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Anglers are spoilt for choice in mid-Wales. There are excellent opportunities for coarse fishing on the Severn, especially around Newtown. Fishing is free on the Penarth Fishery above Penarth Weir in Newtown and between the Gravel Car Park and Longbridge in the town centre courtesy of the Environment Agency. You will however still need a valid rod licence. Contact Severnside & Newtown Angling Club (01686 624871) for permits.

At Montgomery try the Lymore Pools for a lazy afternoon of tench fishing or the Montgomery Canal for roach, bream, perch and pike. Nearer Newtown, on the Abermule stretch of the canal, chub of up to 6 lb have been seen.

Rock-climbing, Mountaineering, Hill-walking & Hiking

The range of walking activities within easy reach of Snead is huge. We are in the heart of Offa’s Dyke Country and a visit to the Offa’s Dyke Centre in Knighton is recommended. For further information visit their website www.offasdyke.demon.co.uk. For the more adventurous climber, Cader Idris, just south of Dolgellau, is only 55 miles away while Llanberis, starting point of the Snowdon Mountain Railway lies within 90 miles. Of course, the railway is only one way to get to the top of Wales’ highest mountain. Tryfan and the Glyders are only a little further.

Mountain-biking

Just 14 miles away you will find excellent mountain-biking opportunities at Hopton Wood, near Hopton Castle, Shropshire under the management of the Forestry Commission. There are 20 miles of forest roads and tracks and colour coded routes make it easy to pick the route to suit your level of expertise.

Paint-balling

Paintballing activities are offered 32 miles away at Go Ballistic, an RAF base at Oswestry from £9.99 per player. Game zones include “The Village” and “The Fortress”. Pre-booking is essential, either online at www.paintballguide.co.uk or ( 0871 277 7967

Swimming & Keep-Fit

SpArC at Bishop’s Castle (Sports and Arts Centre) offers swimming and keep-fit activities in a recently refurbished gymnasium. During school term-times check for availability on ( 01588 630243

Horse-riding

There are numerous places where riding is available. Walcot Hall, the home of Clive of India, at Lydbury North caters for all levels of experience. ( 01588 680514

Hang-gliding

Hang-gliding takes place on the Long Mynd. Visit www.longmynd.org for further information

Rallying

Sweet Lamb Rally Complex (33 miles) specialises in testing rally cars and offers off-road driving and motorbiking events. Their main event is the Off-Road Welsh International Rally. There is ample parking at the Farm if you need to bring a trailer.

Archery

An archery club operates at Church Stretton on the A49 and enquiries should be made by following this link or by visiting www.longmyndarchers.co.uk.

Shooting & Falconry

Seven miles from the Farm, you will find Minsterley Ranges, one of the largest privately owned shooting complexes in the UK offering a wide variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, game shooting and falconry. Further information is available from (01743 791858 or by visiting their website.

Wildlife and Natural History

The local area is a haven for birds. Our own wildlife pool is regularly visited by mallard, teal, heron, coot, moorhen and many others. We live within sight of the Roundton Nature Reserve, once an Iron Age hillfort.

Craven Arms is the home of the Secret Hills Centre where you can see the life-sized replica of the Shropshire Mammoth and take the virtual hot-air balloon trip over Shropshire countryside.

Castles and Heritage Sites

Powis Castle, Welshpool was built by the Welsh princes and is now home to the Earls of Powis. Towering over its world-famous Italianate garden, this medieval castle is home to one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales including Indian treasures displayed in the Clive Museum. The castle is in the care of the National Trust and opening times (daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and further details may be obtained on the Infoline (01938 551944. At busy times admissions are on a timed-ticket system.

Ludlow Castle is one of our finest ruined medieval castles. Information may be obtained from www.ludlowcastle.com. Nearby is St. Laurence’s parish church, one of the largest parish churches in England. In the narrow streets are fine restaurants with a national reputation. Ludlow is home to the annual summer Arts festival which stages a Shakespeare play in the Castle during the last week of June and the first week of July.

Stokesay Castle, between Ludlow and Craven Arms, is managed by English Heritage. It is the finest preserved 13^th century fortified manor house in England. Set in beautiful countryside it forms an outstandingly picturesque group with the gatehouse and parish church. An audio tour is available and a tea-room and shop open during the summer months.

Montgomery Castle is an impressive fortress built into a narrow ridge overlooking the former county town with its Georgian houses and fine parish church. The castle is maintained by Cadw and is freely open during daylight hours.

Clun Castle is a spectacular ruin and well-worth visiting. Nearby St. George’s Church with its Norman tower and 18^th century lych-gate will be found on the south side of the river. Crossing the historic pack-bridge brings the visitor to the Square and the Museum. Trinity Hospital almshouses and chapel were built in 1614. A recent addition is the sculpture of two former inhabitants by local artist Jemma Pearson, whose sculpture of composer Sir Edward Elgar can be found outside Hereford Cathedral.

Railways

If you hanker after the Golden Age of Steam then The Farm, Snead is an ideal base for visiting two of the most beautiful volunteer-run railways in the country.

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (14 miles from The Farm) operates on weekends from April to October, Tuesdays to Thursdays during June, July and early September and daily during school holidays. Their website gives full details.

The Tal-y-Llyn Railway (57 miles) runs from Tywyn on the Cardigan Bay coast through Abergynolwyn to Nant Gwernol in the shadow of Cader Idris. Its original function was to deliver slate from the mine to the port. A highlight of the journey is a stop-off at Dolgoch Station where the line crosses the ravine with the water-falls. Their website gives details of fares and timetable.

The Heart of Wales Railway runs a passenger service from Shrewsbury to Swansea. Trains run four times a day (Monday to Saturday) and twice a day on Sunday. The nearest stations are at Craven Arms (12 miles) and Knighton (16 miles). Their website is well worth visiting as it gives details of a host of special events including the tour of Carreg Cennen Castle and the Sunday Rail and Roast offer.

Gardens and Places of Natural Beauty

Glansevern Gardens at Berriew (12 miles) are open for a small admission fee from Good Friday to 30^th September (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Bank-Holiday Mondays). There is an exhibition of local artists’ work at the Tea-room.

Cultural Activities

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru / Welsh National Eisteddfod 1-8 August 2009

The Premier Welsh Festival of Welsh Culture alternates between the North and South of Wales. In 2009 it takes place at Bala, just 62 miles from The Farm.

62^nd International Eisteddfod - Llangollen 8 –13 July 2008 (42 miles)

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is a world-renowned festival of music, song and dance. Competitors from more than 50 countries come together and each evening the Pavilion hosts concerts by world-class artists. Last year’s events included concerts by José Carreras, Hayley Westenra & Joan Baez.

Presteigne Festival (last week of August) (23 miles)

This is a forward-looking festival of Music and the Arts, now in its 24^th year. It is well-known for commissioning new music by composers as varied as John McCabe, John Joubert, Adrian Williams, Cecilia McDowell and Michael Berkeley. The Festival Orchestra is made up of young professional performers and presents three concerts each year.

Ludlow Festival (21^st June – 6^th July, 2008) (19 miles)

A major festival of Music, Dance and Drama. Every year a Shakespeare play is produced in the Castle with music recitals in St Laurence’s Church. A feast for culture-vultures! Information can be obtained from www.ludlowfestival.co.uk.