Easter in Wales - steam trains, waterfalls and daffodils

In spite of the cold, and recent inclement weather, the sun shone on us at the Heads of the Valleys.


Did a pit stop at Raglan on the way, with its impressive castle ruins. If your ever that way and feeling peckish try the little cafe up the track and round the back of the castle - recommended.





OK so the Travel Lodge at Merthyr might not be as impressive but its cheap, cheerful, surrounded by pubs n eateries and opposite a cinema n sports complex - what more do you need!

One of the focal points was the waterfall walks around Pontneddfechan. It is an ideal place to walk along one of the many paths to the waterfalls and to visit the mysterious remains of the gunpowder works and silica mines which hint at the history of activity and industry that once filled this enchanting place.

But these were just a prelude to the amazing frozen falls that littered the Beacons.

Whilst the valleys were relatively clear of snow there was plenty in the Brecon Beacons which made for some spectacular landscapes.

And, of course, the Brecon steam trains with their mountain runs and easter egg hunts :)

Never Know What You'll Find

The sun shone on a perfect spring day so it was on with the hiking boots and off to Minsterworth on the banks of the Severn.

Just a short way into the walk we came unexpectedly upon a large field full of snowdrops surrounding Naight House on the Severn plain.

The rest of the walk was incredibly scenic, through gnarled orchards festooned with mistletoe and lush farmland grazed by sheep heavy with impending lamb, though somewhat deserted - guess the vocal supporters of the local green belt were all inside watching telly :-/

Another Valentine Another Landmark

This time we stayed in the second floor apartment of the Egyptian House in Penzance. Can be viewed as snapped or as the traditional completed Landmark jigsaw. It's also traditional to write up your stay in the Landmark big green log book. Strangest coincidence when purusing a few entries back friends of ours - Helen, Clive and Muriel - had stayed in the same apartment just months before.

Having endured winter snow it was uncommonly spring like in the main. The one exception was clinging onto a hilltop cliff in Cape Cornwall in a v high wind. 









As spring arrives first in Cornwall there was a profusion no only of snowdrops and daffodils but also magnolia and some rhodies.

Penzance has a great collection of real ale/food pubs - and we were stopping over the road from some - can well recommend the Admiral Benbow and the Turks Head, and surprisingly enough Weatherspoons do a very passable breakie. The area also has a good affordable integrated transport system.

As well as the traditional harbourside and St Michaels Mount 













we thoroughly recommend the new garden at Tremenheere. Along the lines of Heligan with sculptures and a river running though it.

and the more established garden at Trewidden

Cornwall is just littered with beautiful and interesting villages (Mousehole, Launceston et al), settlements and standing stones:

We didn't make the trip to the Mount from Marizion but caught this footage of the amphibian crossing the causeway 

and if you fancy more pics click here :)

snowdrops and daffodiles

First garden trip of the year has to be Coulesbourne Park and the national collection of snowdrops. That harbinger of spring soon to be followed by crocus, bluebell and daffodil.

The walk through the grounds takes in picturesque vistas of lake, mill house, church, bridge, stream before the well earned delightful tea and cake in the out buildings.

Remember this ...

Whiteout

Still it snows - but it may be gone soon n replaced by floods (probably be a plague of locusts after that!)Still made the most of it. Our path through the forest was crossed by a family of four deer - just managed to catch the last one as it lept through the trees.






Watched the birds n ducks as they walked across the frozen pond.

Baby it's cold outside

I'm dreamin of a white Easter :))

Beyond Symonds Yat

Just got back from a brisk, if somewhat muddy, walk on the west bank of the Wye at Symonds - the aptly named Peregrine Way. We walked down from the top car park at Symonds - a decision we would come to rue on the climb back up on the way back. The Peregrine Path starts from the New Weir car park and follows the old railway line from Symonds Yat towards Monmouth.  2km from Symonds Yat you come to the recently restored Biblins suspension bridge which carries the Wye Valley Walk over the river. If you thought the original new bridge across the Thames was wobbly ... 

Following the river path through the now deserted camp site the path rose steeply up to King Arthurs Cave, the lad certainly got around.











On the descent you pass the remains of Mr Partridges Weir and Ironworks

The track was more muddy than usual due to an excess of rain and lots of churning from Forestry Com. workings in the woods. The trip back was across the the hand-pulled ferry to the Saracens Head Inn on the banks of the Wye.