River deep, mountain high The ancient town of Llanidloes is the perfect base for lovers of the outdoors, located on the Severn and with a backdrop of the Cambrian mountains
L
lanidloes is a small community in an Shrewsbury. Towards the end idyllic location, sitting on the Severn of the 18th century, Llanidloes was the largest producer in within the historic county boundaries of Montgomeryshire and at the heart of Montgomeryshire, but this Arwystli, a region of the ancient kingdom declined after about 1810 with the introduction of factories. of Powys. Named for the early 7thLead mining emerged century Celtic saint Idloes, to whom as a profitable industry its parish church is dedicated, the DID YOU when rich deposits were discovered town received a market charter KNOW? Llanidloes was in 1865, and within a decade from Edward I in 1280. voted the third the Van mines north of the Today Llanidloes is home to a most desirable town were among the most population of around 3,000, and postcode in productive in the world. This the modern street plan still reflects Wales proud heritage can still be seen the 13th-century grid layout from a time when it was a thriving settlement today in the town’s ironmongery and based around a castle positioned near what is the many fine 19th-century shopfronts. now Mount Street. Its location makes it the perfect gateway to the Cambrian mountains. Walk on the wild side Perhaps the most striking appeal of Weaving home Llanidloes is its stunning scenery. The Llanidloes found success in the 17th and town is close to the Clywedog reservoir and offers access to a splendidly scenic 18th centuries as a centre of weaving mountain road connecting Llanidloes and flannel production, with a lucrative market for local products 50 miles away in with Machynlleth. Hikers visit for the popular footpaths surrounding the town, including Glyndwr’s Way, which – in conjunction with the Offa’s Dyke path – forms a 160-mile circuit around mid Wales and local passage over the spine of the Cambrian mountains. The annual Sarn Sabrina Walk, a 25-mile circular walk from Llanidloes to the source of the Severn and back, has been held every May The well-preserved Llanidloes High Street
Some of the walkways in nearby Hafren forest
since 2006. For those who prefer to explore on wheels, the nearby Hafren Forest is used for car and motorcycle rallies throughout the year. The building of the bypass in 1991 has protected the town from the ravages of traffic and allowed it to preserve its attractive main streets, lined with trees originally planted in 1901. The church and old market hall (which claims to be the centre of Wales) are delightful, while you can also visit the town’s impressive Minerva Arts Centre – home to the Quilt Association and its collection of heritage quilts, among other things – and see the Bryntail lead mine buildings nearby. THINGS TO SEE AND DO The Quilt Association Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes SY18 6BY; 01686 413467, www.quilt.org.uk Cambrian Mountain Events Llani Leisure, 16-17 Long Bridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EE; 0168 641 4893, event-admin@llanileisure.co.uk Yamaha Off-Road Glynhafren, Old Hall, Llanidloes SY18 6PS; 01686 413324, www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk Bryntail Lead Mine Llyn Clywedog Dam, Llanidloes SY18 6NU; cadw.gov.wales
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