Mid Wales offers the freedom to go at your own pace. Walk or cycle quiet trails, head into the hills, or try climbing and mountain biking. Explore the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, visit historic sites, watch wildlife, or simply stop and soak up the stillness.
Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales’ largest National Park, is a living, working landscape. The Welsh language is part of daily life here, and the views shift with every season.
The UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere is where nature and community thrive side by side. Stretching from the Cambrian Mountains to the Cardigan Bay coast, its landscapes, salt marshes, peat bogs, woodlands and estuaries are home to ospreys, otters and red kites. It’s not just beautiful; it’s a place rooted in sustainability and conservation.
There’s plenty more to see and do in Mid Wales. This blog dives into the best kept secrets of this area and how you can make the most of a visit to the heart of Wales.
Discover New Perspectives
Take a seat on one of Mid Wales’ heritage railways and enjoy a fresh perspective on the region. As the train winds its way through the mountains, valleys, and coastline, it’s a treat for both railway enthusiasts and those looking to sit back, relax, and watch the scenery go by. Not far away, the colourful village of Portmeirion showcases unique architecture that will have you thinking you just landed in the Mediterranean. Harlech Castle towers over the beach of Cardigan Bay, offering a truly unforgettable historic landmark.
Coastal Getaways
Famous for its resident bottlenose dolphins, Cardigan Bay is a popular destination for those looking for a coastal retreat in Wales, with New Quay being the best place to catch a glimpse of them. In summer, boat trips give visitors the chance to view these incredible creatures up close.
Aberystwyth, the largest town in Mid Wales, is both a seaside destination and a centre for culture. It’s home to the National Library of Wales, which holds more than 6.5 million books, archives, maps, and images. Just outside the town, the Vale of Rheidol Railway offers a memorable 12-mile journey through the countryside to Devil’s Bridge Falls.
Tregaron makes an ideal base for those looking to explore the coastal uplands. From here you can walk the boardwalks of Cors Caron Nature Reserve, uncover the history of Strata Florida Abbey, or head deeper into the Cambrian Mountains.
Powys and Bannau Brycheiniog
Slow down and enjoy a gentler pace by visiting this region of Mid Wales. The Vyrnwy Valley is steeped in history and is now a nature reserve filled with walking trails and wildlife. The nearby Elan Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) are celebrated for having some of the darkest skies in the UK, making them perfect for stargazing.
This region is also packed with marketing towns, woodlands, local cuisine, castles, and gardens which all add to the appeal. Brecon, with its independent shops, independent cafes, and historic cathedral, offers a lively base on the edge of the National Park.
Rhayader on the River Wye acts as a gateway to the Elan and Claerwen Valleys, famous for their dams, reservoirs, and rugged mountains. Newtown, the largest town in Powys, sits on the River Severn and is home to the Textile Museum which tells the story of the town’s weaving history. Close to the Shropshire border, Welshpool offers another highlight with Powis Castle. This medieval fortress is surrounded by world-famous gardens and the charming Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway.
Lakes and Reservoirs
The Mid Wales region is shaped by water and wild beauty. The dramatic dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley are perfect for walking and cycling, while the nearby Llyn Clywedog offers stunning views and peaceful trails around its vast lake. In the Berwyn hills, Lake Vyrnwy is surrounded by an abundance of forest and waterfalls, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
Within Bannau Brycheiniog, Llangorse Lake is rich in local legend and a favourite spot for birdwatching, while Llyn Brianne, with its rugged shores and remote setting, is ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway.
The Mountains of Mid Wales
Wales is famous for its vast mountain ranges, but Mid Wales’ mountains add some drama and ruggedness to its landscapes, making them some of the finest mountains in the country. The Cambrian Mountains, often called the “Green Desert of Wales”, stretch across the heart of the region with wide open plateaus, hidden valleys, and some of the most unspoilt scenery in Britain. Here you’ll find walking routes for all levels with short walks through the valleys for beginners, and more technical uphill climbs for more advanced hikers. You’ll also find mountain biking trails and the source of the River Severn.
To the south, the peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) rise above the countryside, offering panoramic views and a chance to experience one of Wales’ most celebrated National Parks. These upland landscapes are perfect for those seeking both challenge and solitude.
Mid Wales is a region where you’re sure to have an unforgettable travel experience. Quiet lakes, dramatic mountains, historic towns, and ancient castles come together here to offer endless opportunities for discovery and exploration – there’s something for everyone in the heart of Wales! Learn more about Mid Wales or contact us here at Best of Scotland Holidays to create a personalised itinerary for your client’s next adventure to Mid Wales.
