Machynlleth

Machynlleth is not just an 'undiscovered mountain bike nirvana' (MBR May 01), it has also been given the accolade of being one of the 32 things not to be missed in Britain by the Rough Guide books.

Machynlleth, lying snug in the backdrop of southern Snowdonia, marks the lowest crossing on the River Dyfi and is geographically pretty much at the centre of Wales.

Owain Glyndwr made the town his capital in 1404, when he had himself crowned King of a free Wales at Parliament House in Maengwyn Street. A memorial, which stands outside Y Plas, marks 600 years since the start of his short lived and unsuccessful revolt against the English Crown. Celtica, a visitor centre presenting the history and culture of the Celts, is also located here and is worth a visit.

Follow Lon Las Cymru, the trans Wales cycle route which crosses the striking new Millennium Cycle bridge, north for a few miles and you come to The Centre For Alternative Technology (Europes leading Eco park) where you can travel up to the exhibition and gardens, in an old abandoned slate quarry, on a water-powered cliff railway. It makes a great day out and hopefully you will leave full of inspiration and life changing ideas.

Back in town you could visit The Tabernacle Museum of Modern Art which has a series of excellent temporary exhibitions with free admission or visit the Leisure Centre for a relaxing sauna and swim or for an energetic workout.

The town has a choice of pubs, inns and cafes. From the award winning Wynnstay Arms Hotel to the whole food Quarry Café, there is something to suit everyone.

For those needing cycling gear, repairs or to hire bikes, look no further than The Holey Trail bike shop in the middle of the main street.

This compact little town, right in the heart of rural Wales, is now a vibrant centre not only of local life, but of art, culture and, of course mountain biking.

"Machynlleth - one of the 32 things not to be missed in Britain" The Rough Guide To Britain