Aerial panorama of Llyn Clywedog reservoir winding through the green Cambrian Mountains near Llanidloes — Llyn Clywedog · © Crown copyright

Explore Mid Wales

Wild landscapes, quiet places and plenty to discover

From our base near Llanbrynmair, discover mountain walks, forests, wildlife, characterful market towns and the Cardigan Bay coast, or turn up the pace with some of the Cambrians’ remarkable adventures.

Choose your landscape

Where will you explore first?

Start with the landscape or experience that draws you in, then use our detailed guides to plan a day that feels right for your stay.

Two walkers crossing the open uplands of the Cambrian Mountains with a reservoir behind them

Open hills and memorable routes

Walking & Mountains

Choose local countryside, a section of Glyndŵr’s Way, the Precipice Walk or a rewarding mountain day on Aran Fawddwy or Cader Idris.

Explore walking

Golden autumn woodland reflected in the still water of a peaceful Mid Wales lake

Rivers and woodland

Waterfalls & Forests

Follow woodland trails, rivers and tumbling water through Hafren Forest and other rewarding landscapes within reach.

Explore forests and waterfalls

Three dolphins swimming together through clear coastal water off the Welsh coast

Look, listen and slow down

Wildlife & Nature

Watch for red kites and owls around Fronlwyd, ospreys in the Dyfi Valley and dolphins or seals along the coast.

Explore wildlife

Sweeping sandbanks, estuary and coastline at Aberdyfi on the Mid Wales coast

Wide sands and sea air

Coast & Beaches

Spend the day on a broad sandy beach, learn to surf or follow the coast path above Cardigan Bay, then stay for the evening light over the sea.

Explore the coast

The Milky Way above Llyn Clywedog in the Cambrian Mountains

When night becomes the experience

Dark Skies

Experience Fronlwyd’s Bortle Class 3 rural sky and discover stargazing locations across the Cambrian Mountains.

Discover dark skies

Machynlleth Clock Tower rising above the town with green hills behind it

Independent and unmistakably local

Market Towns & Local Places

Slow down in Machynlleth and Llanidloes for independent cafés, local food, colourful streets, markets and creative culture.

Explore local towns

A useful sense of scale: many Cambrian Mountain walks, Machynlleth and Llanidloes are around 30 minutes away by car, while the higher peaks and Cardigan Bay are best enjoyed as fuller days out.

A group white-water rafting through foaming rapids at the National White Water Centre near Bala

For faster days

Adventure & Adrenaline

Learn to surf or paddle with Aber Adventures, hire bikes from Seiclo Dyfi, take on the trails at Dyfi Bike Park, try white-water rafting or look up as a remarkable variety of aircraft pass through the Mach Loop.

Every adventure is optional. Fronlwyd remains the quiet place you return to when the helmets, boots or wetsuits come off.

Explore adventure activities

Prefer a ready-made day?

Our favourite places, gathered together

Open our personal Local Guide for complete days built around favourite walks, food stops and flexible ideas for sunshine, rain and clear nights.

Open our Local Guide Choose your stay

Plan your stay your way

A little more local knowledge

Whether you are bringing the whole family, looking for genuinely useful vegan recommendations or simply want to know you will be warmly welcomed, these guides help make planning easier.

Family-friendly Mid Wales Vegan-friendly Mid Wales LGBTQ+ welcoming stays