Winter in Mid Wales is a time of serene beauty and cosy adventures. Blogger Sophie Davis of @Sophie’s Suitcase recently embarked on a three-day journey through this enchanting region, capturing the best experiences it has to offer.

Sophie's trip to Mid Wales on You Tube 

Day one: A literary and celestial journey

With my husband and dog in tow, we began our adventure by driving into the heart of Mid Wales, where rolling hills and charming villages awaited us.

Our first stop was the town of Hay-on-Wye (Gelli Gandryll), renowned for its numerous bookshops. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Granary, where fresh, local ingredients were the star of the menu.

After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the town's famous bookshops. Perfect for seeking out rare finds or just browsing, we couldn't resist the charm of the literary atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we headed to our cosy accommodation at Nannerth Country Holidays. Nestled in the countryside, this cosy but spacious holiday cottage offered a perfect retreat, with a wood-burning stove and spectacular valley views. The cake they left for us was a lovely extra touch.

As night fell, we ventured to the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park for an unforgettable star-gazing experience. The clear winter skies provided a stunning backdrop for observing the cosmos. With the help of a dark sky expert explaining what we were looking at (the moon and Saturn!) through an incredible telescope, we had a magical evening.

woman and dog outside bookshop.
Dark skies in Elan Valley.
close up of moon.

Hay-on-Wye and dark skies, Mid Wales

Day two: Nature's wonders and coastal delights

We started the day with a hearty breakfast at our well-equipped cottage, preparing for a day of exploration.

Our first stop of the day was back to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre for a fascinating Dam Tour. We learned about the history and engineering marvels of the dams while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The dams are undoubtedly the biggest draw to Elan Valley, offering a wonderful year-round backdrop for cyclists, walkers, photographers and much more.

Dam and information board.
hand holding map.
reservoir and water tower.

Elan Valley, Mid Wales

With our appetites built, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Hafod, savouring local dishes in the warm and welcoming setting.

After lunch, we made our way to the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls. The dramatic cascades and lush surroundings created a magical atmosphere, perfect for a winter walk and plenty of photo opportunities.

The day concluded with a visit to Aberystwyth. Strolling along the beach and warming up with a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the coastal views was a perfect end to the day.

woman wearing hat and looking at waterfall.
Sea at dusk, with sun setting.

Devil's Bridge Waterfalls and Aberystwyth, Mid Wales

Tollant Deck

Nannerth Country Holidays

Accommodation
Rhayader
dam and resevoir.
View of the Hafod

Hafod

Accommodation
Aberystwyth
dam and resevoir.
Part of waterfalls

Devil's Bridge Waterfalls

Attraction
Devil's Bridge
dam and resevoir.

Day three: Wildlife and woodland adventures

We began our final day with a hearty breakfast at Ty Morgan Bistro, setting the tone for another day of adventure.

We took an hour-long stroll through the enchanting Hafren Forest. The crisp winter air, combined with the majestic, towering trees, created a refreshing and invigorating experience that left us feeling truly rejuvenated.

Our last stop of the trip was the Red Kite Feeding Station at Gigrin Farm, where we witnessed the spectacular sight of red kites being fed. This unique experience offered a close-up view of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Mid Wales in winter or any time of the year is a treasure trove of experiences, from starry skies to cascading waterfalls. Our trip provided a blend of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Mid Wales!

Red Kites flying.
Woman in a red coat standing in front of a forest full of pine trees

Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre, Rhayader, Mid Wales

Hafren Forest

Hafren Forest

Attraction
Llanidloes
dam and resevoir.

Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre

Attraction
Rhayader
dam and resevoir.

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