Springtime in Sheep Country: Wandering the Hidden Valleys of Mid Wales

There’s something about Mid Wales in spring that feels… untouched. While the world rushes off to the Lake District or the manicured Cotswolds, the valleys here hum along gently with blooming daffodils, lambs wobbling through the grass, and waterfalls tumbling down mossy cliffs with no one watching.

It’s not a place you’ll find in glossy travel brochures. And that’s exactly why it’s perfect.

This guide is for the people who don’t want to be busy. For travelers who breathe deeper on a misty hillside than in a bustling museum queue. If you’re craving wool blankets, woodland tea rooms, scenic drives that end in silence, and long walks where the only thing staring at you is a curious sheep—Mid Wales in spring is calling.


Why Mid Wales in Spring Just Makes Sense

Mid Wales is wild, soft, and refreshingly low-key. In spring, the moors soften with green, the skies lighten, and every hedgerow buzzes with life. This is sheep country—yes—but it’s also a place of hidden waterfalls, slow-trickling rivers, and ridgeline views that take zero effort and give back tenfold.

Here’s why we think it’s perfect for a spring getaway:

  • No crowds. You could walk for hours and only meet sheep.

  • Nature is waking up, and you’re in the front row.

  • Locals are warm but never pushy. It’s the kind of place where someone offers you tea just because it’s raining.

  • It’s not polished. It’s real. That’s the charm.

If you’re someone who wants to feel a place instead of ticking it off—this is for you.

Rhayader


Where to Stay:

Tynrhyd Retreat, near Devil’s Bridge

📍Ceredigion
A beautifully converted stone barn tucked into a quiet hillside near the famous Devil’s Bridge waterfalls. Tynrhyd has self-catering cottages (ideal for solo travelers or couples) with private fireplaces, big farmhouse kitchens, and sweeping views of sheep-dotted meadows.

Book the ‘Cambrian View’ cottage for morning mist over the valley and a deep soak tub. There’s also a communal lounge with books, if you feel like being quietly social.

Nannerth Country Holidays

📍Near Rhayader
Set on a 200-acre organic hill farm just outside the Elan Valley, this stay gives you the full sheep country experience—but with tastefully modern comforts. Expect log fires, rustic breakfast baskets, and maybe the odd bleat as your morning alarm.

This spot is ideal if you want to walk straight out the door into nature. No car needed for a good hike.

Nannerth Country Holidays

Tynrhyd Retreat


Spring Walks

You don’t need to aim for a summit here. What makes Mid Wales great in spring is how easy it is to find a rhythm that suits you. The hidden valleys, small lanes, and forest paths aren’t about pushing for views—they’re about enjoying the walk itself.

These are the kinds of routes where you pass through open fields, cross a small stream, maybe stop to watch a few lambs in a field or sit on a stone wall for a bit. The air smells fresh, the trails are quiet, and you’re more likely to hear birds or the sound of the wind than other people.

There’s no rush. Pick a path and go at your own pace. Maybe you loop around a village or follow a trail along the river. Either way, it’s about getting outside and letting the scenery do its thing. Simple, easy, and good for clearing your head.

Elan Valley Trail

Elan Valley Trail is one of those walks you can make as easy or as long as you want—up to about 18km if you’re feeling ambitious. Starting from Rhayader, you’ll head toward the Elan Valley Reservoirs, winding your way over old railway viaducts and past waterfalls. The trail moves through pine forests filled with spring birdsong, and you’ll often spot lambs playing beside bright yellow daffodils.

It’s a peaceful walk that feels like a proper escape, with plenty of spots to pause and take it all in.

A quick heads-up: there aren’t any cafés along the route, so bring some snacks or pack a picnic. And if the weather turns misty or rainy, don’t worry—that actually adds to the magic of the place rather than takes away from it.


Hafren Forest & Source of the Severn Walk

The Hafren Forest & Source of the Severn Walk is a nice, gentle 7km loop that takes you through peaceful woodland before leading you up to the mossy uplands where the River Severn actually starts. In spring, the forest floor bursts with fresh green growth, and the whole place feels alive, like the trees are slowly waking up after winter.

It’s the kind of walk where you can really slow down and soak up the calm.

A little tip: try to start early and bring a flask of tea with you. There are benches along the riverbank that make perfect spots to pause, whether you want to jot down a few thoughts or simply watch the water flow by.


Berwyn Mountains from Llangynog

The Berwyn Mountains from Llangynog are seriously underrated. You can make your walk as long or short as you like, starting right from the tiny village of Llangynog. From there, take your pick of sheep tracks winding up into the hills. Along the way, you’ll find wild, open views, quiet streams tucked away in the woods, and a kind of peace that feels rare these days.

One little tip for when you’re back in town: swing by the New Inn for some proper pub food and a friendly atmosphere. It’s simple, welcoming, and you’ll likely be one of the few tourists around. Perfect way to round off the day.


Where to Eat (Because You’ve Earned That Crumble)

Mid Wales may not have Michelin stars on every corner—but what it does have is much better: pubs and tearooms where the food is made by someone’s nan or auntie, and everything tastes like it was cooked with care.

The Lost ARC Café

📍Bridge Street, Rhayader A quirky venue combining a café, music venue, and art space. They serve delicious vegetarian and vegan options, along with freshly baked goods. The eclectic decor and friendly atmosphere make it a unique stop in Rhayader.​

Ps. Check their schedule; you might catch some live music or an art exhibition during your visit.


🍽️ The Triangle Inn, Rhayader

Stone walls, local ales, and a seasonal menu that changes depending on what the farms nearby have growing. Think spring lamb with wild garlic mash, or leek and barley stew with crusty bread.

Ask about their local cider—it’s dry, apple-forward, and dangerously drinkable after a long walk.


Y Bluen Goch (The Red Kite Café)

📍Tregaron
If you’re up for a bit of a scenic drive, this café is one of those places where you want to order everything and stay for hours. Big slices of cake, hearty Welsh breakfasts, and views of sheep-dotted fields out the windows.

Come mid-morning on a weekday and you might have the whole place to yourself.


🚉 Take the train to Llandrindod Wells (from London, Birmingham or Cardiff)

Then pre-book a local taxi to take you to your cottage or walking base (Rhayader or Devil’s Bridge are good options).

Local taxi companies often double as informal tour guides—chat with your driver for tips. They usually know the best hidden walks and which cafés have the best scones that week.


Mid Wales is a hidden Gem

Mid Wales isn’t flashy or trying too hard. It’s just green, peaceful, dotted with sheep, and full of stories—if you take the time to notice.

There’s something special here that doesn’t need any hype. You find it in a slow walk through heather, in the soft clink of tea cups after a rainy hike, and in how your whole body unwinds after days without Wi-Fi or noise.

If you’re into taking the slow road, the calm path, and don’t mind a bit of mud on your boots—Mid Wales in spring is ready when you are.


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