RHAYADER is one of 18 communities in Wales set to benefit from more than £1 million of investment into improving access to green spaces.

Throughout 2022 and 2023, Paths to Wellbeing – a flagship Ramblers Cymru initiative – is giving the 18 communities the tools and training to improve nature and access to walking in their local areas.

The total investment of £1.2m is a key driver for Ramblers Cymru’s vision to put walking at the heart of communities by improving access to areas – and what better place to invest than Rhayader, and its surrounding beauty of the stunning Elan Valley? Ramblers Cymru are giving the selected communities the tools and free training needed to identify and design new routes and enhance and upgrade existing ones, all with the support of their local regional project officer.

Mid Wales Paths to Wellbeing project officer Kate Blair said: “Each one of the communities we’ll be working in has their own unique characteristics and history.

“Rhayader is believed to be the oldest market town in Mid Wales, due to the location being a natural stopping place for travellers. There are some incredible places to walk in the area and we hope that Paths to Wellbeing can play an important role in maintaining and improving local access.

“I’m excited to help volunteers shout about the rich history of the communities.

“What really stood out was the passion of each one to improve paths and nature in their local area. I’m really looking forward to working with them to improve and establish new routes.”

Rhayader and neighbouring Llanwrthwl is one of three communities in Mid Wales to benefit; the others being Llechryd and Penparcau in Ceredigion.

Among the other successful areas are Clywedog Valley/Caia Park, Pwll Glas/Graig Fechan, Llanfynydd (north-east Wales); Holy Island, Penmaenmawr, Penrhyndeudraeth (north-west Wales); Grosmont, Greening Maindee, Six Bells (south-east Wales); Brynberian, Llanybydder, Ystalyfera (south-west Wales) and Treherbert, Creigiau, Pentyrch and Gwaelod-y-Garth and Coity Higher (south-central Wales).

The project will also be working alongside the 22 local authorities, Wildlife Trust Wales and Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, to enhance the local environment for nature to thrive. With activities such as tree planting, wildflower sowing and wildlife activity days, there are plenty of activities for all ages and backgrounds to get involved with.

Ramblers Cymru believes that by investing in upskilling, equipping, supporting and leading local volunteers to manage and undertake practical path and habitat maintenance and improvements, community engagement with paths and green spaces will be strengthened. Ultimately this will connect people to the health and wellbeing benefits of nature and outdoor physical activity.

If you would like to more information about the project, visit https://www.ramblers.org.uk/pathstowellbeing.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.