Powys is a sparsely populated hilly county, just over the Welsh border, the largest in Wales. A good choice for travellers seeking quiet mountain views, beautiful rural scenery, outdoor activities such as walking, riding, cycling or birdwatching in the Radnor Forest Valley, or perhaps to discover pretty little Welsh villages or ruined castles, away from the crowds. A trip to Powys Castle provides a great day out for all ages.
Knighton
Knighton is a small town which prospered from the wool trade. The town is also the site of Offa's Dyke, a famous earthwork defence built by the King of Mercia in 757. Offa's Dyke Visitors' centre is located in the centre of the town. Two long distance footpaths, the Offa's Dyke Path and Glyndwr's Way pass close to Knighton. Thousands of visitors arrive on the last Saturday in August to watch the floats and costumes in the Knighton Carnival.
Want to see stars? The town is home to an observatory, planetarium and camera obscura.
Hay-on-Wye
The town of Hay-on-Wye is divided by the borders of Herefordshire, and old Welsh counties of Breckonshire and Radnorshire. The famous Hay Festival of Literature, held annually on the last week in May, has put this village on the international literary scene. Famous faces from all over the world give talks and the world's media descends on this little village for the world-famous literary festival.
Hay-on-Wye is a charming village, full of second hand bookshops and small craft workshops. The town also has a golf course and many outdoor activities such as riding and fishing can be organised locally. It's also on the doorstep of the Brecon Beacons National Park, beloved haunt of walkers and ramblers.
Elan Valley
A beautiful valley well-known for its view is Elan Valley where a chain of reservoirs supplies Birmingham with water.
Presteigne
The Radnorshire town of Presteigne is divided by a shallow river that places one half in Wales and the other in England. Visit the Offa's Dyke visitor centre, antique shops. Lots of old half-timbered buildings and a couple of good pubs in the high street.