Rheidol Valley

The quiet Rheidol Valley or 'Cwm Rheidol' is a rather good choice for a touring day out, featuring typically Welsh scenery, some unexpected attractions such as major hydro-electric power station and a chance for activities such as fishing and cycling.

Covering over 16,000 hectares, Cwm Rheidol is home to the largest hydro-electric scheme in England and Wales and an important hub for energy company Statkraft.

As well as the chain of reservoirs to fish in or explore, the visitor centre offers displays and exhibitions explaining the scheme, along with guided tours of the power station and its fish farm. There's also a Butterfly Farm to explore.

The reservoirs include the impressive Nant-y-Moch reservoir in the shadow of the Pumlumon mountains, a short distance north of Ponterwyd (map) and its smaller downriver counterpart, Dinas Reservoir.

Also in the hills near Ponterwyd is the Silver Mountain Experience, a family-friendly attraction developed from an old silver-lead mine and offering underground tours among other activities.

The falls at the little Cwm Felin Reservoir near to the visitor centre are floodlit at night until about 11pm BST or 10pm GMT.

Rheidol Cycle Trail

Starting at the harbour in Aberystwyth, this 27 km trail leads you through the Rheidol Valley to Devil's Bridge, mainly along quiet back roads and dedicated cycle routes. The trail is shown on local Ordnance Survey maps, and signposted from the harbour in Aberystwyth.

Although unchallenging for most of its distance, there is a very steep climb up from the valley floor to Devil's Bridge, so be prepared - or take the alternative ending to the route which leads to the old Rheidol mines.