Wales - Castle, Coast & Steam Trains with Oli & Barbara

 Wales - Castle, Coast & Steam Trains 

We set off in search of Ludlow Castle; a romantic ruin dating from 1100 and one of the first stone castles to be built in England. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly looking dragon who we couldn’t resist having a photo with. There were lots of old ruins to explore and a few of us managed to climb to great heights which gave us some spectacular views. We were able to sit on a giant throne and pretend we were King or Queen of the castle.

 It was then time to make our way to the 120-year-old Vale of Rheidol Steam Train Railway. We experienced an exciting rail journey where the train climbed two hundred metres through stunning countryside to reach a station called ‘Devil’s Bridge’. Here we stopped at the station tearoom for tea and cake before returning on our steam train back through beautiful scenery to Aberystwyth Station.

It was John’s birthday and we all sang him happy birthday and presented him with a card and present from all his friends at JollyDays.

A fabulous day of exploring with Richard, who took us on an informative tour of the local area. First stop was at a monument (that weighed ten stones!) dedicated to Prince Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, who’s head was chopped off by an English soldier in 1282, washed in the well nearby and taken to the English King as a trophy of war. We stopped for a delicious lunch at The Welsh Rarebit Centre and ate Welsh Rarebit of course, before visiting an ancient, five-thousand-year-old yew tree in the churchyard of Saint Cynog’s Church in Defynnog. Next stop was at the pretty town of Hay-on-Wye, famed for its book festival, although we were there to see the recently restored medieval Hay Castle which sat tall and imposing on a high hill. 

A splendid morning was spent at the Small Breeds Farm Park where we saw all manner of bird life as well as donkeys, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs. We were able to hand-feed the sheep and goats and even sit with them in their pens whilst we stroked them. What an amazing experience. 

Driving through some stunning countryside to the Brecon Canal where our canal boat was waiting and Tim our skipper welcomed us aboard. Two hours of calm and peaceful sailing ensued where we spotted wildlife on the riverbank, listened to birdsong and ate our onboard picnic. We had to stop twice at locks, and it was fascinating to see the water level change so that we could continue on our way.