Steam&Slate
The Victorian clock tower at the centre of Machynlleth

Machynlleth

Glyndŵr's ancient capital, on the edge of the Dyfi.

Photo: Peter Broster / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Machynlleth is a handsome market town where the Dyfi valley meets the southern edge of Snowdonia, and it carries the title of "ancient capital of Wales" — Owain Glyndŵr held his parliament here in 1404. It has a strong independent, green and arts streak today.

RegionMid Wales
CountyPowys
Best seasonFairly flat year-round

Staying near Machynlleth

A characterful base bridging Mid Wales and southern Snowdonia, with the Dyfi Biosphere, forests and estuary all close. Good for those who want culture and countryside together.

What's here

The Owain Glyndŵr Centre and the Wednesday market; the Centre for Alternative Technology just north of town; the Dyfi Forest and Dyfi Osprey Project; and mountain-biking at Dyfi and Climachx.

When to visit

Spring to autumn for the ospreys and the forests; the town and its culture are a year-round draw.

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Common questions

Why is Machynlleth called the ancient capital of Wales?

Machynlleth is called the ancient capital of Wales because Owain Glyndŵr, leader of the last major Welsh revolt against English rule, held a parliament there in 1404 and is said to have been crowned Prince of Wales in the town. The Owain Glyndŵr Centre commemorates this.

What is the Centre for Alternative Technology?

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), just north of Machynlleth, is a long-established eco-centre and visitor attraction demonstrating renewable energy, sustainable building and organic growing. It is reached by a water-balanced cliff railway and makes a good family day out.

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