Rhayader
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Rhayader | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||
| Population: | 3,598 (2001 Census) | |
| Ordnance Survey | ||
| OS grid reference: | Maps for SN975685 | |
| Administration | ||
| Principal area: | Powys | |
| Constituent country: | Wales | |
| Sovereign state: | United Kingdom | |
| Other | ||
| Police force: | Dyfed-Powys Police | |
| Ceremonial county: | Powys | |
| Historic county: | Radnorshire | |
| Post office and telephone | ||
| Post town: | RHAYADER | |
| Postal district: | LD6 | |
| Dialling code: | 01597 | |
| Politics | ||
| UK Parliament: | Brecon & Radnorshire | |
| European Parliament: | Wales | |
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Rhayader (Welsh: Rhaeadr Gwy) is a busy and historic market town in Mid Wales. It is the first town that lies on the River Wye.
The town serves a wide rural catchment area. It is situated midway between North Wales and South Wales on the A470, 13 miles North of Builth Wells and 30 miles East of Aberystwyth on the A44. A station on the Mid Wales Railway line existed in the town until 1963, but was closed under the 'Beeching Axe' programme of modernisation. The nearest station is now at Llandrindod Wells on the Heart of Wales Line.
Tourism and agriculture are the most important industries locally. Walkers and cyclists are drawn to Rhayader for the abundance of trails and bridleways surrounding the town, which is the gateway to a massive complex of reservoirs and Dams (The Elan Valley), known as the 'Lakeland of Wales'. This vast area was flooded in 1893 to supply water to Birmingham, and is home to some of Britain's rarest wildlife and plants, along with magnificent feats of engineering.
The town itself is known as the centre of the anti-toll gate Rebecca riots and for the red kites which live nearby. Rhayader is also home to a museum, a leisure centre, numerous parks and all the amenities expected of a larger town. Rhayader is also renowned for it's high concentration of pubs and drinking establishments. A Carnival week is held every July.
The town's Rugby Union team play in Asda League 5 North. It's football club, Rhayader Town F.C., ceased to exist in the summer of 2006 despite previously having some success. The team played in the League of Wales - the top-tier of domestic Welsh football between 1997 and 2002.
The town lies in the traditional county of Radnorshire.
