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The Photolibrary Wales/Alamy; Nicolas McComber/Getty Images; David Atkinson; keith morris/Alamy; christopher jones/Alamy
Explore centuries-old
castles.
Among Mid Wales’
most noteworthy are Powis
Castle, a onetime medieval fortress
that overlooks famed garden terraces;
and Harlech Castle (shown at left),
constructed by Edward I in the late
13th century.
Ride the rails.
What better
way to view Mid Wales’
stunning scenery than by
train? Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway
charts the Snowdonia countryside
behind historic steam locomotives,
and the Vale of Rheidol Railway takes
passengers from the coast of
Aberystwyth to the natural wonders
of Devil’s Bridge.
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10 REASONS toVisit MidWales
In Wales, people talk of a legendary man in reverential
tones. He was a folk hero, military tactician, and the
last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.
To many outside Welsh borders, the name Owain
Glyndwr is unfamiliar. But within those boundaries, he
is a source of national pride, even a figure of popular
culture.
Glyndwr’s story centers around the Mid Wales town
of Machynlleth. This year marks the 600th anniversary
of the local hero’s death, and I’ve come here to discover
Glyndwr’s cultural legacy, as well as the town’s vibrant
community of artists, writers, and thinkers, and the
area’s outstanding natural beauty.
Where the Story Begins
I start out at Machynlleth’s historic heart, the Owain
Glyndwr Centre. The museum was established at the site
where, at the turn of the 15th century, Glyndwr was pro-
claimed Prince of Wales and instigated the Welsh revolt
against Henry IV of England. He held the crown only
briefly; he was ultimately defeated.
“There are few surviving clues [as to] Glyndwr’s move-
ments, but he remains an icon to the Welsh people,”
This bronze monument depicts
national hero Owain Glyndwr at
the turn of the 15th century.
LAND OF
LEGENDS
Its stunning landscapes are the stuff of dreams, a fairy-tale backdrop for a rich
tradition of folklore. Dramatic coastline, windswept beaches, rugged mountain
peaks, and vast green plains are sparsely populated with picturesque small towns,
each bearing a personality all its own. If venturing off the beaten tourist path appeals
to you, you’ll find that an exploration of Mid Wales yields many rewards, from
seclusion and a slowed-down pace to friendly locals — and arguably the most
authentically Welsh experience around. Read on for 10 reasons to visit, and one
travel writer’s journey to the heart of a fabled Welsh tale.
By David Atkinson