The Local Area Rhyd Hir is situated in its own dell down a small farm track, enabling guests to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, yet it is just two miles from the lovely small town of Llanfyllin and three miles from Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant. Close by is the famous Pistyll Rhaeadr (www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk), the highest waterfall in Wales and England. At 240 feet (74 metres), the falls are one of the seven wonders of Wales. With two routes to climb to the top of the falls and easy access at the bottom, it is an internationally popular site for walkers, artists and photographers. The town of Llangollen (www.llangollen.org.uk), home of the famous International Music Eisteddfod, is around 30 minutes by road from the house. On the banks of the river Dee, with the Llangollen canal above the town, it is an ideal stop for history lovers. Close to the town is Castell Dinas Bran, which is both a hill fort and a medieval castle, the remains of which were built around the end of the 13th century by the princes of Powys Fadog. Just outside of Llangollen are the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, once a Cistercian monastery. Inside the Abbey is the grave stone of Madog ap Gruffudd Fychan, the great grandfather of the last true Welsh prince, Owain Glyndwr. Another world famous medieval town, Shrewsbury, is around 40 minutes by road, or about 30 minutes by train from nearby Welshpool. Dating back to Saxon times, with over 600 listed buildings, the town of Shrewsbury (www.shrewsburyguide.info) is almost encircled by the river Severn. Come into the town via the English or Welsh Bridge; a must-see is the Quarry Park with its own "Dingle", formerly a stone quarry, now a beautiful landscaped garden with its own lake. Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, founder of the theory of evolution of the species, is home to several beautiful churches, including St Chad's, one of only two churches in the UK with a circular nave. Rowley's House, once a merchant's residence, is now home to the town's museum and art gallery. The castle is situated in the town close to the railway station. Founded by Roger de Montgomery in 1074, this well preserved sandstone edifice houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum. Finally, Shrewsbury Abbey, in Abbey Foregate just over the English bridge is well worth a visit. Founded also by Roger de Montgomery in 1083, the Abbey has become famous as the fictional home of Brother Cadfael. The equally medieval city of Chester is less than an hour by road from Rhyd Hir, and we're within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, each with its own international airport.