Staylittle on the Clywedog: Highlands and history

Staylittle lies in the flat upland basin of the River Clywedog, near the upper end of Clywedog Reservoir. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, while traces of settlement and cultural history span from prehistoric times to the 19th century.

Highlands, woodland and water

Hafren Forest is near Staylittle and offers picnic areas and forest trails. There are plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling in the wider area. National Cycle Route NCR 8 also passes through Staylittle.

A walking trail to Trawsnant Waterfall begins shortly after the village sign. The waterfall is the main waterfall on the Afon Trannon, at the rocks of Craig y Gigfran. Check local access and trail conditions before setting out.

Sailing on Clywedog Reservoir is available near Staylittle, under the auspices of Clywedog Sailing Club. Clywedog Sailing and Paddlesports Club also offers a comprehensive racing programme on the reservoir. Alongside walking and cycling, forest trails, picnic areas and water sports offer different ways to enjoy a stay.

Settlement history and monuments

Staylittle existed as a dispersed settlement by the late 17th to early 18th century at the latest. Its name derives from a former inn on the drovers’ road, later a turnpike road, between Llanidloes and Machynlleth. The form “Stay-a-little” was first recorded in the first decade of the 19th century.

The historic landscape of Staylittle was part of a medieval monastic grange. Staylittle Baptist Chapel was built in 1805; the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapel in Staylittle dates from 1806. In the 19th century, Staylittle also played an important role in providing nearby farming and mining communities with Baptist and Methodist places of worship.

There are several Bronze Age burial mounds in the area around Staylittle; the historic landscape also includes a cluster of earlier prehistoric burial sites. The listed “Barrow Group W of Staylittle” comprises six prehistoric round barrows. These probably date from the Bronze Age, around 2300 to 800 BC. The group is of national importance because it has the potential to increase knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices.

Accommodation and getting there

The Lodge at Staylittle is mountain-chalet-style accommodation in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales. For travel by car to The Lodge at Staylittle, the B4518 via Llanidloes or Llanbrynmair is recommended. Check current road and navigation information before travelling, as it may change. If the accommodation is suitable for your trip, confirm its availability directly before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Cwm-twrch Uchaf, Forden, Pen-Y-Cae, Crickhowell, Ystradfellte, Aberhosan, Llanwern, Cilmery

See the wider travel overview: Powys.