Bechan Retreats

Keen to be out exploring the Powys countryside on foot? A scenic circular walk begins at Llyn Mawr Nature Reserve (25 minutes’ drive), taking you past a trio of lakes to standing stones and marshy wetlands where buzzards and kestrels circle overhead. You might also like to hike the Kerry Ridgeway (half an hour), following an ancient drovers’ route with spectacular moorland views from Wales into England. On family days out? Let the kids have fun feeding eagles at the Falconry Experience Wales (20 minutes, book ahead), or arrange kayaking lessons and zipwire sessions for them at The Red Ridge Centre (half an hour). And at those times when you’re all feeling less energetic, clamber aboard the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway at Llanfair for rides aboard an historic steam locomotive across viaducts and through valleys to Welshpool (both 20 minutes). From there, it’s a 25-minute stroll to the stately mansion and formal gardens at National Trust-owned Powis Castle and Garden, where you can also mooch around the South Asian memorabilia in the Clive Museum.