Builth Wells to Erwood

Stacey and Jennie (and their gorgeous husky) have recently taken over the Gallery and Café at Erwood Station, creating a welcoming place to refuel alongside the Wye Valley Walk, where you can claim your passport stamp too. And if you are wanting a new walking stick then the Gallery will be able to supply a beautiful, locally carved one! They showcase local artists work and crafts, although you may find it hard to carry home some of the large wooden sculptures for sale. 

The Station was on the Mid Wales Railway line which ran from Llanidloes to Brecon from 1864 until the line was axed in 1962. New life was breathed into it in 1984 when Alan Cunningham, a professional woodturner, restored the site to exhibit his work. Two 19th century carriages from Rhosgoch and Eardisley and a signal box from Newbridge on Wye were acquired for extra gallery space.

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At Aberedw Rocks, on the opposite bank of the Wye, is Llywelyn's Cave, said to be the hideout of Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, Welsh Prince of Gwynedd in the 13th century. Llewelyn was at war with the English King, Edward 1, and legend has it he hid in this cave. Captured by the English, Llewelyn was decapitated and his head taken to London. It’s said that local monks from Cwm Hir Abbey claimed his body and buried it there, although there is no evidence of a burial site today.

This stage passes through several areas of common land. 8.4 % of Wales is common land which is of great value for wildlife as it has not been improved for agricultural purposes. Ffridd’ is a Welsh term meaning the transition between valley and high hills. The mix of bracken and scrub, a habitat that develops on upland commons, is important for birds like the winchat, yellowhammer, linnet, wheatear and redstart. Common land is crucial to many Welsh farms which would not be viable without grazing rights.