Sunday 1 June 2008
14:01 | Posted by
Dale Darley |
This weekend I travelled from my home town 70 miles to a small mid wales town called Llanwrtyd Wells. It was billed as the smallest town in Britain, and it certainly was. However what it lacked in size it made up for in heart.
We arrived from the direction of Llandovery smack into the square and our hotel the Neuadd Arms dominated the small area. It looked a little tatty unlike the lovely picture on the website. Our rooms were small, clean and had everything you would need for a short stay.
Before setting off for our walk we called into the Drovers Rest for a cup of tea. Peter the owner was lovely and chatty and told us all about the history of the area. Before leaving we glimpsed his evening menu, wow it looked fantastic, had we not been on a budget we would have definitely been back.
We set off towards Victoria Wells and the log cabin holiday centre as advised by the map we were following, so far so good. A short distance into the walk the map simply didn't deliver enough instructions about which way to head, so if in doubt go straight ahead - first mistake. We ended up by the Old St Davids church and kept walking. The morning was hot and clammy and we were grateful for the peace in the countryside, just the birds singing and the river to keep us company.
The scenery was breathtaking, hills, trees and a clear blue sky, a few houses dotted around and the occasional car.
An hour and a bit into our walk, we came upon 2 farmers, obviously father and son, who looked at the map shook their heads and told us where we were was not on our map. We were given instructions to cross the river a little further down near some cottages, which we did. We headed up the bridle path, which was wet and rocky, oh and very steep, great for those buttocks. At the top we wisely decided to head to the right which we believed would eventually take us back to town. Sadly the path ended and we had to make our way through the forest. Not realising that the innocent looking grass was actually a bog, I lost my foot in the mess, fell forwards and scrabbled to firmer ground. My friend had an equally messy time. Giggling we headed off into the unknown of the dark forest.
From here we ducked the branches and made our way through the trees and down the side of the hill, to another path. This time we headed right and ended up at the start of the bridle path.
We stopped at a spot with a small pool of water overlooking the farm and ate the first rolls from our packed lunch, brie and grapes.
From here we made our way back down the hill and was greeted by the owner another friendly man whose accent suggested South Africa, we didn't ask but his rugby jersey also gave the game away. A few minutes later and we were back on the road. Our 2nd rolls were devoured at the picnic area kindly set up by the Welsh Assembly Government. The river had become a small pool, such stillness, further along a father and son were swimming.
We stopped at the Stonecroft Inn for a swift half and chatted to the girl behind the bar. Hopeful for a band later that night, but sadly we were to be disapointed.
4 hours later we arrived back at our hotel, where a nicely chilled bottle of white wine was waiting for us. A small sleep and then we were ready to sample the delights of the town.
The bar of our hotel contained just a few people who were chatty and funny. We ate and headed to the Stonecroft Inn. It was unusually quiet for a Sat night and sat at the bar was a selection of older men who as it turns out very highly entertaining and were a pleasure to talk to. And even the old farmer who clearly loved to be rude, had a smile teased out of him. He did tell us that there were plenty more fish in the sea, not quite sure of the context, but it pleased him.
Many drinks later we had made friends with the lovely landlord and a selection of younger locals, who made us feel so incredibly welcome that we will certainly be hoping to go back and sing some more Neil Diamond with them.
Would I go back. Damm right I would.
We arrived from the direction of Llandovery smack into the square and our hotel the Neuadd Arms dominated the small area. It looked a little tatty unlike the lovely picture on the website. Our rooms were small, clean and had everything you would need for a short stay.
Before setting off for our walk we called into the Drovers Rest for a cup of tea. Peter the owner was lovely and chatty and told us all about the history of the area. Before leaving we glimpsed his evening menu, wow it looked fantastic, had we not been on a budget we would have definitely been back.
We set off towards Victoria Wells and the log cabin holiday centre as advised by the map we were following, so far so good. A short distance into the walk the map simply didn't deliver enough instructions about which way to head, so if in doubt go straight ahead - first mistake. We ended up by the Old St Davids church and kept walking. The morning was hot and clammy and we were grateful for the peace in the countryside, just the birds singing and the river to keep us company.
The scenery was breathtaking, hills, trees and a clear blue sky, a few houses dotted around and the occasional car.
An hour and a bit into our walk, we came upon 2 farmers, obviously father and son, who looked at the map shook their heads and told us where we were was not on our map. We were given instructions to cross the river a little further down near some cottages, which we did. We headed up the bridle path, which was wet and rocky, oh and very steep, great for those buttocks. At the top we wisely decided to head to the right which we believed would eventually take us back to town. Sadly the path ended and we had to make our way through the forest. Not realising that the innocent looking grass was actually a bog, I lost my foot in the mess, fell forwards and scrabbled to firmer ground. My friend had an equally messy time. Giggling we headed off into the unknown of the dark forest.
From here we ducked the branches and made our way through the trees and down the side of the hill, to another path. This time we headed right and ended up at the start of the bridle path.
We stopped at a spot with a small pool of water overlooking the farm and ate the first rolls from our packed lunch, brie and grapes.
From here we made our way back down the hill and was greeted by the owner another friendly man whose accent suggested South Africa, we didn't ask but his rugby jersey also gave the game away. A few minutes later and we were back on the road. Our 2nd rolls were devoured at the picnic area kindly set up by the Welsh Assembly Government. The river had become a small pool, such stillness, further along a father and son were swimming.
We stopped at the Stonecroft Inn for a swift half and chatted to the girl behind the bar. Hopeful for a band later that night, but sadly we were to be disapointed.
4 hours later we arrived back at our hotel, where a nicely chilled bottle of white wine was waiting for us. A small sleep and then we were ready to sample the delights of the town.
The bar of our hotel contained just a few people who were chatty and funny. We ate and headed to the Stonecroft Inn. It was unusually quiet for a Sat night and sat at the bar was a selection of older men who as it turns out very highly entertaining and were a pleasure to talk to. And even the old farmer who clearly loved to be rude, had a smile teased out of him. He did tell us that there were plenty more fish in the sea, not quite sure of the context, but it pleased him.
Many drinks later we had made friends with the lovely landlord and a selection of younger locals, who made us feel so incredibly welcome that we will certainly be hoping to go back and sing some more Neil Diamond with them.
Would I go back. Damm right I would.
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