King Arthur's Labyrinth Underground Adventure Snowdonia

Visit King Arthur's Labyrith in Corris Machynlleth. http://www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk/

geology
underground scenery
walking
Welsh mythology
crafts
shopping
food & drink
children's play area

Take a unique boat journey along an underground river, through the great waterfall and sail into a world of mystery, legends and story telling. Explore a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns as tales of King Arthur and other Welsh legends unfold. Great fun for all the family.

The Labyrinth closes for the winter but reopens for 4 days in December, 12th & 13th also 19th & 20th as a magical Santa's Grotto. Travel by boat to visit Santa. Children receive a present, adults can enjoy a warming glass of punch..

Do allow time to visit the Corris Craft centre too.

10 individual craft work shops produce hand crafted goods including:

jewellery, leather work, candles, wooden toys, ceramics, pottery, quilting & patch work, glass, furniture, turned wood & cards.

THE WOOL CLAD HOUSE POWYS

As I walked the canal path between Newtown & Abermule this morning I came across this wonderful sight. The temporary cladding of this house is an art work by Steve Messan,commisioned by the Oriel Davies Gallery to celebrate the cultural and industrial heritage of Newtown & surrounding area. The derelict timber framed 13century building has been wrapped in 300 Kerry Hill sheep fleeces with detail in Black Welsh Mountain sheep fleeces.

Bosherston Lily Ponds & Broad Haven Beach Pembrokeshire

scenery
nature
beach
walking
bird watching
fishing


The wild weather last weekend abated enough for us to brave a walk. The wind remained strong but the rain held off. We chose Bosherston, the track alongside the lily ponds is relatively sheltered. It was quite beautiful in the afternoon's watery sun. Several bold little robins sat amongst the shrubbery keeping to their territory even as we passed very close by and a pair of swans kept pace with us along along the ponds in the hope of titbits.



A dramatic scene greeted us as we stepped out onto Broad Haven beach. The waves so huge that Church Rock almost disappeared with every other gigantic roller sending up a protest of spuming white foam. A handful of thrill seeking surfers took their chances in the boiling surf enthralling us with their nerve and skill.

Lily & Skye, 3 & 1, charged with all the excess electro static energy in the atmosphere played roly poly endlessly. Their squeals of excitement and glee pierced the roar of the wind and waves as they tumbled down the soft sand dunes.


Our walk back to the National Trust car park completed the loop as we followed the path on the other side of the ponds passing a keen fisherman on route.

Newport Winter Festival Pembrokeshire

Newport Winter Festival Pembrokeshire

Rare Breeds Cattle at Bodnitho, Botwnnog, Lleyn Peninsula

Mrs Rhian Parry and her family own Bodnitho, Botwnnog a lovely old farmhouse for holidays on the Lleyn Peninsula. Farm land surrounds this stylish self catering home for 10 and guests can see the animals at  close quarters indeed they are positively encouraged to visit the working farm a mile down the road.

Mrs Parry says:
"The farm is a modern 700ac beef and sheep holding. Stocking comprises of 200 suckler cows plus followers, with all stock finished on the farm. There are 850 ewes with 250 ewe lambs. Cropping consists of swedes, maize, spring oats and barley all grown in a full farm rotation. Rotational cropping gives us a broad range of habitat which encourages wild life diversity.



All our cattle are Stabilizers which is more of a breeding “concept” than a breed. This concept was developed in Nebraska, USA and was introduced to this country in 1999 by the importation of embryos and semen, in which we have been heavily involved. The cows are a 4 way “composite” or cross which is ¼ Hereford, ¼ Red Angus, ¼ Simmental and ¼ Gelbvieh.


The Hereford and Angus give fleshing, hardiness, and the ability to live on grass, Simmental gives muscling and milk, while the Gelbvieh offers early maturity which allows us to calve the heifers at 2 yrs old instead of the usual practise of calving at 3 yrs old. The advantage of using North American genetics within the concept is – generations of selecting for ease of calving, thriftiness (with calves up on their feet and suckling within 20 minutes without any human intervention) fertility and maternal longevity.


We are part of a dedicated group of producers which supply early season Welsh Lamb to Waitrose, which is marketed as “Llŷn Lamb” in store. The Llŷn Peninsula is ideal for natural early lamb production because of the mild winter climate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. The native Defaid Llŷn (Lleyn Sheep) play a vital role in our lamb production programme.


The family philosophy towards the farm is to use a proactive management approach and have the business evolve constantly."

Menai Suspension Bridge & James Pringle Weavers Anglesey

The Menai Suspension Bridge built by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826 spans the Menai Strait between Anglesey and main land Wales. It was commissioned to cope with the increasing traffic from London to Ireland.

James Pringle Weavers near the bridge - is a collection of shops, a railway station, Sidings Restaurant and Tourist Information Centre all under one roof. Shopping includes clothes, shoes, outdoor gear, Welsh food & gifts, Portmeirion pottery, golf equipment, Hornby trains & Scalextrix sets, homewares and much more.

The centre is located in the little Welsh town with a big name

Llanvirepoollguingillgogeruqueerndroboollllandusiliogogogoch

which means

Saint Mary's church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the church of Saint Tysilio near the red cave.

Angelo & Cathy

Harlech Snowdonia

historic interest

shops

golf

beach

walks

food & drink

Picturesque Harlech with its steep winding streets of shops, cafes & galleries is dominated by magnificent Harlech Castle. The most formidable of Edward 1 'steel ring' built to subdue the Welsh. It takes advantage of the natural features seeming to grow out of the rock upon which it stands with commanding views of the land and sea.

Castle Cottage Restaurant in Harlech was overall winner of 'Wales True Taste Eating Out Award 2008/09

The impressive statue of 'Two Kings' outside the castle represents one of the stories from the Mabinigion (a collection of 11 ancient Welsh tales).

Bendigeidfran Gwern carrying the body of his nephew Gwern.

Angelo & Cathy

Beaumaris Anglesey

historic interest
attractions & actvities
food & drink
waterside location

Beaumaris is a charming old Anglesey town on the Menai Straits with a medieval castle, Victorian pier, boat trips, beach, leisure centre, one of the oldest court houses in Wales, Edwardian jail house, a variety of interesting shops, golf courses, yacht club, local artists and a choice of places to eat and drink.

Beaumaris bustles with entertainment including live music, local produce markets, arts festival, fortnightly sailing regattas, Victorian Christmas celebrations and historic events in the castle. www.visitbeaumaris.co.uk
Angelo & Cathy

Anglesey Sea Zoo

aquarium
conservation
food & drink
shop
dog friendly (fresh water & free, secure dog pens)

A great place to visit on Anglesey whatever the weather, whatever your age, with over 150 fascinating species to see. Educational fun with conservation at its heart.

Daily fish feeds,diving displays and talks take place throughout the holidays.

There is an award winning licensed bistro and a gift & souvenier shop.

Angelo & Cathy

http://www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk/

Yerbeston Gate Farm Shop Pembrokeshire

Food & Drink

Award winning Yerbeston Gate Farm Shop based in south Pembrokeshire will deliver to your holiday cottage or your home any where in the UK.


Produce includes Welsh Black Beef, Welsh lamb, Saddleback pork, sausages and home cooked bacon, pies, pastries and quiche baked daily in the farm house, local beers, ciders, cheeses, chocolates, wines, honey, preserves, bread, cakes, ice-cream and much more.

Have a look at their web site, read about the quality, check out the price comparisons with supermarkets, read the testimonials and contact Andy or Debbie who will be pleased to help you.

You could be enjoying roast Welsh Black beef or Welsh lamb this Sunday where ever in the UK you live. A nostalgic reminder of your stay or a flavour of what is waiting for you when you visit Wales

A pictorial tour of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire

The picturesque village of Laugharne on the Taf estuary was once home to famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Take a peek inside his writing shed.Visit the Boat House where he lived, now a museum and book shop dedicated to his work.There is a castle to explore, riverside walks, small shops, a gallery, a pottery and a choice of places to eat and drink.

history
scenery
walks
shopping
food & drink

Castle

Dylan Thomas' Writing Shed

                                                                                                       

The Boat House

Sue B

Cwm Deri Vineyard, Pembrokeshire

A working smallholding in Martletwy since 1992 now one of Wales' foremost visitor attractions

• 
  
  wine tasting
• 
  
  wine making
• 
  
  vineyard walk
  pets corner
  restaurant/cafe
  shop
  

Enjoy wine tasting and delicious home cooked food at Cwm Deri Vineyard. Children will love the Pets Corner where chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and sheep will amuse them. The vineyard shop sells home produced wine, liqueurs, alcohol free wines, preserves, free range eggs, cheese, cakes and ice cream.

Cwm Deri Vineyard is well worth a visit when out exploring the Pembrokeshire National Park.

Llanerchaeron National Trust Ceredigion

Llanerchaeron designed by John Nash is a rare example of a self sufficient 18th C Welsh minor gentry estate virtually unaltered.

• historic interest
• architectural interest
• walking & cycling opportunities
  gardens, parkland & working organic farm
  free parking
  refreshments & shop

The exterior and interior of Llanerchaeron are full of dramatic and beautiful architectural details. The majority being original and those that have been restored have been done so in a painstaking and authentic fashion.

The service courtyard with dairy, laundry (wet & dry), brewery and salting house give a fascinating insight into the style of living and the number of staff needed to run such a home.

Two walled gardens have been restored and the organic working farm offers opportunities to see traditional farming practices such as shearing, lambing and hay making.

Set in extensive grounds in the beautiful Aeron Valley there are opportunities for walking and cycling.

An extensive events programme is scheduled throughout the year. Do take time to visit with so much to see and do you surely won't be disappointed. Llanerchaeron is about 2 miles from Aberaeron off the A482.

The Stackpole Inn Pembrokeshire Special Evenings 2009

Celebrate the best of Pembrokeshire produce from the land and the sea with Stackpole Inn's own tasting menus. Each evening will comprise of a variety of tasting courses for you to enjoy with a selection of wines available to complimernt your meal.

Fish & Seafood Night - Friday 2nd October

Game Night - Friday 6th October
Stackpole Pie Night - Friday 4th December

Please ring 01646 672324 for menus and reservations.
Book now for traditional Christmas Day lunch

Bara Brith - Welsh Speckled Bread - Recipe

Recipe given by the North Wales Tourist Board

1lb (450g) mixed dried fruit
1/2 pint (300ml) tea
2 tblsp marmalade
1 egg beaten
6 tblsp soft brown sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
1lb (450g) SR flour
honey to glaze

• Soak fruit in tea overnight

Next day pre heat oven to 170 C, Gas 3, 325 F
Grease 1lb loaf tin

• Add all remaining ingredients to fruit & tea. Mix well
• Place in greased loaf tin
• Cook for 1 3/4 hours (if browning too much protect top with foil)
• Once removed from oven leave in tin for 5 minutes before turning out to cool
• Glaze top with honey
• Store in an airtight tin

Serve sliced, spread with Welsh salted butter and tasty farmhouse cheddar.

Slow Food Wales

Catherine Gazzoli chief executive officer of Slow Food UK says

"Wales' clean air & fresh pastures & produce make it a nation that is ideal to represent what the Slow Food Movement is all about."

"Slow food is not about cooking slowly it is the antithesis of fast food and I'm really impressed by the produce coming out of Wales."

"It is not elitist, it is all about joining producers with their consumers & communities. And Wales has a green mystique which is very different from the rest of Britain - it is its own country with its own identity."

"We want to protect endangered foods with heritage like bara brith and artisan cheese by placing them on the Slow Food Ark."

She believes Wales has a lot to offer from its many types of cheese, its meat & fish, to its laver bread, honey, wines, cider and whisky.

Do sample local produce when in Wales and please share your finds with us.

The Oiled Bird Rescue Centre, near Carew, Pembrokeshire

• birds
• award winning rescue centre
• you can help

This unique award winning centre the only one of its kind in Wales specialises in giving treatment to birds contaminated by oil. The work mostly concerns a wide variety of seabirds but occasionaly others such as buzzards, swans, owls and estuary birds are helped.

The work and day to day running of this special centre (which is not a recognised charity) is carried out voluntarily and there is rarely a day without patients.
Any donations for the Oiled Bird Centre and the new Swan Unit  should be sent to Jean Hains at Lower House Farm, West Williamston, near Carew, Pembrokeshire SA68 OTL

Anyone wishing to visit the Oiled Bird Rescue Centre please phone Jean first on 01646651236 to make sure someone is available to meet you.

Sue B

Cwm yr Eglwys, Pembrokeshire

• scenery
• beach
• historic interest
• walk
• pub food
• pub garden

In two weeks time residents and friends of the picturesque village of Cwm yr Eglwys will be attending a service to commemorate the day 200 years ago when St Brynach's Church was swept away by the Royal Charter Storm of 1859. All that remains is the defiant belfrey standing on the edge of the pretty little beach looking out to sea.

The cove has a sand and shingle beach with safe bathing and lots of rock pools to explore making it an ideal choice for family fun. There is delightful walk around Dinas Island which passes through Pwllgwaelod with another attractive little beach and waterside pub restaurant with garden.

A walk along Westfield Pill SSSI, Pembrokeshire

• nature
• wildlife
• estuary
• scenery
• walk/cycle
• food & drink
• During August an informative walk along Westfield Pill was enjoyed by a group of local wildlife enthusiasts and experts. Many of the rare and common birds, plants, insects and their habitats was observed and recorded.

Westfield Pill is a sheltered inlet from the main Cleddau Estuary a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a WTSWW Reserve. The path runs along the old railway line making it very pleasant and easy walking. Cars can be left in the car park at Neyland Marina where the walk begins. Brunel Cafe and The Bar on the marina serve excellent food and refreshments.

Bethan Cox (Pembrokeshire Biodiversity Partnership) concluded that Westfield Pill habitats help maintain the richness and diversity of our wildlife at both local and national levels.