Where is Graig Farm
When travel writer George Borrow visited Presteigne in mid-Wales in the 1860's, he asked in one town whether he was in England or Wales. "Neither sir", came the reply, "you are in Radnorshire!"
Graig Farm is in the modern county of Powys, on the Welsh side of Offa's Dyke, the ancient boundary between England and Wales. However, the old name of Radnorshire still exists at district level. The farm is in the parish of Llanfihangel Rhydithon, but since the coming of the railway in the 1860's, the village has been known as Dolau (pronounced "Dolly").
For more on Graig Farm's role in the local community, click here.
For a 360 degree panoramic view of Graig Farm, click here (allow a few moments to download and start operating - it's worth it!)
Near Graig Farm, mid-Wales
George Bernard Shaw on Radnorshire
Location of Graig Farm
Mid-Wales, and Radnorshire in particular, is one of the most sparsely populated, and "unspoilt" parts of Britain. It has seen battles between the Romans and Welsh, and later between the English and Welsh, as its soil was fought for, and even later it was a dangerous place to travel through. It is an area of staggering beauty, and must surely rank as one of the archetypal "Green and Pleasant Lands". It is a haven for bird-watchers, botanists and walkers alike.
Whilst in Wales, the Welsh language is virtually never heard in most of Radnorshire, and has not been for some 200 years. The local area typifies border areas elsewhere, with a mixture of both Welsh and English place names seemingly randomly interspersed.
"Alas, alas poor Radnorshire,
Never a park, and never a deer;
Never a squire of five hundred a year
Save Richard Fowler of Abbey-Cwm-hir"
Anon 17th Century
The Farm
Graig Farm is on the edge of the Radnor Forest, at an altitude of 1,100 feet, some 8 miles into Wales, and about half way up the English/Welsh border. "Graig" means rock in Welsh, and indeed there are several Graig farms in the area - unsurprising as a shaley, slatey rock is locally abundant. The present farm house was built around 1600. Whilst little is currently known of its early history, there have only been six families on the farm since the 1790's. The house and buildings were partly rebuilt in 1861, just before the local railway arrived, although much of the original fabric and features remain. The farm is situated on one of the ancient Drovers Roads, down which Welsh cattle were walked to markets in England.
Hereford cattle at Graig Farm
In common with many local farms, modern amenities came relatively late to the farm - piped water in the 1950's, electricity in the 1960's, and central heating in the 1980's. Life was very hard for many local families until quite recently.
Graig Farm from the Radnor Forest
Eliseus Williams (Eifion Wyn) 1867-1926
Mid-Wales
Apart from the rolling green and often wild countryside, there are several local attractions worth a visit.
The Elan Valley reservoirs were a major civil engineering achievement at the end of the last century when they were built to replace Birmingham's then inadequate water supply. A pipeline runs from the reservoirs up in the hills beyond the nearby town of Rhayader, actually under Graig Farm (at a depth of some 100 metres), taking the water on its long journey to Birmingham. The area around the dams is a haven for wildlife, including the rare Red Kite. There are guided nature walks, and a fascinating visitors centre. The Elan Valley Hotel (tel: 01597 810 448) offers superb food and accommodation at a reasonable price, and a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
The Elan Valley, near Rhayader
Llandrindod Wells is a Victorian Spa town, which grew up around is supposedly curative waters. The waters themselves may have been frowned upon by current water quality legislation, but the town retains its strong Victorian atmosphere. There are several good hotels and Bed and Breakfast establishments to stay at and enjoy the town.
One could not always be glad,
And lads knew touble in Knighton,
When I was a Knighton lad"
A.E.Houseman : A Shropshire Lad
Knighton is a small market town on the border, sometimes described as having an Alpine air. A fascinating museum on Offa's Dyke is worth a visit, as is a walk along the famous landmark of the Dyke itself, which is said to mark the ancient English/Welsh border.
and when you can't, it's already raining"
Anon. early 20th Century
Rhayader is another local market town, close by the Elan Valley. Indeed, its market has been in existance for 800 years, since the reign of Henry III. On the southern approach to the town is the spectacular Gigrin Farm, where rare wild Red Kites may be seen being fed, as well as a number of other natural attractions such as nature trail and bird reserve. There is also a picnic site and children's play area. Details at www.gigrin.co.uk. The kites are fed daily at 2pm G.M.T..
There are several hotels and B & B's in the area, including the Elan Valley Hotel (tel: 01597 810 448 - www.elanvalleyhotel.co.uk; e-mail : hotel@elanvalley.demon.co.uk), as well as a self-catering cottage across in the next valley from Graig Farm at Cwmygerwyn. You can visit their website here.
Some members of the Graig Farm Producer Group of organic farmers offer accommodation. Details, click here.
Other tourist sites
For more information on the delights of mid-Wales, you can visit :
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