About The Area
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Our cattle, and a view of the valley
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HRH Prince Charles, during his visit,
seen with the Cambrian Mountain Lamb team
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Tyllwyd Farm is situated on the mountain road from Rhayader to Devil's Bridge amid spectacular mountainous scenery, and lies within the Cambrian Mountain SSSI, an European designated Special Area of Conservation, and lies at the geographical centre of Wales.
Tyllwyd has been the home of the Raw Family since 1820. The first James Raw moved here from Melbeck in Yorkshire, and was Captain of the Cwmystwyth Lead Mine for 40 years, indeed the uppermost western adit was called after him. In the 17th century the farmhouse was a coaching Inn -The Lisburne Arms. Captain Raw was also a farmer and kept a flock of Welsh mountain sheep, ponies and cattle.
H.R.H. Prince Charles, through his Farmers Marketing Initiative inspired a small group of farmers to come together to form the Cambrian Mountain Lamb Initiative.
In 2008 we were honoured to have had a visit from Prince Charles to launch the new venture.
The road to Rhyader
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View of the Elan Valley
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The mountain road takes you through some interesting historical areas, open moorland, and the deep valleys which were formed by the glaciers of the Ice Age. This road was rated by the AA. as one of the most spectacular routes in Europe.
As leaving Rhayader on the mountain road you enter the picturesque Elan Valley , known as the lakeland of Wales with its breathtaking landscape, reservoirs and waterfalls -- a paradise for walkers and fishermen. The visitor centre tells the story of how the reservoirs and dams were built at the end of 19th century, and the spectacular wildlife in the area.
As driving along the mountain road, one becomes aware of the scars left by lead mining. Archaeological evidence shows that copper was mined on Copa Hill during the Bronze Age and cairns, where they buried their dead, can still be traced on the surrounding hills. In 2002, while investigating a medieval lead smelting hearth in the lead mine at Cwmystwyth, the archaeologists unearthed a gold sun disc, believed to be the earliest gold artefact discovered in Wales, and is now at the National Museums and Gardens of Wales, Cardiff.
The Hafod Estate
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Stream at Hafod
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One of the Hafod walks
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The road also passes the historic landscape of Hafod Mansion, and the Arch which was built by Thomas Johnes to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of George 111 and marks the highest point of the Hafod Estate. The walks here incorporate some spectacular views, with interpretation boards providing information on the agriculture, forestry, wildlife and the history of this immediate area.
Hafod is known as a 'paradise for walkers', with many forest paths, streams and bridges. The Hafod estate occupies some 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and surrounding hills. Most is owned by the Forestry Commission who, in partnership with the Hafod Trust, is managing a conservation and restoration project with public and private funding. More information can be found on the Hafod website.
Other attractions
Follow the road to Devil's Bridge, the location of the Three Bridges and the picturesque gorge of the river Rheidol with its dramatic waterfalls. The Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge railway also runs from the station at Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth through the impressive Rheidol Valley.
There are many other attractions in this immediate area,-- Strata Florida Abbey, the Llywernog Silver- Lead Mine Museum and Caverns, and the Nant yr Arian recreational visitor centre, with its walks, mountain bike trails and kite feeding centre. The R.S.P.B. reserve at Ynys- hir and the Tregaron bog are a great attraction to the visitor. Also the Ceredigion waters provide a challenging sport for sea, shore, freshwater and course fishermen.
Mid Wales is an excellent area for birdwatchers and those people who enjoy wildlife. Although red kites are no longer regarded as 'rare' it is still a spectacular sight to see between 60 and 600 birds at Nant yr Arian, near Ponterwyd and Gigrin Farm at Rhayader. The hanging oakwoods provide excellent habitat for many of Britain's summer visitors including pied flycatcher, wood warble and redstart.
The University town of Aberystwyth and the coast, being only 17 miles away, one can enjoy walking the coastal path, and watching the sea birds, with the added bonus of possibly spotting a dolphin or a porpoise in the bay.
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Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian has many fine
mountain bike tracks
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The Rheidol Steam Railway
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One of the attractions at
Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine
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The Red Kite
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