Machynlleth is a remarkable place - where ancient history and glimpses of the future combine to fascinate. With a claim to be the historic capital of Wales, Machynlleth owes much of its visual appeal to its setting in the beautiful Dyfi Valley at the western end of Montgomeryshire.
The Dyfi River, famous for its salmon and sea trout, runs alongside the town spanned by a splendid stone bridge with five arches, built almost two centuries ago.
Visit on a Wednesday and be part of the bustle of the Market Day which has been held in the same street since 1291! Or make Machynlleth your base at any time to explore the countryside and nearby coastline. With its atmosphere, amenities and hospitality there can't be a better centre.
Follow a river to the sea... To the south of Machynlleth, the stunning Llyfnant Valley leads walkers to the Gelli Cascades and Cwmrhaeadr Waterfalls. Further on, you'll find the mill with a working waterwheel and more falls at Dyfi Furnace, named for its charcoal burning blast furnace. Here too is theaptly named Artists Valley, with yet another stream - the Einion, meandering to the sea and at the coast, a birdwatchers paradise - The Ynyshir RSPB Reserve.
The past in action... Nearby at Penegoes is Felin Crewi Watermill where Richard Wilson - the father of British landscape painting - was born. The 17th Century mill has been painstakingly restored and now demonstrates how the rivers flow produced wholewheat flour. You can watch the milling process and see millstones being dressed.
The future displayed... Renewable energy is the theme of another visitor attraction not far away. Take the waterpowered funicular railway 180 feet up the side of the valley to the Centre for Alternative Technology. It's Europe's majorpermanent show of applications of power from natural sources. Close by at Mynydd-y-Cemais, theory has become reality. You will see one of Britains first wind farms - ranks of graceful wind turbines producing enough electricty to supply more than 6,000 homes.
The historic capital of Wales... In 1404 during Owain Glyndwr's rebellion, a Welsh Parliament was assembled in Machynlleth. The Parliament House in Maengwyn Street dates from this time. Few comparable examples of medieval town houses built from distinctive small split stones exist anywhere in Wales.
Inside, in addition to the Tourist Information Centre, you will find an exhibit depitcting Wales in the Middle Ages and the life of the revolutionary who, albeit briefly, caused the seat of Government to move to this small town.