Mid Wales

Written by the Wales.org Destination Team | Fact-Checked for 2026 | Local Mid Wales Experts

Red kites circling over entirely empty moorland. Bottlenose dolphins feeding in the shallow coastal waters. The largest continuous area of upland in Britain south of the Scottish Highlands. Mid Wales occupies the massive, sparsely populated space between the heavy tourism of Eryri in the north and the industrial valleys of the south. Most visitors drive straight through it on the A470, aiming for the more famous national parks. That’s a BIG miss!

Comprising Powys, Ceredigion, and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), this central region requires a different approach to your holiday. You come here for dark skies, single-track roads that demand confident reversing skills, independent bookshops, and miles of uninterrupted hiking trails. It is a place where deep, forested valleys sit alongside a sweeping western coastline facing directly into the Irish Sea.

If you are looking to watch the sunset from a stone harbour wall, hike to high glacial lakes without seeing another person, or navigate the massive Victorian stone dams of the Elan Valley, this region delivers raw, natural geography. Read on for our ultimate 2026 guide to the very best things to do across Mid Wales.

The 25 Best Things to Do in Mid Wales

From climbing the high peaks of the Brecon Beacons to tracking dolphins in Cardigan Bay, here is our heavily researched list of the best activities, including exact postcodes, dog policies, and honest friction points to help you plan.

1. Summit Pen y Fan (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Storey Arms, Brecon, LD3 8NL

At 886 metres, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain. The most popular route starts from the Pont ar Daf car park on the A470. It operates as a severe stair-climber workout, taking roughly two to three hours for a round trip. The path is heavily paved to prevent erosion, making navigation very easy.

• 2026 Pricing: Hiking is free. The National Trust car park charges £7.50 per day (free for members).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead to protect the wild mountain sheep.
• Children Allowed? Yes, older children manage this hike daily, provided they wear appropriate footwear.
• EV Charging: None at the remote car park. Top up in the town of Brecon (15 minutes away).
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Skip the main tourist path. Drive to the Cwm Gwdi car park instead and hike up via the adjoining peak of Corn Du for a much quieter, more dramatic ascent.

2. Watch Dolphins at New Quay Harbour

South John Street, New Quay, SA45 9NW

The steep, terraced town of New Quay sits above a protected stone harbour facing into Cardigan Bay. This specific bay supports the largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. During the summer, the dolphins frequently enter the shallow harbour waters to feed on mackerel. You can watch them entirely for free just by standing on the stone wall.

• 2026 Pricing: Free to watch from the wall. Boat trips out into the bay cost approx £18-£25 per adult.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome around the harbour and on many of the boat tours.
• Children Allowed? Yes, a brilliant coastal day out.
• EV Charging: Limited points available in the main Rock Street car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Visit the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre on the harbour. Volunteers record daily sightings and can tell you exactly when the dolphins were last spotted.

3. Cycle the Elan Valley Dams

Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP

In the 1890s, engineers flooded a series of deep valleys in Powys to provide clean water to the slums of Birmingham. They built six massive, ornate stone dams that look like gothic fortresses. Today, the estate features a flat, paved, traffic-free cycling and walking trail that follows the route of the old construction railway past the reservoirs.

• 2026 Pricing: Trail access is free. Parking at the main visitor centre is £3 for the day.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, a highly popular dog walking route. Keep them out of the reservoir water due to blue-green algae risks in late summer.
• Children Allowed? Yes, the flat trail is perfect for kids on bikes.
• EV Charging: Charging points are currently scarce in this remote valley. Charge in Rhayader.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Book a spot on a Ranger Tour to walk directly inside the dark, echoing tunnels built directly inside the Pen y Garreg dam wall.

4. Browse the Bookshops of Hay-on-Wye

Oxford Road Car Park, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5BX

Sitting right on the Welsh-English border, Hay-on-Wye is globally famous as the “Town of Books”. Despite having a tiny population, it supports over two dozen independent second-hand and antiquarian bookshops. You can spend an entire afternoon walking from a shop specialising solely in poetry to an outdoor ‘honesty bookshop’ set up in the grounds of the ruined medieval castle.

• 2026 Pricing: Browsing is free!
• Dog Friendly? Most independent bookshop owners actively welcome dogs inside.
• Children Allowed? Yes, Richard Booth’s Bookshop has a great children’s section and café.
• EV Charging: Fast chargers are located in the main Oxford Road pay-and-display car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Hire an open Canadian canoe from the riverbank and paddle down the River Wye to the village of Whitney. It is incredibly peaceful.

5. Descend the Steps at Devil’s Bridge Falls

Devil’s Bridge, Aberystwyth, SY23 3JW

This dramatic gorge in the Cambrian Mountains features a series of powerful waterfalls dropping 90 metres into a deep wooded ravine. The location gets its name from the unusual stacking of three separate bridges built directly on top of each other over centuries. According to local folklore, the original bridge was built by the Devil himself.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £4.50 to access the full nature trail and steps.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, on leads. However, some dogs refuse to walk down the open-grate metal steps.
• Children Allowed? Yes, but the route involves hundreds of steep, uneven slate steps. It is exhausting and unsuitable for pushchairs.
• EV Charging: No EV points here.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Take the Vale of Rheidol steam train from Aberystwyth directly to the falls instead of driving. The narrow-gauge track clings to the edge of the valley.

6. Walk the Four Waterfalls Trail (Ystradfellte)

Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, CF44 9JF

Deep in the Brecon Beacons National Park lies a steep, limestone gorge known as “Waterfall Country“. This circular 5.5-mile hiking trail takes you past four distinct, powerful waterfalls. The main draw is Sgwd yr Eira, where a natural rock overhang allows you to walk directly behind the roaring curtain of water.

• 2026 Pricing: The trail is free. Forestry Commission parking is £5 for the day (card payments accepted).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but keep them out of the fast-flowing rivers.
• Children Allowed? Older, fit children will manage it. The paths down to the individual falls are extremely steep and muddy.
• EV Charging: None at the rural trailheads.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Pack water shoes! Walking behind Sgwd yr Eira guarantees that your boots and trousers will get soaked by the spray.

7. Ride the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

Cliff Terrace, Aberystwyth, SY23 2DN

Aberystwyth is the cultural capital of Mid Wales. To get the best view of the sweeping Victorian promenade and the ruined castle, take a ride on the longest electric cliff railway in Britain. It scales the steep face of Constitution Hill, dropping you at the summit where a café and a massive Camera Obscura wait.

• 2026 Pricing: Approx £6 for an adult return ticket.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs travel free on the funicular carriages.
• Children Allowed? Yes, a very easy activity for families.
• EV Charging: Public chargers available in the town centre.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Don’t take the train back down! Walk the zigzag path down the face of the hill as the sun sets over the Irish Sea.

8. Marvel at Powis Castle and Gardens

Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF

Unlike the ruined coastal castles built by Edward I, Powis Castle remained occupied and was heavily updated over the centuries. Managed by the National Trust, this red-gritstone fortress dominates the landscape. The interior houses an extensive collection of Indian artifacts brought back by Robert Clive in the 18th century, but the real draw is the world-renowned, Italianate terraced gardens.

• 2026 Pricing: Adult entry sits around £15. Free for National Trust members.
• Dog Friendly? No dogs allowed (except assistance dogs) in the castle or formal gardens.
• Children Allowed? Yes, though the famous garden terraces involve multiple flights of uneven stone stairs, making pushchairs impossible.
• EV Charging: Two EV charging bays are available in the main car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Look closely at the massive, strangely shaped Yew trees on the terraces. They are over 300 years old and require gardeners to use a cherry-picker crane to trim them every autumn.

9. Watch Red Kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, SY23 3AD

In the 1980s, the Red Kite (Wales’ national bird) was almost extinct. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, they now thrive across Mid Wales. Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a remote forestry visitor centre in the Cambrian Mountains that feeds the wild kites daily. Standing by the lake and watching up to 150 birds of prey dive down to grab meat mid-air is an incredible spectacle.

• 2026 Pricing: Viewing the feeding is free. Car parking is £5 for the day.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs on leads are welcome on the walking trails.
• Children Allowed? Yes, there are excellent play areas and accessible paths around the lake.
• EV Charging: None at the visitor centre.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: The centre is also a hub for mountain biking. Hire a bike and try the “Pendam” trail, a fast, flowing 9km loop through the pines.

10. Go Underground at the National Showcaves (Dan-yr-Ogof)

Abercraf, Swansea, SA9 1GJ

Located on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons, this is the largest cave complex in Northern Europe. You walk on paved pathways deep into the mountain, passing massive stalactites, underground lakes, and echoing chambers. The site also bizarrely features one of the world’s largest dinosaur parks scattered across the hillside outside.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £18.50, Children £15.00. (Tickets include the caves, dinosaur park, and the shire horse centre).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on short leads are permitted inside the caves!
• Children Allowed? Yes, a brilliant wet-weather activity.
• EV Charging: Not currently available in the main car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Walk into the “Bone Cave”. Archaeologists discovered the remains of 42 humans here, dating back to the Bronze Age.

11. Learn at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)

Llwyngwern Quarry, Machynlleth, SY20 9OS

Set in an old slate quarry near the alternative, bohemian town of Machynlleth, CAT was founded in the 1970s by environmental pioneers. Today, it acts as an interactive eco-centre. You ride a steep, water-balanced cliff railway into the site, where you can explore experimental green buildings, organic gardens, and renewable energy displays.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £7.50, Children £4.00.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome across the outdoor site.
• Children Allowed? Yes, features brilliant interactive science exhibits.
• EV Charging: Naturally, the eco-centre provides fast EV chargers in the car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Try the food in the vegetarian café. The ingredients are grown directly in the gardens outside the window.

12. Hire a Boat on Llangorse Lake

Llangorse, Brecon, LD3 7TR

Llangorse is the largest natural lake in South Wales. Set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains, it is a hub for gentle water sports. You can hire a Canadian canoe, a stand-up paddleboard, or a small motorised fishing boat from the lakeside shop and head out onto the water.

• 2026 Pricing: Boat hire varies (approx £25 per hour for a motorboat).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome around the lake and often allowed in the hired boats.
• Children Allowed? Yes, lifejackets are provided for all ages.
• EV Charging: None directly at the lake.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Paddle out to the small island of trees in the lake. It is a “Crannog”—an artificial island built by a Welsh king in the 9th century. It is the only one in Wales!

13. Walk the Walls of Cardigan Castle

Green Street, Cardigan, SA43 1JA

Cardigan Castle is highly unusual. Instead of medieval ruins, you walk through the thick stone walls to find a fully restored Georgian mansion and beautiful, manicured gardens inside. It is famous in Welsh history as the birthplace of the Eisteddfod—the festival of poetry and music—held here in 1176.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £8.00, Children £5.00.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and the cafe.
• Children Allowed? Yes, with plenty of safe lawn space.
• EV Charging: Chargers available in the Bath House public car park opposite.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: The castle frequently hosts outdoor concerts and cinema screenings on the lawn during the summer evenings. Check their schedule before arriving.

14. Hike to the Source of the River Severn

Hafren Forest, Llanidloes, SY18 6PT

The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, flowing all the way to the Bristol Channel. However, it begins life as a tiny puddle on the slopes of Plynlimon in the remote Cambrian Mountains. You can hike the 7-mile “Source of the Severn” trail through the deep pines of the Hafren Forest, emerging onto the high, wet moorland to find the wooden post marking the river’s birth.

• 2026 Pricing: The hike is free. Forestry Commission parking is £5.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, brilliant for energetic dogs.
• Children Allowed? The full 7-mile hike to the source is tough. The shorter “Cascades Walk” (0.5 miles) from the car park is much better for little legs.
• EV Charging: None. You are miles from civilization here.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Look out for the remains of ancient lead mines hidden among the trees near the start of the trail.

15. Eat Honey Ice Cream at Aberaeron Harbour

Cadwgan Place, Aberaeron, SA46 0BU

Aberaeron is a planned Georgian harbour town on the Ceredigion coast. Every house around the square harbour is painted in a different bright, pastel colour, making it a photographer’s dream. The town operates at a very slow pace, perfect for walking the quay and sitting on the wall.

• 2026 Pricing: Wandering the town is free!
• Dog Friendly? Yes, very welcoming.
• Children Allowed? Yes.
• EV Charging: Chargers available in the main Regent Street car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Joining the queue at “The Hive” on the harbour for their famous honey ice cream is a mandatory mid-wales tradition. It has been made to the same secret recipe for decades.

16. Sail the Brecon Mountain Railway

Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UP

Operating on the southern boundary of the Brecon Beacons, this heritage narrow-gauge steam railway takes you on a 5-mile journey through stunning scenery. You board vintage carriages pulled by restored steam locomotives, travelling alongside the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir and climbing high into the mountains.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £18.50, Children £8.50.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs travel for a small £3.50 fee.
• Children Allowed? Absolutely, a major family attraction.
• EV Charging: Not currently on site.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: At the mid-point station (Torpantau), you get 35 minutes to disembark and walk along the edge of the reservoir before the train returns.

17. Explore King Arthur’s Labyrinth

Corris Craft Centre, Machynlleth, SY20 9RF

Hidden deep inside the Corris slate mountains, this underground attraction tells the early Celtic myths of King Arthur. You board an underground boat, sail through a subterranean waterfall, and walk through massive, dimly lit caverns guided by a hooded boatman telling stories.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £15.00, Children £10.00.
• Dog Friendly? No dogs allowed underground or on the boats.
• Children Allowed? Great for kids over 5. The caves are dark and loud, which might scare toddlers.
• EV Charging: Chargers available in the Craft Centre car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: The site shares an entrance with the Corris Mine Explorers, where you can put on a hard hat and explore the raw, abandoned slate workings left exactly as the miners abandoned them in the 1970s.

18. Cycle Around Lake Vyrnwy

Llanwddyn, Powys, SY10 0LZ

Similar to the Elan Valley, Lake Vyrnwy is a massive Victorian reservoir surrounded by the steep, forested hills of the Berwyn Mountains. The architecture of the straining tower in the middle of the lake looks like a fairy-tale castle. The road loops exactly 11 miles around the perimeter of the water, making it a completely flat, highly safe cycling route.

• 2026 Pricing: Cycling is free. Bike hire available at the Artisan café (approx £15 for half a day).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, highly dog friendly.
• Children Allowed? The flat, paved loop is perfect for families on bikes.
• EV Charging: EV charging points available at the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Drive to the eastern edge of the lake and hike up to the Rhiwargor Waterfall—a towering cascade hidden in the trees that most tourists miss entirely.

19. Walk the Ruins of Strata Florida Abbey

Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion, SY25 6ES

Strata Florida (“Valley of the Flowers”) was once one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in Wales, patronised by Welsh princes in the 12th century. Today, it sits as a peaceful, romantic ruin in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. You can walk through the original grand western doorway and read the history of the monks who farmed this remote valley.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £5.00. Managed by Cadw.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome across the ruins.
• Children Allowed? Yes.
• EV Charging: None. It is highly remote.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Look in the adjacent churchyard for a memorial marking the traditional burial place of Dafydd ap Gwilym, one of the greatest Welsh poets of the Middle Ages.

20. Taste the Spirit of Wales at Penderyn Distillery

Pontpren, Penderyn, CF44 0SX

Wales is famous for it’s vibrant food and drink scene – Located inside the Brecon Beacons National Park, Penderyn brought commercial whisky distilling back to Wales after a century-long absence. They offer excellent guided tours where you can see the unique copper Faraday still in action, learn the history of the brand, and finish with a tasting session in the slick visitor centre.

• 2026 Pricing: Distillery Tour (including tastings) is £15.00 per adult.
• Dog Friendly? Assistance dogs only inside the distillery.
• Children Allowed? Under 18s can join the tour but obviously cannot participate in the tasting!
• EV Charging: EV charging points available in the visitor car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Take the scenic A4059 road back over the mountain towards Brecon after your visit for some of the best high moorland driving in the UK.

Off the Beaten Track: 5 Overlooked Locations in Mid Wales

If you want to escape the main routes, Mid Wales holds some of the most isolated spots in Britain. These five locations require map reading, hiking boots, and a willingness to drive down roads with grass growing in the middle.

21. Hike to Llyn y Fan Fach (The Lady of the Lake)

Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire, SA19 9UN

While thousands crowd Pen y Fan, this glacial lake in the western Brecon Beacons remains quiet. The hike from the car park takes about an hour, following a river up the valley until you crest a ridge and the deep, dark lake suddenly appears, walled in by a sheer, curving cliff face. It is famous in folklore as the home of the magical “Lady of the Lake”.

• 2026 Pricing: Free.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but sheep are everywhere. Keep them tight.
• Children Allowed? Older kids will manage the steady uphill walk.
• EV Charging: None.
• Quirks & Info: The single-track access road from Llanddeusant is notoriously narrow and potholed. Drive very slowly. There are zero toilets or facilities here.

22. Seek Out Soar y Mynydd Chapel

Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6NL

This is the most remote chapel in Wales. Built in 1822 for the scattered sheep farmers of the Cambrian Mountains, it sits alone in a deep, green valley, miles from the nearest village. The whitewashed walls and simple interior transport you back to the 19th century.

• 2026 Pricing: Free to enter (leave a coin in the donation box).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, outside.
• Children Allowed? Yes, but it is just a quiet building.
• EV Charging: None.
• Quirks & Info: Just getting here is an adventure. The mountain road from Tregaron via Abergwesyn is legendary among driving enthusiasts for its isolation and the terrifying “Devil’s Staircase” hairpin descent.

23. Walk the Sunken Forest at Ynyslas

Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JZ

At the northern tip of Ceredigion, the Ynyslas sand dunes jut out into the Dovey Estuary. The dunes themselves are brilliant for walking, but the real secret lies on the beach at low tide. When the water retreats, the petrified stumps of a 5,000-year-old submerged forest are revealed in the sand.

• 2026 Pricing: Beach parking is £5 for the day.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but watch out for tidal currents if they swim.
• Children Allowed? Yes, massive sandy expanses.
• EV Charging: None on the beach!
• Quirks & Info: You actually drive your car directly onto the hard sand to park. Be extremely aware of the incoming tide times, or your car will become a submarine.

24. Photograph Cwmystwyth Lead Mines

Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 4AF

Driving the mountain road between Rhayader and Aberystwyth brings you to this harsh, scarred landscape. Lead was mined here from Roman times right up to the 20th century. Today, the valley sides are covered in the ruins of the crushing mills and grey spoil heaps. It feels incredibly eerie and historic.

• 2026 Pricing: Free (viewing from the road).
• Dog Friendly? Keep them in the car; the old ruins are dangerous.
• Children Allowed? Do not let children wander into the old adits or climb the loose slate heaps.
• EV Charging: None.
• Quirks & Info: The scenery here was used extensively in the filming of the TV detective series *Hinterland* (*Y Gwyll*).

25. Find the Solitude of Mwnt

Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 1QH

Mwnt is a tiny, hidden cove protected by a steep conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) on the Ceredigion coast. It features a perfect curve of sand and a tiny 14th-century white church (Church of the Holy Cross). It is miles from the main coastal road and avoids the heavy foot traffic of larger resorts.

• 2026 Pricing: National Trust car park £5.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are banned from the beach from May to September, but welcome on the cliff path.
• Children Allowed? Yes, great sand for castles. Access involves a long, steep flight of steps.
• EV Charging: None.
• Quirks & Info: Walk up the conical hill next to the beach. It is one of the best elevated spots in Wales for spotting dolphins passing close to the shore.

Major 2026 Events in Mid Wales (Book Early!)

Mid Wales comes alive during festival season. Be warned: accommodation within a 20-mile radius of these events sells out almost a year in advance. Do not expect to find a last-minute hotel in May or August!

• Hay Festival of Literature & Arts (Late May / Early June 2026): The “Woodstock of the mind”. The tiny border town of Hay-on-Wye swells to host the greatest writers, thinkers, and politicians in the world across ten days of talks and events.
• The Royal Welsh Show (July 2026): Held in Llanelwedd (Builth Wells), this is the pinnacle of the British agricultural calendar. Over 200,000 people attend to watch livestock judging, forestry competitions, and eat exceptional local food.
• Green Man Festival (August 2026): An independent music and arts festival set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains near Crickhowell. It sells out immediately upon release.
• World Bog Snorkelling Championship (August Bank Holiday 2026): Held in Llanwrtyd Wells. Competitors from around the world don fancy dress and flippers to swim two lengths of a peat bog trench. It is hilarious, filthy, and uniquely Welsh.

Keep Exploring: More Mid Wales Guides

Looking to map out your 2026 itinerary? We have detailed, specific guides for each of the main counties and national parks in the region.

Select a destination below to find comprehensive information on exact parking coordinates, specific hiking routes, and honest local reviews of the amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mid Wales Travel Advice

Do I need an Ordnance Survey map for Mid Wales?

Yes. While Google Maps works fine in Aberystwyth or Brecon, the mobile signal in the Cambrian Mountains and Elan Valley drops out completely. If you rely solely on 4G for navigation, you will get lost. Always download offline maps to your phone before setting off, or buy a physical OS Explorer map.

Where is the best place to see dolphins in Wales?

New Quay in Ceredigion is widely regarded as the best spot. The local bottlenose dolphin pod feeds in the shallow waters of the bay. Standing on the harbour wall holding binoculars on a calm summer morning offers a very high chance of sightings without paying for a boat trip.

Is the Brecon Beacons changing its name?

Yes. In 2023, the National Park authority announced it would exclusively use its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog (pronounced Ban-eye Bruch-ein-iog). You will see the new name replacing “Brecon Beacons” on official signs, websites, and maps.

Can I drive an electric car through Mid Wales?

Yes, but it requires strategy. Major coastal towns and border towns have reliable rapid chargers. However, the deep interior (like the A489 through the mountains) lacks infrastructure. Never drive into the Cambrian Mountains with less than 50% battery remaining, as the steep climbs drain range heavily.

When is the quietest time to hike Pen y Fan?

Avoid weekends between May and September entirely if you want peace. To hike without the crowds, you need to arrive at the Pont ar Daf car park before 7:30 AM on a weekday, or visit during the winter months (ensuring you have full winter mountaineering gear and experience).