Llanidloes rightly lays claim to be the ‘first town on the Severn’, Britain’s longest river, which takes its rise on the rugged slopes of Plynlimon, 9 miles to the west of the town. The town grew up around the 7th century church founded by St Idloes, receiving a Royal Charter in 1282 enabling it to hold fairs and a weekly market. It became a self-governing borough in 1344; a status retained until 1974. Llanidloes, or simply Llani to the locals, once had thriving wool, lead mining and flannel industries, all making use of freely available water-power from the rivers Severn and Clywedog. These industries fell into decline over the years and all that now remains are some rather picturesque ruins or tastefully restored factory buildings converted to residential use. Whilst no longer buzzing with the various industries of times past, Llanidloes still retains a vibrancy and life of its own. There is a keen spirit of regeneration and a sense of looking to the future. Llanidloes welcomes visitors and not for nothing is it known as ‘the friendly town’. The River Severn, or to give it its Welsh name, Afon Hafren, together with the Clywedog, have long formed the life-blood of the town and, these days, are central to an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways that take in some of the most beautiful views in Mid Wales. Llanidloes town has a wealth of historical buildings including the Old Market Hall, built in about 1600 and standing at the intersection of the town’s four main streets. It has served a variety of purposes in its time and now houses an exhibition of timber-framed buildings. Other attractions in the area are Llyn Clywedog, which has the tallest mass concrete dam in the UK; the Bryntail lead mine ruins; the Severn Way; the Wye Valley Walk; Glyndwr’s Way National Trail; the Hafren Forest and the upland wilderness of the five peaks of Plynlimon, the highest points in the central range of the Cambrian Mountains. The area is an ideal spot for those wishing to walk in outstanding scenery with a diverse range of wildlife to observe.
