After wonderful reports in 2011, we return to explore the ‘Heart’ of Wales. We discover dramatic and beautiful mountain scenery, quaint villages and historic halls, and travel through the Vale of Rheidol on one of the ‘Little Trains’ of Wales.

ITINERARY

Day 1 We enjoy the usual door to door service before travelling to Gloucester for free time for lunch. We then resume our journey arriving in Llandrindod Wells late afternoon.

Day 2 We first travel along the beautiful Elan Valley with a stop at the Dams Visitor Centre. We continue to the old coastal town of Aberystwyth, following the River Wye part of the way. After lunch, we board the Vale of Rheidol Railway for a spectacular journey by narrow gauge steam train to Devil’s Bridge, affording superb views of the Rheidol Valley. We rejoin the coach and return to our hotel.

Day 3 A scenic drive to Llandovery, passing near Sugar Loaf Mountain. After a short stop here, we continue along the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park stopping in Brecon for lunch. Visit the cathedral or spend time exploring the narrow streets lined with Georgian and Jacobean buildings. We return via the ancient market town of Buith Wells.

Day 4 A morning at leisure. This afternoon we travel the short distance to Abbeycwmhir, a village set amongst the Cambrian mountains and home to Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall. This Grade II listed property is a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and we have arranged a guided tour through all 52 rooms of the house. There are also 12 acres of grounds to explore containing sweeping lawns and terraces, a walled garden, four courtyards and a lake.

Day 5 Our homeward journey takes us through the Brecon Beacons, along the Wye Valley and across the Severn Bridge. We make suitable refreshment stops and reach the local area late afternoon.