Attractions and Places To See around Old Radnor - Top 20

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit Hergest Ridge Summit, which straddles the border of England and Wales and offers vistas stretching to the Shropshire hills, Brecon Beacons, and Malverns. Another excellent spot is Cwm-Sanaham Hill Trig Point near Knighton, providing sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and Welsh valleys. Whimble & Bache Hill and Rhos Fawr & Great Rhos within Radnor Forest also offer expansive views.

Old Radnor is rich in history. You can explore the remains of Offa’s Dyke, an ancient earthwork constructed over 1200 years ago, particularly clear north of Kington. St Stephen's Church in Old Radnor is a 15th-century Grade I listed building with an early organ and a pre-Norman font. Adjacent to it are the earthworks of Old Radnor Castle. Additionally, Knighton Clock Tower marks a historic market town that sits directly on Offa's Dyke.

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. Exploring the historic market town of Knighton, home to Knighton Clock Tower, is suitable for all ages. Easy walks around the picturesque Water-Break-Its-Neck Waterfall in Warren Wood are also great for families. Many sections of the Offa's Dyke Path and other local trails are accessible for family walks, and the region's natural beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.

The Old Radnor area is a perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy extensive walking and cycling opportunities amidst rolling hills and forests. There are numerous trails for all abilities, including sections of the Offa's Dyke National Trail over Hergest Ridge Summit. For cycling, options range from the arduous 84-mile Radnor Ring Cycle Route to connections with the Elan Valley Trails. You can find various routes for gravel biking, easy hikes, and general cycling in guides like Gravel biking around Old Radnor, Easy hikes around Old Radnor, and Cycling around Old Radnor.

For challenging hikes, consider the steep ascent to Cwm-Sanaham Hill Trig Point, which offers rewarding views. Radnor Forest, with its diverse terrain and high points like Black Mixen, Rhos Fawr, and Great Rhos, also provides more strenuous walking opportunities. The Offa's Dyke Path, particularly sections with significant elevation changes, can also be challenging.

Yes, the region boasts several unique natural features. Radnor Forest is a rock dome of Silurian shales, mudstones, and limestone, known for its diverse scenery including forests, lakes, waterfalls, and caves. A highlight within the forest is the picturesque Water-Break-Its-Neck Waterfall, a popular destination for over two centuries. Hergest Ridge Summit is also notable for its wild ponies and sheep roaming freely.

The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for walking and exploring, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter can be challenging with colder weather and potentially muddy or icy paths, but offers a unique, stark beauty.

Yes, the area has options for refreshments. The Harp Inn, a historic 15th-century Welsh longhouse, is located in Old Radnor itself and offers fine views, seasonal food, and local ales. Knighton, a nearby market town, also has various cafes and pubs where you can stop for a break.

Offa's Dyke is a significant historical landmark in the region, an ancient earthwork constructed over 1200 years ago. Sections of the Offa's Dyke Path are a major highlight for walkers, particularly between Kington and Knighton. Knighton Clock Tower is in the only town that lies directly on the line of Offa’s Dyke, making it the spiritual home of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. You can still see the clear remains of the Dyke in places, such as two miles north of Kington.

Yes, the region offers various circular walks. Many trails start from local villages and establishments, such as The Harp Inn, exploring areas like Gore Quarry and Dolyhir. Komoot's guides, such as Easy hikes around Old Radnor, feature circular routes like the Water-Break-Its-Neck Waterfall loop from New Radnor.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic views from elevated points like Hergest Ridge Summit and Cwm-Sanaham Hill Trig Point. The sense of history when walking along the remains of Offa’s Dyke is also highly appreciated. The diverse natural landscapes, from rolling hills to forests and waterfalls, provide a rich experience for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

Beyond St Stephen's Church, the area features the Whitney-on-Wye Toll Bridge, one of only eight privately owned toll bridges in the UK, which is a Grade II-listed structure. Near Presteigne, you can also find the Four Stones, a unique 'four-poster' type standing stone setting with various folklore tales surrounding it.