Free intro to Powys countryside

 

Residents from the Welshpool area are being given the opportunity to discover the beautiful countryside right on their door step with a series of guided walks through the summer.

 

Trail Tempters, Powys County Council’s guided walks programme, returns next week with its Countryside Services Team organising 10 guided walks, which range from just over one to seven miles. There are also several shorter walks for residents of all ages, from mushroom walks to historic castles.

The guided walk programme has been jointly funded by the council and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Two of the walks will appeal to fluent Welsh speakers or learners or fluent as they are guided in Welsh.  And families may enjoy Llandoddies Woodland Adventure and the Llansilin Walk as part of the programme. Residents can also take part on a walk that will celebrate the 40th anniversary of an iconic trail and ancient monument, the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.

Cllr Gwyn Gwillim, Board Member for Countryside Services, said: “These free walks are a superb way for residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with local walks in Powys and take in sections of Britain’s finest trails.  Our well-established programme is a great way to take in fresh air and exercise.”

The first walk, Caban Ramble, takes place in the Elan Valley near Rhayader on Sunday. This Welsh guided walk, organised in partnership with Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed and the Elan Valley Ranger Service, is one-and-a-half miles in length and looks at the natural history of the area.

It is advised to bring waterproofs, comfortable walking boots, sun protection and a drink and snack.  Dogs are welcome on some walks but check first.

 

Advanced booking is required on all of the walks. For more information and a full programme visit www.powys.gov.uk/guidedwalks

Sunday 8 May - Caban Ramble in Welsh, Elan Valley near Rhayader

Friday 3 June - Llandoddies Woodland Adventure, Llandrindod Wells

Saturday 25 June - 40th Anniversary Special Offa, Knighton

Sunday 24 July – Saints and Legends, Llangynog

Wednesday 3 August - Dolforwyn Castle Ramble, Abermule near Newtown (PICTURED)

Sunday 14 August – Lechi Llefenni, a Welsh language walk, near Machynlleth

Sunday 11 September – Llansilin – a walk through history, north Powys

Saturday 24 September – Epynt Mushroom Walk, Llangammarch Wells

Sunday 9 October - Discovering Kilvert Country, Hay on Wye

Thursday 29 December – A Christmas Corris Crunch, near Machynlleth