Radnorshire (Sir Faesyfed) is almost entirely within the mountains. It has no large towns. Its hills are uncultivatable but rich in sheep grazing, and a delight for wild-country enthusiasts.
The southern part of the county is taken up by the Radnor Forest, a place of moors, woods and rivers. There are rich valleys where rivers run down through the hills. The River Wye rises above Rhayader, and these upper stretches are very picturesque. Hereabouts too are the Elan Valley Lakes. The Wye marks Radnorshire’s southern border with Brecknockshire. Its northern borders are with Shropshire on the River Teme and with Montgomeryshire, where the picturesque rolling countryside around Knighton is justly acclaimed. Knighton itself sits astride the border of Radnorshire and Shropshire.
New Radnor, the county town, was founded and named by Earl Harold Godwinsson (later King Harold II) at the conclusion of his campaign in Wales. It is a small market town with impressive earthworks and a fallen castle. Nearby is the Water-Break-its-Neck waterfall.
County Facts
County Town: New Radnor
Main Towns: Aberedw, Knighton, Knucklas, Llandrindod Wells, Llanelwedd, Prestiegne, Painscastle, Rhayader.
Main Rivers: Wye, Elan, Ithon.
Highlights: Abbeycwmhir; Jacket’s Well burial chamber; Llandrindod Wells; Offa’s Dyke at Knighton; Elan Valley reservoirs.
Highest Point: Great Rhos, 2,166 feet.
Area: 485 sq miles
County Flower: Radnor Lily
