Heritage trail linking Powys churches and chapels opens

Trail supporters outside St Myllin's Church in Llanfyllin

A new trail linking 15 churches and chapels in north Powys is opening.

The Meini Bywiol - Living Stones Heritage Trail - offers to "open the door on centuries of secrets and stories for visitors".

It is based in the peaceful Tanat, Vyrnwy and Cain valleys, in the old county of Montgomeryshire, near the market town of Llanfyllin.

The trail can be followed by car, by public transport or by bicycle, said Powys council.

The council said there would be information along the way offering insights into the area's fascinating past.

At St Melangell's, Pennant Melangell, near Llanfyllin, there is thought to have been a church on the site for 1,200 years and the present building is more than 800 years old.

'Paradise'

Tim Hughes, author of Wales's Best 100 Churches, is a supporter of the trail.

He said: "In these three mountain valleys, in just a few miles, you have a perfect microcosm of Welsh culture and spirituality - Celtic holy places, ancient saints' shrines, simple early chapels, rich associations with writers and poets, fine Victorian architecture and traces of the conquest.

"What's more, they sit in some of Wales's most beautiful scenery. The place has long been known as Gwynfa, the blessed land, or paradise. Who wouldn't want to spend a little time in paradise?"

Project officer Hazel James said: "One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the fact that churches and chapels are seeking to play their part in helping to regenerate the economies of the area's hamlets, villages and towns."