Chairman of Powys County Council, Councillor Geoff Morgan, was on hand to flag off the assembly of tractors to celebrate the tenth running of the annual Nantmel Tractor Run, held on Sunday, July 5, writes E A Bates.

Mike Chandler with his Fordson Dexta
Mike Chandler with his Fordson Dexta (E A Bates)
Abbeycwmhir farmer Adam Lewis and his son with their Zetor tractor
Abbeycwmhir farmer Adam Lewis and his son with their Zetor tractor (E A Bates)

Local participants were joined by enthusiasts from as far afield as Herefordshire, Shropshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. After the welcome speeches and safety talk, it was time for the off at 10:30am, firstly with a short stretch of main road to Dolau Chapel before taking the right turn into Llwyn Lane, continuing all the way to Rhayader. The tractors travelled up East Street, past the clock and down West Street.

Taking the Elan Valley road, the tractors crossed the River Elan and followed the hedge-lined lanes before joining the Cefn farm track, with views across the Wye Valley. They then dropped down through Talwrn Wood before climbing up to Llanwrthwl Common to enjoy the views of Caban Coch Reservoir.

After a pause on the common, it was time to set off again, heading down to the tarmacked road towards Llanwrthwl, passing the confluence of the River Elan and the River Wye. Taking in the quaint cottages and houses of Llanwrthwl, the route continued to the hamlet of Nantglas for a well-deserved dinner stop. Here, the raffle was drawn, and the drivers had the chance to refuel.

Back on the road again, the tractors travelled through Nantglas before taking the Betting byway and down Penybank Lane to cross the A44 and rejoin Llwyn Lane, retracing their steps to the starting field.

The Tractor Enthusiasts of Nantmel wish to thank the landowners for allowing them to use their land, as well as all the participants and helpers. All proceeds will be donated to Rhayader Leg Club and the Rhayader branch of Cancer Research UK.