Powis Castle, Welshpool - Challenge Day 12

Powis Castle and Gardens. Photo by Janice Gill

Powis Castle is a National Trust owned property just outside the town of Welshpool.

The National Trust owns and manages hundreds of properties throughout the UK, as they say "for everyone, forever".

This means anyone can visit by paying an entrance fee or by taking out membership of the National Trust. Membership is very reasonably priced and you can visit any property as many times as you like.

I must confess to never having been inside Powis Castle itself as the gardens and grounds are the main attraction for me.

The main plantings are of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and clipped Yew in terraces down the face of the hillside. You can choose to make your way down via steps or slopes. The terraces themselves were blasted out of the rock that forms the ridge the castle was built on. They house the Orangery and the remains of an aviary for birds of prey. The Italianate style continues with statuary throughout.

Italianate Terraces, Powis Castle. Photo by Dave Gill

At the bottom of the hill is the Grand Lawn, beyond which there is a natural area known as the Wilderness. There are pleasant walks through the area with unusual statues, a plunge pool, the ice house and a giant bowl on a pedestal to discover.

To the east are more garden areas with immaculate lawns, ancient, precisely-pruned apple trees, flower borders and the Fountain garden. On a sunny day, this is a lovely area to relax and enjoy a picnic.

Some of the walking in the gardens is strenuous on the climb back to the entrance, but there is plenty of easy walking at the level of the Grand Lawn. Just make sure you save some strength for the end.

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I am still managing to complete my daily walking challenge, spending half an hour walking in nature with my camera. While I revisited Powys Castle for my walk, it was gloomy and wet - not the most encouraging views. The photos above were taken in early september before the acers had donned their brilliant colours. Hopefully I'll get to visit on a clear day and post some more Autumnal images.