Gilfach Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Gilfach Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Gilfach Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
Rhayader
Powys
Mid Wales
LD6 5LF

Tel: 01597 870 301
Fax: 01597 870 298
E-Mail: info@radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Web: Gilfach Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

About Gilfach Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Gilfach Nature Reserve is set in the lovely Marteg Valley just north of Rhayader, Gilfach is a 410 acre hill farm nature reserve, owned and managed by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust for the benefit of wildlife. The farm is a mosaic of habitat including traditional hay meadows, rocky outcrops, rhos pasture, wet flushes, hill-side scrub and oak woodland, and is of course hugely rich in flora and fauna.
Follow the walking trails through meadows peppered with anthills, look out over the valley with its glorious views and spot a dipper on the River Marteg as it tumbles down through the reserve and over the waterfalls - where in November you might just glimpse a leaping salmon.
Most people park at Marteg Bridge (just off the A470 about 3 miles north of Rhayader) but alternatively you can drive on through the reserve, turning right down the lane to the Old Farmyard and Welsh longhouse (rented to tenants) where there is a small car park, visitor information and toilets.

Walking
There are some lovely waymarked trails to help you enjoy Gilfach, and good picnic spots too. This is a working farm, so you are likely to see farm animals on the way. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead to reduce disturbance to farm animals and wildlife.
The Nature Trail takes a circular route round the reserve, following the river upstream past the otter hide, up the lane and out along the Monks Trod with very fine views of the valley. It takes about 1.5 hrs at a leisurely pace and goes close to the Old Farmyard and longhouse. The shorter 0.5hrs Oakwood Trail goes from the picnic area at the Old Farmyard, taking you through the woodland and back through the meadows.
Also near the Old Farmyard is a short easy access trail -newly upgraded, with a picnic bench overlooking the valley. Follow the sign for Tyn Shimley out of the farmyard.
There is also a fine stroll from Marteg Bridge up the sheep track to the viewpoint and burial chamber, from where you can either walk back on the road or continue on down to the river and the Nature Trail. The Wye Valley Walk and the Gwastedyn Church Trail also pass through Gilfach.

Please take care and wear boots appropriate for walking. Our paths are often uneven and sometimes quite steep. There are gates and kissing gates but no stiles to cross on the trails. Mobile reception is very poor.