Montgomeryshire
Powis Castle, one of the many attractions in the area
The historic county of Montgomeryshire which forms the northern part of Powys is named after its county town, Montgomery, which in turn is named after Roger de Montgomerie who was the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and a counsellor to William the Conqueror. The principal towns are Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Montgomery, Newtown and Welshpool. This area of Powys has forests and mountains to explore and a wide variety of visitor attractions to suit all ages and interests.
For some suggestions of places to visit please read on and for places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page:
Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture
The entrance to the Andrew Logan Sculpture Museum
Berriew is home to a museum dedicated to the work of world renowned sculpter Andrew Logan. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits of Logan's art work showing the extravagance, vivid colour and humour that he achieves from the transformation of real objects into new creations. There is level access into the gallery, small gift shop and tearoom.
'The Cosmic Egg' one of the amazing sculptures.
It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12- 4 p.m. throughout June, July, August and September but also opens at other times for private viewings for groups by appointment. There is an accessible toilet on site (room to side transfer but no wheelchair turning space) however wheelchair access to this is via a storeroom at the rear of the building so some assistance may be needed.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Cambrian Coastal Railway
Machynlleth Station Cafe
The Cambrian Coastal Railway runs between Machynlleth to Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. The route closely follows the coast for much of the journey with the scenic views of the shoreline and mountains making it an extremely pleasant day out.
Boarding the train
Our researchers travelled between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, a journey of approximately two and a half hours. They booked the assisted passenger service 48 hours before travelling which worked extremely successfully. On arrival at the station staff were expecting them and were ready and waiting, the train ramp was put in place and they were escorted to their reserved seats. All the staff they encountered on their journey were friendly and helpful and it was a very positive experience.
For more detailed accessibility information about the service and details of their trip please click here.
Centre for Alternative Technology
Many of the paths have good accessibility
The Centre is situated on a hillside in beautiful Welsh Countryside just outside Machynlleth and is dedicated to demonstrating practical ways of addressing environmental concerns and sustainable living.
One of the many unusual and interesting exhibits
From March to October access to the site is via a cliff railway (which can accommodate most powered chairs) and in winter months there is designated parking for blue badge holders at the top of the site.
The centre is located in a former slate quarry with a naturally uneven terrain in places and varying path surfaces and although much of the site is level, manual wheelchair users may find that they need some assistance to access some areas.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve
The hide has an excellent full length viewing area
Llyn Coed-y-Dinas Nature Reserve is located approximately half a mile to the south of the town of Welshpool on the A490. The site now managed by the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is a restored gravel pit that was used to provide building material for the Welshpool by-pass. Access into the hide is via a wide sliding door and as can be seen in the photograph there is a large viewing window out over the lake.
Some unusual seating which would be fun for families with young children
The site has a wide selection of resident birds and also provides overwintering for migratory wildfowl. There is also an accessible trail around part of the reserve.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Corris Craft Centre
There is ramped access to the shops
Corris Craft Centre is located on the A487 between Machynlleth and Dolgellau, approximately 6 miles outside Machynlleth and is set in a square with buildings in the middle and all around the edge. There are a mixture of crafts people resident at Corris and a selection of shops including a toyshop, woodcraft shop, card maker, jewellery shop, pottery shop and glassware shop. Some of these offer hands on tuition however it might be worth checking availability and opening times beforehand especially during the winter months. All the shops and the grounds of the centre have step free access.
Our researcher checking out some of the craft information
The Bards Quest has accessible paths and benches around it and spaces to sit and listen to the ‘storylines’ broadcast by the ‘bard’ figures to be found hidden away in different areas of the maze. This area will be of particular interest to families with young children and as there is an audio element could also be of interest to visually impaired visitors.
Please note that due to Health and Safety regulations Arthurs Labyrinth which is also located on site but underground is only accessible for visitors with good ambulant ability.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Glansevern Hall Gardens
The courtyard at Glansevern Hall Gardens
Glansevern Hall Gardens are situated on the main A483 to the south of Welshpool. Access to the gardens is across a rough surfaced car park through the shop into the gravelled courtyard. There is a paved path (avoiding the gravel) around one side of the courtyard to the lake.
Part of the formal bedding in front of the Hall
As well as the beautiful informal garden around the lake, the grounds also contain a large walled garden, well planted formal beds, lawns and a rock covered grotto.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Gregynog Hall
The entrance to the courtyard area
Once a Country Hall with large landed estates, the 19th century Hall with 750 acres of peaceful gardens and woodland were gifted to the University of Wales in 1963 and it is now a conference and events centre. The attractive cobbled Courtyard contains the ticket office/shop and a cafe serving light meals and refreshments.
Inside the courtyard is a pleasant outside eating area
The formal gardens are Grade 1 listed and it is possible to create a circular wheelchair accessible trail around them starting from the car park. This takes approximately 20 - 25 minutes to complete. NB There is now a £3 charge for entrance to the gardens (with no concessions).
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Lake Vyrnwy Visitor Centre
The Reservoir
Set in the mountains approximately 20 miles north west of Welshpool is picturesque Lake Vyrnwy. The reservoir was created in the 1880s for the purpose of supplying Liverpool and Merseyside with fresh water. The area around the lake is an RSPB reserve and there is a beautiful seven mile circular drive with good picnic areas. The visitor centre is located by the dam where there is also an RSPB shop and several other shops and cafes.
There is an audio/visual presentation at the centre
The sculpture trail, which winds around a series of large wooden sculptures with the dam as a magnificent backdrop is wheelchair accessible and has designated parking adjacent to the entrance.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Llyn Clywedog
The view from the observation platform
Llyn Clywedog is a reservoir currently owned and managed by Severn Trent Water and located off the B4518 road near the town of Llanidloes. There is a long stone viewing platform accessed via a ramp, which has a couple of lower viewing areas looking out over the Dam and surrounding countryside.
The terrace on the Look Out building
The Red Kite Kiosk opens daily from Easter until September serving hot and cold light meals and is sited on the ground floor of the Look Out building. On the upper floor of the building is a covered display of interpretation panels explaining the history of the Dam and Reservoir and also information about the geology, flora and fauna. There is also an external seating area with tables.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Meirion Mill
Merion Mill
Meirion Mill Shop is housed in the formed terminus for the old Mawddy railway beside the river Dyfi just outside the village of Dinas Mawddy. It nestles in the foothills of the southern edge of the Snowdonia mountain range.
One of the original looms
The mill shop offers visitors a chance to browse through a wide variety of local and regionally produced goods and makes an excellent place to stop for refreshment when exploring this picturesque area.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
MOMA Wales
The Museum entrance
MOMA WALES is located within the Tabernacle in Machynlleth. The former Wesleyan chapel was converted in the mid-1980s into a centre for the performing arts. Since then the gallery which has four beautiful exhibition spaces has steadily grown alongside it.
Our researcher checking out the noticeboard
As well as works from the resident Collection there is also a programme of exhibitions throughout the year featuring leading artists examples of Modern Welsh Art, and an annual Art Competition. Many of the works of art are for sale and general access around the galleries and the cafe is good.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Montgomery Castle
Access to the ruins is across two wooden bridges
The ancient town of Montgomery lies seven miles south of Welshpool on the B4388. It retains its original character and has a wealth of interesting buildings. The area is dominated by the remains of Montgomery Castle that stand on the hill behind the town. Access to the castle remains is across two bridges giving excellent views of the castle's deeply ditched defences.
There are excellent views of the defences
The present castle was started in 1223 and replaced an earlier 'motte and bailey' castle called Hen Domen sited one mile away to the north west. This new site on a rocky outcrop proved an excellent choice as the castle was never taken by force throughout the town's turbulent history and it remained an English stronghold in this area of the Marches until it was finally demolished in 1649.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Owain Glyndwr Centre
The entrance at the front of the parliament buiding
The Owain Glyndwr Centre is located in the centre of Machynlleth and housed within a Grade 1 listed building on the site of the famous parliament held in 1404 at which Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales. Following completion of the first stage of an extensive renovation progamme, the Centre has been re-opened and now hosts an informative and interactive exhibition about the life and times of Owain Glyndwr and his vision for Wales at the beginning of the fifteenth century.
One of the interactive computer displays
Although there are long term plans for a gallery on the upper floor, at present the exhibition is all on one level and there is good access to the computer consoles, the audio visual display and interpretation boards.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Powis Castle
The Castle and Garden Terraces
Now owned and preserved by the National Trust, unlike many of well known castles within Wales such as Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and nearby Montgomery which were all built by the English, the medieval castle of Powis was the stronghold of a dynasty of Welsh princes. The famous renaissance inspired 'hanging gardens' with their ancient sculptured yew lined terraces were created during the 17th century and shelter many rare and tender plant species.
The lower gardens are particularly beautiful in Autumn
This is a large site and a wheelchair accessible minibus (reserved for visitors with limited mobility) is available on certain days to travel from the entrance hut in the car park to either the castle or the lower gardens. There is wheelchair access to much of the site however due to natural topography some parts of the castle and grounds are not fully accessible. However this fascinating attraction offers a great visitor experience for everyone.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Powysland Museum
The Museum has a great canalside location
The Powysland Museum is housed in a former warehouse on the Montgomery Canal that runs through
the eastern edge of the town and is only five minutes walk from Church Street. There is a small car park and level access into the building.
One of the galleries
The wide range of exhibits depicting local life and the history of Montgomeryshire are housed on two floors and access around each floor area of the museum is good. The displays illustrate the history and development of life in the area from prehistoric times to the 20th century .
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway
One of the engines at the Welshpool Station
On the western fringes of the town of Welshpool is the station of the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. The railway was opened in 1903 to link the rural communities surrounding Welshpool to the market town itself. The track runs for eight miles up some steep inclines through the Banwy Valley to the station at Llanfair Caereinion. There is a small museum exhibit and a shop at the Welshpool station.
Topping up the water
The friendly staff are on hand to offer assistance to board and one of the main carriages has wider doors to allow wheelchair access inside. Pre-booking will ensure a place is available on the day. There is a cafe and toilets at the Llanfair Caerenion Station for passengers who wish to disembark and have a look around.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
PLACES TO STAY
All the accommodations included has been assessed by our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most easy access needs we advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements.
It is also important to note that our researchers assess for accessibility not quality so for accommodation inspection gradings please follow the links to each providers own website.
SELF CATERING
Bryn Tanat Hall
The Hall has a ramp to provide step free entrance
Bryn Tanat Hall is located in a peaceful rural location near Llansantfraidd-ym-Mechain and is an ideal base to explore the beautiful countryside of Powys. Also within easy reach are neighbouring Shropshire and Snowdonia and good links to the motorway networks make Chester, Liverpool or Manchester a great day out.
This period property, once part of the Aber Tanat estate now offers groups of up to 20 people a unique holiday experience. Although the property is primarily let as self catering, by prior arrangement bespoke holiday packages, which include fine dining and a range of activities such as falconry, can be arranged.
The dining room
As well as the designated accessible bedroom on the ground floor, nearby there is a second twin bedded room accessed up a couple of steps (which could be ideal for a carer/carers) and 8 more bedrooms are located on the first and second floors. There are also a variety of spacious reception rooms including a dining room and a conference/function room.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Cledan Valley Tipis
The accessible tipi 'Hare' is located on a level site
Located in a secluded valley along a country lane on the edge of the village of Carno but within easy reach of the market towns of Llanidloes, Newtown and Machynlleth lies the site of Cledan Valley Tipis. They provide an unusual and accessible form of camping without the need to pitch your own tent.
In total there are 8 tipis and one named 'Hare' has an adapted opening that is higher and wider to enable easier wheelchair access. This is a family tipi which can sleep up to 6 people.
The shower block has level access
The adajcent shower block has an accessible wet-room and toilet. There is also step free access to the outside sink at the rear of the cabin. Please note this site is located on a hill farm and because of topography of the natural landscape whilst the surrounding countryside offers stunning views it is not wheelchair accessible.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Madogs Wells
The cottages are situated in a peaceful and picturesque valley
Next approximately 10 miles west of Welshpool in the hills above Llanfair Caereinion lies Madogs Wells which has three comfortable and accessible self catering cottages. One cottage sleeps three people and the other two (3 bedroomed) cottages each sleep six. Access to the entrance of each of the bungalows is from adjacent hard surfaced car parking areas. 'Wrens Nest' has good wheelchair access around the living /kitchen area, a double bedroom and a single bedroom (with right hand transfer) to the bed. The en-suite has a level access shower, room for a carer and space to left hand transfer to the toilet.
Part of the spacious living area in Swallow Cottage
Blackbird Cottage has spacious wheelchair access around the kitchen/dining/lounge areas. There are two twin bedrooms and a double bedroom. There is a good sized shower room with room for a carer if required and space to right hand transfer to the toilet. it also has a separate toilet.
Swallow Cottage's private verandah
Swallow Cottage offers very spacious accommodation and its own private verandah overlooking the 8 acres of peaceful fields and woodland belonging to Madog Wells. It has two twin bedrooms and a double bedroom with an extra bed settee. The very spacious en-suite has a level access shower, a bath, plenty of room for a carer/carers if required and room to right hand side transfer to the toilet. There is also a separate toilet and wash basin.
The level access shower in Swallow Cottage
There is spacious wheelchair access around the well equipped kitchen/dining/living areas and out on to the verandah. Swallow and Blackbird Cottages both have emergency pull cords. The owners of Madog Wells have paid attention to detail to ensure good accessibility and the cottages have sockets at accessible heights and large accessible rocker light switches.
There are a range of mobility aids on site including a wheeled shower chair and blocks to raise the divan beds to allow use of a portable hoist. The hire of the latter can be arranged with prior notice. Guests also have use of a games room and a small patio area. (N.B.Wheelchair users might need some assistance up the narrow ramped path to these facilities).
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Owl Barn Retreat
An exterior view of the property
Owl Barn Retreat is located in a peaceful and picturesque valley within 5 minutes drive of the village of Llanrhaeadr ym mochnant . Originally lovingly created on the site of a former barn for a family member of the present owner, it has now been revamped to provide a comfortable and stylish holiday property with stunning views across the valley.
At the present time access into the small entrance hall of the property is via a steep straight ramp but we understand a new more easily accessed ramp is being made. Once inside, the kitchen/diner, lounge, double bedroom and shower room all have level access and there is an additional twin room with sloping eaves located up a flight of stairs which could be suitable for family members/carers.
The kitchen has an attractive dining area with views over the surrounding countryside
It is important to note that some of the rooms within this property are compact and access through the bedroom and shower room doors off of the hallway is tight for a self propelling manual chair user. For this reason our researchers felt that Owl Barn Retreat would not be suitable for non ambulant powered chair users or unaccompanied manual wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Quarry Cottage
There is a drop off point adjacent to the entrance
Quarry Cottage located in beautiful countryside near Newtown in Powys, sleeps up to 8 people and has a good sized open plan living area. It is one of 6 cottages situated on site, making it a good holiday base for extended families or groups that have a member with easy access needs.
The spacious open plan living area
In addition to the ground floor bedroom which has zip and link twin beds, there are 3 double/twin rooms located upstairs, two of which have en-suite shower rooms and the third has an en-suite bathroom. There is also a separate downstairs toilet however this is not wheelchair accessible.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
The Byre
The Byre is the ground floor of a Barn Conversion
The Byre is one of two apartments at Le Gro Barns which is situated in a peaceful countryside setting in the Welsh Marches near Llansantffraid. Its location within Powys but near to the border with Shropshire makes it an ideal base to explore both counties. Snowdonia, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester are also all within an hour and a half driving distance.
This 'high spec' and stylish property is all on one level with good internal access to the lounge and kitchen areas. There is wheelchair access around the bed in the double bedroom and to the main shower/bathroom. In addition, with prior notice, furniture in the twin room can be re-arranged to create access to a super king bed and there is an accessible sofa bed in the lounge.
The attractive outside eating area
For extended families and larger groups with a family member/companion with easy access needs, the upper floor apartment accessed via an external wooden staircase is equally well appointed and also sleeps up to six people and both properties could be combined in a joint booking.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Yr Hen Stablau
The attractive exterior of the property
Yr Hen Stablau is a self catering property that has been sympathetically converted from former stables to provide spacious accommodation for up to 6 guests. It is situated just outside of Machynlleth on the Aberdovey road.
The spacious kitchen
The attractive ground floor bedroom can be either a double bed or twin and has an adjacent wet-room. There is also a door from this bedroom out on to the rear patio, which has views over the surrounding peaceful woodland. The large kitchen/dining room and the lounge have good accessibility and well behaved pets are welcome with prior notice.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
BED AND BREAKFAST
Edderton Hall Country House
The property has an attractive outside eating area with stunning views
Edderton Hall Guest House is located approximately 2 miles from Welshpool at Forden and offers comfortable and stylish bed and breakfast accommodation. There is an attractive ground floor accessible room with king size divan bed (can be converted to a twin with prior notice) and its own en-suite wet-room.
The ground floor room has a door leading on to a private patio
This room has a door leading out to a small private patio and ramped access to the breakfast/dining room. Evening meals can also be served by prior arrangement. Guests also have use of a pleasant lounge on the ground floor and a further large patio area at the front of the Hall with magnificient views across the surrounding countryside towards Powys Castle.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Lane Farm B&B
The exterior of the farmhouse
Lane Farm is located at Criggion on the Shropshire/Welsh border approximately 10 miles north of Welshpool and offers bed and Breakfast accommodation on a working farm that is set in lovely countryside. It has an attractive ground floor twin room with an en-suite wheel-in shower and toilet.
The breakfast area
Breakfast is served in the farmhouse dining room. Alternatively as this is a period property and some of the doorways in the main part of the farmhouse may not accommodate larger wheelchairs, breakfast can also be served in the guests bedroom.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
HOTELS
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel offers stunning views of the reservoir and mountains
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel is located approximately 24 miles from Welshpool within the forests and mountains of Mid Wales. There are three wheelchair accessible rooms with en-suite wet-rooms and it is an ideal choice for a peaceful and relaxing break away.
Room 47 showing the doors to its private verandah
The rooms are both stylish and spacious and guests are also able to enjoy using the hotels large lounges and external patio, all of which have amazing views over the Lake.
For more details of accessibility at the hotel and a link to their own website please click here.