Rhayader
Elan Valley Visitor Centre · Photo: David Smith
Walk or cycle beside the reservoirs and Victorian dams of the Elan Valley in the morning. After lunch, sit in the hides at a hill farm near Rhayader as hundreds of red kites swoop down for the afternoon feed.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Trails and the dam below the visitor centre; bikes can be brought for the flat track.
The Elan Valley Trust's centre below Caban Coch dam, the gateway to a chain of Victorian reservoirs west of Rhayader. It has a café, toilets, play area and cycle hire, and flat paths along the valley make it an easy family walk or ride.
Photo: David Smith
Food stop · 12:30–13:15 (45m)
Lunch before the drive to the kites.
The visitor centre café overlooking the River Elan and Caban Coch dam, serving hot food. Dogs are allowed inside.
Photo: elanvalley.org.uk
Farm · 13:40–15:30 (1h50m)
Arrive before the 14:00 feed to get a seat in the hides.
An indoor and outdoor farm in Rhayader, aimed at ages 4 and up.
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK
WalesGower (Parkmill)
Begin at a working water mill in Parkmill, then walk down to the dramatic river-cut bay at Three Cliffs. End the day on the long sweep of Rhossili beach below the downs, with Worm's Head out at the tip.
Gower Heritage Centre → Three Cliffs Coffee Shop
WalesLlanberis, then Porthmadog
Ride the rack railway up Yr Wyddfa, then wander to a lakeside Welsh castle tower and the woods of Padarn Country Park. Day two takes in the Italianate village of Portmeirion, lunch at Porthmadog harbour station and a run on the wide Black Rock Sands.
Snowdon Mountain Railway → Dolbadarn Castle → Padarn Country Park → Portmeirion + 2 more
WalesStable Cottage, Llanfendigaid Estate, Rhoslefain (near Tywyn)
A weekend based at a cottage on the Llanfendigaid Estate, between Tywyn and Fairbourne, with a heated indoor pool to come back to. Break the drive with a boat ride into King Arthur's Labyrinth and a beach stop at Aberdyfi, then spend Sunday on the Talyllyn steam railway and Tywyn's beach.
King Arthur's Labyrinth → Corris Café, Corris Craft Centre → Stable Cottage, Llanfendigaid Estate → Talyllyn Railway + 1 more
