Llanidloes

Three rivers converge at this old wool town in the Severn Valley, creating a proper market feel that hasn't changed much since the 19th century. Llanidloes sits in a natural bowl surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains, with the timber-framed Market Hall still anchoring the town square after 400 years.

The surrounding hills are what really draw people here. Moelfre and Gorn Hill offer cracking walks with views across the valley, while Bryn Gellilefrith gives you a proper workout if you're after something more challenging. The countryside feels genuinely remote - you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.

Vaenor Park nature reserve makes for gentler exploring if the peaks seem a bit much. It's lovely for families, with well-marked trails and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. The town itself has kept its independent shops and cafes, unlike many Welsh market towns that have gone a bit corporate.

Getting here means driving - there's no railway station, so you'll need to come via Newtown or Rhayader. That remoteness is part of the appeal though. The nearest big town is Newtown, about 15 miles northeast.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Mid Wales. You're bang in the middle of walking country, with the Severn Way footpath passing right through town. Red Kite Touring Park and Clywedog Riverside Holiday Home Park both put you within easy reach of the hills, while Maesmawr Farm Resort offers a base for families wanting more facilities. The area's quiet enough that you can actually hear the river at night.