Mid Wales Day Explorer

Day tour departs every SUNDAY from Cardiff commencing April to October.  (Additional days are available by arrangement)   

We depart from Cardiff and travel northbound to a jewel in the crown of the UK's protected landscapes, the Brecon Beacons National Park.  The Brecon Beacons which gives the area their name, make up the main central range of the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area which covers 520-square miles. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful rural areas in Britain, rolling green hills, meadows and rivers contrasting with rocky and limestone terrain and steep escarpments. Dotted with ancient reminders of past inhabitants, from the enigmatic standing stones left by prehistoric ancestors and more recent relics of the industrial age, over thousands of years it has gradually shaped the landscape we see today. Our first stop is at Libanus Mountain Centre to admire views of southern Britain's highest peak, Pen-y-Fan and the Brecon Beacons. Photo & refreshment stop.

Our journey continues northbound passing through the Spa town of Builth Wells and Rhayader, (Mid-Wales’ oldest town dating back to the 5th-century) to our lunch stop, Elan Valley (known as the Welsh Lake District). The Caban Reservoir is within easy walking distance, and depending on water levels, from ground level look upward to enjoy amazing waterfalls cascading from above. After lunch ample photo stops to capture spectacular views, which are indisputably the most scenic in Wales. The massive dams hold back millions of gallons of water, flanked each side with hills & mountains while the aesthetic dam walls themselves were designed not only to be functional but highly photogenic, adorned with several architectural embellishments in marked contrast to the industrial blandness of some more recent reservoirs.  

We wind our way along the scenic mountain road with panoramic views as we make our way to The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir.  Built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson the great Victorian improver.  (Several years later he went to Australia, and become the second Lord Mayor of Adelaide). On arrival a  guided tour and access to gardens and grounds.  The Hall is a  Grade II listed building and one of Wales' finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.  All 52-rooms burst with interior design, original features, marble fireplaces, Rococo ceilings, Gothic windows and a decorative stained glass ceilings above the magnificent snooker room and main staircase. The gardens are particularly lovely through the months of May-September with their shows of rhododendra and roses.  The 12-acre grounds include a walled garden, sweeping lawns and terraces, courtyards,  lake and waterfall and some splendid mixed woodland. The Hall was recently featured on BBC Wales "Discovering Welsh Houses". Refreshments available at The Hall. 

The Hall overlooks St Mary's Church and well worth a visit as indeed are the ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian "Abbey of the Long Valley".  Although the site is in private hands, CADW, Wales National Heritage Authority, spent 3 years conserving what remains of what was once, the largest church in Wales.   Established by the Cistercian order in 1176, its secluded valley position followed the orders ideals of remoteness.  The abbey formed links with Strata Florida, an abbey based in Tregaron, now also a ruin.  Once a year the brothers from the two abbeys would take it in turn to walk 25-miles over the Cambrian Mountains to visit one another.  The Trail they used is now known as 'Monks Trod'.

The Abbey grounds contain the grave of the last true Prince of Wales, Llewellyn ap Gruffrydd, Llewellyn the Last, who was murdered in 1282.  Llewellyn on the run from forces of King Edward I reputedly spent his last night in the caves above Aberedw before being slain at Cilmeri near Builth Wells.  His head taken to London to be displayed for his alledged treachery, and his body to Abbey Cwmhir.    

From Adult £65/ Concession £60 (Over 60s & Students I.D. required) Price Inclusive of transport, driver, fully escorted English speaking guide, all admission charges and UK taxes and exclusive of lunch. Start 0830hr/Return 1930hr approx. Due to the ealier start & later return to Cardiff, tour not suitable for children. Pickup & Return Point: National Museum and Art Gallery of Wales, Cardiff.