- Rhayader
infobox UK place
country = Wales
welsh_name=Rhaeadr Gwy
constituency_welsh_assembly=
official_name= Rhayader
latitude= 52.31
longitude= -3.50
unitary_wales=Powys
lieutenancy_wales=Powys
constituency_westminster= Brecon & Radnorshire
post_town= RHAYADER
postcode_district = LD6
postcode_area= LD
dial_code= 01597
os_grid_reference= SN975685
OldMapsYear=1881
OldMapsEasting= 297500
OldMapsNorthing= 268500
OldMapsCounty= 10breck421
population= 2,075 (2001 census) [http://www.powys-i.org.uk/documents/en/powys_i_stats/Census%202001/Key%20Statistics/Community%20Councils/KS_CCRAD25.pdf]Rhayader ( _cy. Rhaeadr Gwy meaning Wye Falls) is a historic
market town inPowys ,Wales . It is the firsttown that lies on theRiver Wye .Location
The town serves a wide rural
catchment area. It is situated midway between north andsouth Wales on the A470, 13 miles North ofBuilth Wells and 30 miles East ofAberystwyth on the A44. A station on theMid Wales Railway line existed in the town until 1963, but was closed under the 'Beeching Axe ' programme of modernisation. The nearest station is now atPen-y-Bont railway station on theHeart of Wales Line .History & Amenities
Tourism andagriculture are the most important industries locally. Walkers and cyclists are drawn to Rhayader for the abundance oftrails and bridleways surrounding the town, which is the gateway to a massive complex ofreservoirs andDams (TheElan Valley ), known as the 'Lakeland of Wales'. This vast area was flooded in 1893-1904 to supply water toBirmingham , and is home to some of Britain's rarestwildlife andplants , along with magnificent feats ofengineering .The town itself is known as a centre of the anti-toll gate
Rebecca riots and for thered kite s which live nearby. Rhayader is also home to amuseum , aleisure centre , numerousparks and all the amenities expected of a larger town. In nearbyLlanwrthwl theLiving Willow Theatre , an open air theatre constructed of livingwillow trees, was opened in 2007. ACarnival 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. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/7423077.stm|title=Town has pub for every 173 people|publisher=BBC |date=28 May 2008]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. Theteam played in theLeague of Wales - the top-tier of domesticWelsh football between 1997 and 2002. The club have since reformed, and in its inaugural season have gained promotion into the SparMid Wales League . [cite web|url=http://www.countytimes.co.uk/sport/Rhayader-Town-secure-promotion-to.4041094.jp|title=Rhayader Town secure promotion to Spar|publisher=County Times |date=1 May 2008]The town is also well known by
motocross fans. Every summer a series of events take place at the nearbyCwmythig 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 .References
External links
* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=2742825 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Rhayader and surrounding area]
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