With the weather getting warmer, the days getting longer and the skies getting brighter, it’s safe to say we’re well on our way to the summer season! With this in mind, now is the perfect time to head outdoors and immerse yourself in the gorgeous Welsh countryside, to breathe in the fresh, clear air, to explore the land and historic area that surrounds our caravan park in West Wales, and to take in the timeless scenery that only gets better the longer you admire it.
If you plan on visiting us over the next few weeks or months, we encourage you to head out and explore the countryside, so step out of your luxury caravan, here in West Wales, or your other lodgings, put on those hiking boots, and enjoy your time in the country surrounded by serenity and tranquillity. The Cambrian Mountains are a short drive away from our caravan park in West Wales and are a series of mountain ranges in central Wales that lie roughly between the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. The Cambrian Mountains cover the counties of Carmarthenshire, Powys and Ceredigion, offering a wide range of Welsh culture and history with many towns and villages that lie along and within the mountains.
Set in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains is Cae Hir Gardens, in Cribyn, near Lampeter. Open between 1st April and 31st October, it is an ideal visit for garden enthusiasts with its 6 acres of Welsh hillside to explore. There is also a café onsite selling homemade produce and goods.
Dolaucothi Gold Mine, in Pumsaint, dates back to Roman times but closed in 1938. Guided tours take you through the underground workings of the mine and you can also pan for gold in the 1930s Mine Yard.
Llanwrtyd Wells is the smallest town in Wales and has a long history of welcoming the many visitors who come to enjoy the unspoilt surroundings of the Cambrian Mountains. It is home to many quirky competitions such as Bog Snorkelling, and the Man v Horse Marathon which takes place every June. The town also has its own Microbrewery, the Heart of Wales Brewery, situated in the Neuadd Arms Hotel.
From Llanwrtyd to Llyn Brianne Reservoir you travel along the Devil’s Staircase. Along the way at Nantymaen you will see the remotest phone box in Wales on the Abergwesyn-Tregaron mountain road. Llyn Brianne reservoir is man-made and, at night, is a star gazing hotspot.
Soar y Mynydd Chapel is the remotest chapel in Wales and was built in 1822. It is still in service today and preachers come from all over Wales to conduct services in Welsh. Strata Florida Abbey was established by White Cistercian Monks in 1201 and, in the Middle Ages, became known as the second most famous church in Wales after St. Davids. It is the final resting place of generations of Welsh princes and, also, the famous Welsh poet, Dafydd ap Gwilym, is said to be buried under a yew tree in the churchyard.
Mid Wales Mining Adventures in Cwmystwyth offer specialist-led, expertly-guided surface and underground tours. Explore the underground caverns where surviving equipment and artefacts are frozen in time, reminding us of the dark and dangerous work of silver mining.
The Elan Valley is nestled in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and is 70 square miles of dams, reservoirs and rugged landscape. It is an area of natural beauty but shaped by man who has created a network of footpaths and cycle trails. The dams are the biggest draw, offering a wonderful year-round backdrop for cyclists, walkers and photographers. The Elan Valley Estate has received International Dark Sky Park status.
Clywedog Lake in Llanidloes is a 615-acre, man-made reservoir which spans 6 miles. There are a number of viewing points and picnic areas arranged around the lake, enabling visitors to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views. The lake offers sailing, fishing, birdwatching and walking. It is a perfect habitat for wildlife with buzzards, red kites and mallards being frequent visitors along with squirrels and owls. Ospreys are a recent sighting in the area.
The Cambrian Mountains were once dubbed the Desert of Wales by English travel writers as far back as 1836. This was due to its lack of roads and accessibility. It is this remoteness that gives it its charm and makes it such a unique destination to visit.