]
[PDF] Storm Dennis - Met Office
Feb 20, 2020 · The River Wye and River Severn which were reported to have reached their highest-ever levels. Areas of several towns including Hereford and ...Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[22]
Rhayader - Wikishire
Jan 28, 2016 · It has a population of 2,075 in 2001 and is the first town on the banks of the River Wye, 20 miles below its source on the Plynlimon range of ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[23]
Rhayader - Aspects of Wales
Rhayader is a market town on the River Wye; its name is a corruption of the Welsh "Rhaeadr Gwy", meaning waterfall on the Wye. The River Elan joins the Wye ...
[24]
[PDF] Rhayader - Heneb
The original name of the town was Rayadyr Gwy, meaning 'the waterfall on the Wye' and was first documented in 1177. Rayader appears in 1295. The waterfall was ...
[25]
Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader - Show Me Wales - Visit Mid Wales
Rhayader is a busy, historic market town, named after 'Rhayadr Gwy' a Welsh name for a local waterfall on the Wye. It is actually the very first town on the ...
[26]
Rhayader - Original Cottages
The name Rhayader is taken from the Welsh 'Rhaeadr Gwy' meaning Waterfall on the Wye. Little remains of the waterfall today but it was once described as a ...
[27]
Timeline | Elan Valley
Under Roman occupation, military camps were established around the AD 70s. The Elan Valley must have been a significant area, important enough to host a Roman ...
[28]
Ancient gold jewellery returns to Rhayader Museum - BBC News
Jun 3, 2011 · He discovered a Roman ring, bracelet and necklet from the 1st or 2nd Century. The second gold discovery was made a generation later by 17-year- ...
[29]
The Treasure of Vortigern in Rhayader, Gwrtheyrnion, Powys, Wales.
On the 26th of May 1899, a treasure of both Late Roman and Late Celtic artwork came to light on a hillside deep inside Wales. Could this treasure have ...<|separator|>
[30]
Rhayader Castle | Powys | History & Visiting Information
Rhayader Castle was built in 1177 by Rhys ab Gruffudd, better known as Lord Rhys, the Prince of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth.
[31]
Rhayader Castle (The Gatehouse Record)
Jul 7, 2016 · Description The castle at Rhayader is possibly that built by Rhys ab Gruffudd of Deheubarth in 1177. It was destroyed in 1190 by the princes ...
[32]
Vanished Castles of Wales and The Marches
A new castle was built on the opposite end of the ridge circa 1274. This castle too was eventually destroyed. Earthworks of both castles can be seen today.
[33]
Gazetteer of Markets and Fairs to 1516: Wales
Mar 16, 2007 · (Charter) Thurs; gr 20 Sept 1291, by K Edw I to Thomas, bp of St ... On 20 Sept 1291, K Edw I granted the market again to Thomas, bp of ...
[34]
Road between Aberystwyth and Rhayader | Early Tourists in Wales
The lead mines of Cwm Istwidd [Cwmystwyth] lie on the sides of the two mountains, to the right of the river Ystwyth, and their entrance is just above the road.
[35]
The railway through Rhayader
Between the years 1864 and 1963, Rhayader had a railway service transporting people, supplies, and animals to and from the town. A ceremony was held on Friday ...Missing: 19th | Show results with:19th
[36]
Building of the Dams | Elan Valley
The whole of the Elan scheme had cost £6 million and employed 50,000 men in total. Water is extracted from the Foel Tower to the Severn Trent water treatment ...Missing: 1890s 1900s
[37]
Victorian Rhayader - the Elan Valley dams
Most of the unskilled labourers or 'navvies' who worked on the dams moved around the country from job to job. This meant that the people living in the workers ...Missing: 1890s 1900s
[38]
[PDF] The State and Agriculture in Rural Wales JL MURDOCH
... decline of Exchequer support. The 1967 Agriculture. Act introduced a range of measures to bring about the modernisation and organisation of small farms ...Missing: mechanization | Show results with:mechanization
[39]
Wales (Depopulation And Unemployment) - Hansard - UK Parliament
Manpower is seriously declining in agriculture and is declining slightly in afforestation. Column 706is located here. Toggle showing location of Column 706.Missing: mechanization | Show results with:mechanization
[40]
[PDF] Elan Valley Estate Dark Sky Park Application to the International ...
THE ELAN VALLEY ESTATE IS THE LARGEST SINGLE AREA OF LAND. OWNED BY ANY OF THE NATIONAL WATER COMPANIES WITHIN. THE UK. THERE ARE 70 SQUARE MILES OF WOODLAND,.Missing: debates | Show results with:debates
[41]
[PDF] 4 Threats and Opportunities - Elan Valley
Jun 2, 2017 · All-in-all there is therefore currently considerable uncertainty and a high degree of risk surrounding the future economic and policy.Missing: debates | Show results with:debates
[42]
[PDF] Rural Community Development Fund Guidance Notes Welsh ...
These Guidance Notes explain the Rural Community Development Fund. (RCDF) and the kind of projects that may qualify for grant aid. RCDF is an important element ...Missing: Assembly | Show results with:Assembly
[43]
Building on European funding successes vital to future of rural Wales
Jun 9, 2022 · Building on the benefits significant European funding has brought to projects in rural Wales and the commitment of communities who have ...
[44]
Powys residents defend post office over language criticism
Apr 10, 2024 · “Rhaeadr's population is 2,088, with 55 per cent having some form of Welsh identity, according to the 2011 census. In Powys, one in every five ...
[45]
House prices for Rhayader, LD6 - Bricks&Logic
The most recent census in 2021 recorded the age of all UK residents. In the area around Rhayader, LD6, the average age was 48.6 and the most common age was 67.
[46]
Demography and migration in Wales (Census 2021) [HTML]
Nov 2, 2022 · Average age. In 2021, the average (median) age in Wales was 42 years. This is higher than the average (median) age of 41 years in 2011. The ...Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[47]
How life has changed in Powys: Census 2021
Jan 19, 2023 · Population growth was lower in Powys than across Wales. Percentage population change, Powys and surrounding areas, 2011 Census to Census 2021.Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[48]
Ethnic group, national identity, language and religion in Wales ...
Nov 29, 2022 · 1.7 million usual residents in Wales identified with a “Welsh” only identity (55.2% of the population, down from 57.5% in 2011). 8.1% of the ...Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[49]
2. Powys Characteristics - Consultations
According to the 2021 Census, 15.5% of the Powys population were children aged 0 to 15, 56.6% were aged 15 to 64 and 27.8% were aged 65 or above. It is ...Missing: rate | Show results with:rate
[50]
Rhayader, LD6 5HH - detailed information - Street Information
Overall Deprivation Rank - 5/10 (average ). The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) measures how deprived small areas in Wales are compared to each other ...
[51]
Socio-economic statistics for Rhayader, Powys - iLiveHere
Rhayader Age Distribution Statistics. We have taken the raw data from the 2021 Census and the calculated the proportion of age groups in . Age Band ...
[52]
Farm incomes: April 2023 to March 2024 [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Jan 16, 2025 · This dropped back down to 25.5% in 2022-23 and then again to 21.6% in 2023-24. This shows the volatility of the farming sector and the effect of ...
[53]
Rhayader Livestock Sales - Facebook
Rating 3.0 (1) 80 full mouth breeding ewes from Sweet Lamb ready for Rhayader Livestock Sales Friday 10th of October. Lots - 291-295 James Sayce James Ellis Gwawr Jones.
[54]
[PDF] Rhayader - Powys Town Investment Plans
It is one of the most sustainable and accessible locations in the region and a key location for employment centres, strategic housing growth and services.
[55]
[PDF] Extreme weather and its impact on farming viability in Wales
Climate change impacts Welsh farming with drier summers, warmer/wetter winters, and more extreme weather events, including droughts and storms.<|separator|>
[56]
Welsh farm incomes see drop in 2023-24 - Farmers Weekly
Jan 17, 2025 · The latest Farm Business Survey for Wales, released by the Welsh government, has highlighted a 39% drop in farm incomes across all sectors for 2023-24.
[57]
[PDF] Powys Local Growth Zones Task and Finish Group Report - gov.wales
Jul 3, 2012 · The economy of Powys is dominated by a high number of diverse micro businesses, and agriculture and tourism are key sectors. The economy has ...
[58]
[PDF] Employment Needs Assessment Powys County Council
Figure 4 – Qualifications Across County of Powys, 2021. Source: ONS Annual ... persons as at the time of the 2021 Census. This represents about 57% of ...<|separator|>
[59]
Powys' employment, unemployment and economic inactivity - ONS
May 13, 2024 · 75.1% were employed in the year ending December 2023. This is an increase compared with the year ending December 2022 when the local rate was 73.1%.Missing: Rhayader primary agriculture
[60]
[PDF] MID WALES REGIONAL TOURISM STUDY AND ACTION PLAN ...
➢ Tourism generated £1,000 million of direct expenditure and contributes £1,453 million to the economy.Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics
[61]
[PDF] 9: Making the most of Elan
Powys reportedly had 4.5 million tourist visitors in 2010, therefore improvements in our recreation and access provision, will aim to exceed the increasingly ...Missing: statistics | Show results with:statistics
[62]
Evaluation of the Second Homes and Affordability Pilot - gov.wales
Feb 18, 2025 · The combination of reduced housing supply and rising house prices has likely contributed to declining housing affordability in Wales. The ...Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[63]
Powys County Council: Home (English)
Powys County Council offers services such as bin collection, recycling, council tax, social care, and support for children and adults. Contact details are ...Council Tax · Council Information · View Council Webcasts · Login / RegisterMissing: Rhayader administration
[64]
Your Council | Friends of Healthcare
Your council comprises 14 elected Councillors all working as volunteers to represent the community. They are supported by two paid officers, The Clerk Julie ...Missing: structure responsibilities
[65]
Rhayader | Spotlight Powys
During this current administration (2022), council tax for this community has increased by 19%, or £425.96 per year / £8.19 per week.<|separator|>
[66]
Your Councillors | Friends of Healthcare - Rhayader Town Council
Rhys Thomas. rhys@rhayader.gov.wales 07843 477890. Frongoch, Maes-y-Deri, Rhayader, LD6 5DF. Chair/ Mayor Cllr. ; Rachel Smalley. Rachel.smalley@rhayader.gov.
[67]
Community and town councils: guidance [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Aug 30, 2023 · Community and town councils represent individual communities or towns within a county. They have legal powers to deliver some services, but fewer duties.
[68]
Rhayader Town Council: Serving Our Community | Friends of ...
The council plays a vital role in supporting local life by providing essential services like allotments and public toilets, while also working to improve ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
[69]
Eight per cent increase in Rhayader Town Council's precept in 2025 ...
Feb 18, 2025 · It will mean an increase in the cost for a Band D property from £65.48 in 2024/25 to £70.43 this year, which will give the council £65,091. At ...
[70]
Town and Community Council - Rhayader Town Council
Contact information ; Contact: Mrs Julie Stephens ; Address: 21 Maes Cottage Estate Rhayader Powys LD6 5PP ; Phone: 07769 835584 ; Email: clerk@rhayader.gov.wales.Missing: structure responsibilities
[71]
Powys councillors support motion to ask Welsh Government for ...
Oct 10, 2025 · Powys councillors support motion to ask Welsh Government for investment to fix problem sections of the A470 road. By Elgan Hearn.
[72]
Councillors agree motion that calls for action to make Powys roads ...
Mar 10, 2025 · A motion calling for action to make Powys roads safer, especially for motor cyclists, has been unanimously backed by councillors from right across the ...
[73]
Tourism tax 'would put Powys at a gross disadvantage', Rhayader ...
May 8, 2025 · Wales tourism tax could hit contractors those visiting family and people visiting those in hospital, council fears.
[74]
How Powys plans to tackle issues of Wales' tourism levy
Oct 10, 2025 · Fears were raised that bringing in the levy in Powys would lead holidaymakers to visit England instead.Missing: Rhayader | Show results with:Rhayader
[75]
Powys holiday hobbit homes plan meets local opposition
Nov 29, 2022 · A community council has objected to plans for more hobbit home-style holiday units to be built at a farm near Rhayader.Missing: dispute 2023
[76]
Objections over plans for more Hobbit holes in Powys - Nation.Cymru
Nov 29, 2022 · Objections have been lodged by a community council against plans for more hobbit home style holiday units to be built at a farm near Rhayader.Missing: dispute 2023
[77]
Powys Hobbit homes: Plans get go-ahead after environmental ... - BBC
Jan 3, 2023 · Powys County Council approved the application to build seven underground homes for tourist use on land near a farm in Rhayader, Powys.Missing: dispute | Show results with:dispute
[78]
20mph speed limit splits opinion in Welsh market town - The Guardian
Apr 26, 2024 · Mixed feelings in Rhayader after Labour-led Welsh government announces possible return to 30mph across country.
[79]
Rhayader council has joined the fight to end extended waiting times ...
Sep 5, 2025 · Rhayader Town Council has joined the fight to end extended hospital waiting times for Powys patients.
[80]
Rhayader CIW Primary School
Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School is in Rhayader, Mid Wales, aiming to nurture children to thrive. Contact them at 01597810288 or office@rhayader.powys. ...Contact · Meet The Teachers! Dyma’n... · Campus Cymraeg a Siarter Iaith · NewsMissing: secondary | Show results with:secondary
[81]
Rhayader C.I.W. School | Reviews, Admissions and Catchment Area
About Rhayader C.I.W. School ; Phase, Nursery, Infants & Juniors ; Gender, Mixed ; Number of Pupils, 240 (55% boys 45% girls) ; Number of Pupils per Teacher, 19.9.
[82]
Best schools in Rhayader Rhaeadr Gwy - School Guide
The Best Schools In Rhayader Rhaeadr Gwy Rated & Reviewed · Llanidloes High School · Ysgol Calon Cymru · Top 5 best performing schools in Rhayader Rhaeadr Gwy and ...
[83]
Rhayader Surgery
Mental Health & Wellbeing · Sexual Health, Screening & Family Planning · Help & Information For Carers · Practice Activity Data · In Work Support Services · Eye Care ...How to make an appointment · Your Surgery · News · Health Resources
[84]
Rhayader Group Practice (inc. Minor Injury Service) - NHS 111 Wales
Jul 1, 2025 · Rhayader Group Practice (inc. Minor Injury Service). The Surgery. Caeherbert Lane. Rhayader. LD6 5ED. Tel: 01597 810231. Fax: 01597 243035.
[85]
GP Services in Rhayader - Powys Teaching Health Board
Mar 7, 2025 · Powys Teaching Health Board is currently undertaking a contract tendering process for the delivery of General Medical Services in Rhayader.
[86]
The outdoors Capital of Wales | Shopping - Rhayader
Stroll along the main shopping streets – East, West & North Street – to find a variety of local traders from intriguing antique shops to small supermarkets.
[87]
Towns | Powys | Rhayader - Mid Wales My Way
Favourite events are the regular Nature Talk and Draw sessions – a talk from a local natural history expert, followed by a guided art class where you can work ...Missing: 21st | Show results with:21st
[88]
[PDF] Powys Retail Review 2023 - Consultations
May 30, 2023 · These include: • the unprecedented growth of online shopping. • too much surplus retail space. • individual stores being too big for current ...
[89]
Rhayader Library - Powys County Council
Rhayader Library address: West Street Rhayader LD6 5AB. Get Directions. View on Google Maps. Opening hours: Monday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed 13:00 - 14:00).
[90]
Rhayader Library - Powys - StoriPowys
Library members can borrow and download eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines 24/7. Opening hours. Monday. 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – ...
[91]
Rhayader Leisure Centre Powys
Rhayader Leisure Centre, operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Powys County Council with a swimming pool, gym, indoor cycling and group exercise classes.
[92]
1000 sign petition to keep Rhayader Leisure Centre open
Nov 12, 2024 · A thousand people have signed a petition to keep Rhayader Leisure Centre open – just a matter of days since proposals were announced that could close leisure ...Missing: amenities library<|separator|>
[93]
West Radnor Ministry Area - The Church in Wales
St Clement, Rhayader. St Clement Church Street RHAYADER LD6 5AU. St ... St Michael and All Angels, Llanfihangel Brynpabuan. St Michael and All Angels
[94]
[PDF] Rhayader Community Centre
allow access to Rhayader Sports Hall (former Community Hall) on behalf of the local community for social and cultural purposes. This is proving to be a time ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[95]
Facility Hire | Rhayader Leisure Centre
The Main Hall can accommodate up to 400 people seated and 350 people for dancing. Contact Us. What's Included ...
[96]
Rhayader RFC - Welsh Icons News
Rhayader RFC is a Welsh rugby union team based in Rhayader. Rhayader RFC plays in the Welsh Rugby Union, Division Five North League.
[97]
Rhayader Rugby Club DOG Notice Please note - Facebook
Aug 25, 2025 · Rhayader Rugby Club DOG Notice Please note - both pitches at Rhayader Rugby Club will be used for sports for both junior and senior ...
[98]
One of Mid Wales' most historic football clubs has secured two ...
Sep 22, 2025 · Rhayader Town Football Club has secured a £38,000 grant from Sport Wales which will go towards brand-new LED floodlights and a further ...
[99]
Elan Valley MTB Challenge - SiEntries
The Elan Challenge is old school MTB at it's best. Big climbs, fast flowy descents, technical descents and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.Missing: cycling | Show results with:cycling
[100]
The outdoors Capital of Wales | Guided Bike Tour - Rhayader
This tour is aimed at mountain bike riders with some experience and a good level of fitness, who want a proper adventure. Your guide is on hand to offer advice ...
[101]
Cycling Routes | Elan Valley
Explore Elan Valley on two wheels with many cycling routes available. Choose from scenic roads, hills, or challenging tracks.
[102]
RIVERS - Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association
River Wye The fishing on the Wye stretches from 1 mile south of Rhayader to approximately 4 miles north of the town. · River Elan This river is one of the main ...
[103]
Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association - Home
For the angler who is looking for river fishing, the Association has five miles of the river Wye for salmon, brown trout and grayling; two miles of the river ...Rivers · Permits & Prices · News · Llyngwyn
[104]
Indoor Activities | Rhayader Leisure Centre
We are able to provide our local community with some of the best indoor sports venues in the region. This includes 2 glass back squash courts, a soft play area, ...
[105]
Outdoor gym equipment installed in Rhayader, Powys - County Times
Nov 28, 2024 · An outdoor gym has been installed in Waun Capel Parc, Rhayader. The new equipment was funded by local community efforts, with additional support ...Missing: fields | Show results with:fields
[106]
The outdoors Capital of Wales | Rhayader Walkers - Sunday…
Apr 21, 2024 · A range of walks on a Sunday between November 2023 and April 2024. Come and join a fun group exploring Mid Wales.Missing: festival attendance
[107]
Reservoir Roundabout - The Long Distance Walkers Association
Jan 4, 2025 · Annual Walking (or running) challenge event held across challenging upl & terrain in & around the Elan & Claerwen ValleysMissing: attendance | Show results with:attendance
[108]
Rev. Thomas Jones (Treforris Jones) Independent Minister
Oct 3, 2022 · Thomas Jones was born at Rhayader, Radnorshire on the 17th in July 1819; he grew up in the very heart of the religious movement.
[109]
WILLIAMS, JONATHAN (1752? - 1829), cleric, schoolmaster, and ...
Date of birth: 1752? Date of death: 1829. Parent: David Williams Gender: Male Occupation: cleric, schoolmaster, and antiquary. Area of activity: Education ...
[110]
Mary Jones (1915-1990) - Find a Grave Memorial
Welsh Actress. She was born in Rhayader, Radnorshire, Wales. Film and television credits include "General Hospital," "Under Milk Wood,""The Saint," "Z Cars ...
[111]
Mary Jones(1915-1990) - IMDb
Mary Jones was born on 20 February 1915 in Rhayader, Radnorshire, Wales, UK. She was an actress and writer, known for Account Rendered (1957), Under Milk Wood ...
[112]
A470 - Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki
Mar 14, 2025 · The A470 is a very important route for traffic through Wales, from the south to the north coast, having mostly being created by renumbering trunk roads.
[113]
Rhayader to Devil's Bridge | Scenic Drive - Visit Mid Wales
Road Directions. By Car: Main A470 from north or south Wales and A44 from Leominster. Public Transport Information - www.traveline.cymru. Accessible by Public ...
[114]
B4574, Rhayader 1, Wales, milestone, SN913715
Road: B4574. Side: to Rhayader. Near: Rhayader. surveyed: 24 May 2002. Milestone showing Aberystwyth 25 miles, Rhyader 4 1/2 miles - this road gojng through ...
[115]
Rhayader Storm Darragh River Wye Flooding (09/12/24) - YouTube
Dec 7, 2024 · A short video showcasing the River Wye in Rhayader flooding on the 7th of December 2024. This is the highest the river has been in a while!
[116]
[PDF] MID WALES REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLAN (RTP)
CAR OWNERSHIP. The rural nature of the region has resulted in a high dependence on the private car for transport. Levels of car ownership are high, which ...
[117]
https://www.cjcsouthwest.wales/media/19569/draft-regional-transport-plan-2025-appendix-appendix-5-interim-integrated-impact-assessment_part-2.pdf?v=20250210125229
[118]
[PDF] Llanidloes - Llandrindod Wells via Rhayader Service X47 (PWBX047)
Llanidloes - Llandrindod Wells via Rhayader. Service X47 (PWBX047). Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays) (Inbound). Timetable valid from 1st February ...Missing: public | Show results with:public
[119]
X47 Bus Timetable Aberystwyth Ponterwyd Llangurig Rhayader ...
X47 Timetable Monday to Saturday. Llandrindod - Rhaeadr Gwy - Llangurig - Llanidloes Llandrindod Wells - Rhayader - Llangurig - Llanidloes.Missing: public | Show results with:public
[120]
Rhayader - Bus Times
Stops in Rhayader ; Bryn Gwy (after) ↘ X47 58 T4 ; Bryn Gwy (opp) ↖ X47 T4 ; Dolgerddon (o/s) ↙ X75 ; Green Gardens (after) ↙ X47 X75 ; Green Gardens (before) ↗ X47 ...Missing: public | Show results with:public
[121]
Bus Times Llangurig Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Llandrindod Wells ...
Bus Services and Timetables. We operate several bus services routes. We have experienced and professional drivers to deliver you a safe and timely journey! T4 ...Missing: public | Show results with:public
[122]
Cardiff Central Station to Rhayader - 5 ways to travel via train, bus ...
You can take a train from Cardiff Central to Rhayader Central Car Park via Craven Arms, Llandrindod, and Llandrindod Wells Interchange Stand 1 in around 4h 49m.Missing: nearest | Show results with:nearest
[123]
Llandrindod Station | Train Times | Transport for Wales - TfW
Address and directions: Llandrindod Station, Station Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5BB. Buy tickets. View on Google Maps.
[124]
Rhayader - Cardiff driving directions - journey, distance, time and costs
1h 45min. €12.96. 100 km. © Natural Earth | © 2006-2025 Tomtom | © Michelin | Legend. Michelin ViaMichelin. Logo BOOKING Find accommodation.
[125]
Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Rhayader - 5 ways to travel via train, bus ...
The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 49m. ... How far is it from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Rhayader? The distance between Cardiff Airport (CWL) ...
[126]
Welsh Bus Network Plan - Statutory Consultation - TfW Have Your Say
Oct 15, 2025 · Transport for Wales are supporting the local authorities with implementing network enhancements, alongside other developments such as the ...
[127]
Powys' latest visitor attraction opens near Elan Valley | County Times
May 24, 2024 · TimeScape Rhayader, a brand-new visitor attraction, opened in the town on Thursday, May 23. TimeScape Rhayader is billed as an all-weather ...
[128]
Transforming Towns - Powys County Council
Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant 2025-2027. Welsh Government Placemaking Grant funding for the mid-Wales region will provide a capital investment of £4 ...Missing: road Rhayader
[129]
£300k secured for tourism projects across Powys
Sep 1, 2025 · £300k secured for tourism projects across Powys · New 3.5-mile Dragon Trail (local partnership project) - Rhayader Town Council: £34,400 grant ...Missing: road investment
[130]
Powys town shares in £1.2m to improve green space access
Jan 16, 2022 · RHAYADER is one of 18 communities in Wales set to benefit from more than £1 million of investment into improving access to green spaces.Missing: Plan | Show results with:Plan
[131]
Plans for seven more Hobbit homes near Rhayader are approved by ...
Jan 3, 2023 · Concerns about the development had been raised by St Harmon community council who objected to the scheme due to land drainage issues. Senior ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
[132]
Powys councillors vote to consult on proposed tourism tax
Oct 10, 2025 · Councillors have voted to launch a fact-finding mission with residents and tourism businesses before deciding whether to introduce the Welsh ...
[133]
Farming and Food Security - Hansard - UK Parliament
Oct 8, 2024 · Funding allocated to flood defences had been left unspent for years, but we will speed up the construction of flood defences, drainage systems ...
[134]
The tale of how 50000 men reshaped mid Wales forever
Dec 26, 2020 · Servants and other workers employed by the two large estates of Cwm Elan and Nantgwyllt also lost their income and wound up at Rhayader ...Missing: 1900s | Show results with:1900s