Rhayader (Welsh: Rhaeadr Gwy meaning Wye Falls) is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales. It is the first town that lies on the River Wye.
Rhayadar town serves a wide rural catchment area. It is situated midway between north 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 Pen-y-Bont railway station on the Heart of Wales Line.
History & Amenities
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 1893-1904 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 a 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. In nearby Llanwrthwl the Living Willow Theatre, an open air theatre constructed of living willow trees, was opened in 2007. A Carnival week is held every July.
Rhayader is also renowned for being the town with the highest concentration of pubs and drinking establishments, per capita, in the UK with 12 pubs, one to each 173 people.
The town's Rugby Union team play in Asda League 5 North. Its 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 club have since reformed, and in its inaugural season have gained promotion into the Spar Mid Wales League.
The town is also well known by motocross fans. Every summer a series of events take place at the nearby Cwmythig Hill circuit, with many of Britain's top riders taking part. The race series regularly attracts over 5,000 spectators.
The town was part of the former county of Radnorshire.
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Monday, 15 December 2008
Rhayader (Welsh: Rhaeadr Gwy meaning Wye Falls) is a historic market town in Powys, Mid Wales. It is the first town that lies on the River Wye....
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