NESTLED in the heart of picturesque Mid Wales, amidst the backdrop of the stunning Elan Valley and Cambrian Mountains, it’s not hard to see why Rhayader wants to market itself as ‘the Outdoors Capital of Wales’.

And that is just what the local town council has done as it launched its new town website this morning (July 5). The new site is designed to be a hub of information for visitors, helping them to access a directory of local activities and amenities, and provide a boost to Rhayader is it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the past 12 months Rhayader 2000, an action group that works on the development of Rhayader as a tourism destination, and Rhayader Town Council have worked collaboratively to initiate a strategic plan written by Spencer David Consultants.

Moving forward, the purpose of the plan is to promote Rhayader and its businesses as a tourist destination.

Concerned parties are now ready to launch Rhayader to the world with its new branding and strapline as ‘the Outdoors Capital of Wales’. The new branding has been led by town councillor Rhys Thomas and the logo and design work by Tom Jones of Hafod Hardware.

“Building on the new fantastic branding, which has been developed by Tom, we are relaunching our website; Rhayader.co.uk,” said Councillor Thomas.

“The site has been designed to encapsulate everything Rhayader has to offer but with a real outdoors theme running through it. Rhayader and district have so much to offer and our community welcomes visitors with open arms.”

Rhayader Town Council recognises the importance of the tourism sector to shops and businesses in the town and agreed to fund Rhayader 2000 annually in its precept. Kerena Pugh, chair of Rhayader 2000, said: “The funding from Rhayader Town Council along with a revitalised membership of Rhayader 2000 has already given us results with this new contemporary website.

“Working together with all the businesses of the town will make Rhayader stronger, more vibrant and will drive our economy for the future.”

With an up-to-date events page and an interactive map, the site will put visitors in good stead as they begin to explore what Rhayader has to offer.

And there is more to come. A recently successful bid to Powys County Council and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Grant has allowed the town council to use the new branding in Covid-19 signage and a Covid-safe tourist information totem for the centre of town.

Visit the bold new website at www.rhayader.co.uk or take a look at the Visit Rhayader Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages.