Our time in Banbury is rapidly drawing to a close and we really wanted to go to Wales whilst we had the chance. Ed and Ruth had offered their lovely home once again if we wanted and as they are in Hereford, not too far from the Welsh border, we thought we'd take up their offer.
Having done a bit of research Karl and I decided to head for a National Trust property called Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire as a good destination for a day trip and then to head back to Hereford for the evening.
On our journey - 3 1/2 hours - from Banbury, we stopped off in the beautiful Brecon Beacons for a leg stretch and some morning tea. The view was beautiful.
 |
| Stopover in Powys - Brecon Beacons - public bridleway |
As soon as we crossed into Wales, the road signs had us giggling.
Many of the place names and other road signs had no vowels at all and
impossibly complicated words to pronounce! We stopped somewhere in
Powys, Wales for a leg stretch. and had a short wander along the
bridleway to see a herd of donkeys. So sweet.
 |
| Brecon Beacons beckoning... |
 |
| Tempting little path... |
 |
| You can just see the horse on the signpost - signalling Public Bridle way |
 |
| Herd of gentle donkeys and mules - breath in the mountain air!! |
 |
| Welsh homes in Llandeillo, Carmarthenshire |
Another
hour or so later, we arrived at Dinefwr Castle and Deer Park and were
welcomed by a knowledgeable guide. The grounds were lush green and we
wandered through tree ferns and down grassy slopes to the pond.
 |
| Up the long road to Dinefwr Castle Estate |
 |
| Welsh fields |
 |
| Through the deer park at Dinefwr |
 |
| Tree ferns growing in the sunshine - at home they really need shade! |
Fortunately for Luke, there were some kids who made use of the pond
exploring option and willing shared their nets with him. They found all
sorts of pond life and minibeasts. What fun! We had our picnic lunch
and then continued on the lovely path past the bird hides and then up to
the ruined castle.
 |
| Bullrushes |
 |
| Pond inspection |
 |
| Pond finds! |
 |
| Still weedy pond full of life! |
 |
| Through the Castle Woods to the bird hide. |
 |
| Hiding in the long grass - no fear/chance of snakes! |
As well as deer, there are rare White Park Cattle, which graze at Dinefwr are descendants of those during Norman times when they were used as payment or as compensation for wrongs done.
 |
| We all love a good ol' ruin! Dinefwr Castle |
|
|
|
Trying to get my tongue and head around the Welsh names and history of the Castle was a bit of a challenge! The Castle is thought to have been built by Rhys ap Gruffydd (Rhys son of Gruffydd) in 12 th century. History tells that Henry II of England panned to assault the castle but was led by a Welsh local who took him on the most arduous journey possible, even stopping to eat grass to "prove" how difficullt life was and the attack was abandoned!! So the castle was passed to Rhys ap Gruffydd's heir, Rhys Gryg who in turn couldn't resist Llywelyn the Great who held it until 1240. There were a few more Rhyses, Llywelyns and even a Maredudd until it was passed to English hands in 1317 and finally back to the Welsh in 15h century.
 |
| So the exploring starts... |
 |
| Looking out over the Tywi River |
 |
| Wonderful to climb up something so old, on such a nice day, with such wonderful views. |
 |
| Panoramic view of Dinefwr Castle |
 |
| Lady of the castle! |
 |
| Princess! |
 |
| Rhys Llywelyn Karl Keesman |
 |
| The Normans must have been shorties! |
 |
| Hand stand/ handover |
 |
| Arise Sir Rhys! |
 |
| Top of the top! |
 |
| Framed! |
 |
| Noble Sir Llywelyn |
After we'd had a great time
exploring the ruins with a few obligatory hand stands, we walked through
the sheep fields to Newton House. Around 1600, the castle keep was modified as a summer house and Newton House was built as a residence. The National Trust guide welcomed us
in Welsh and then explained everything beautifully in a lovely accent.
It is a hands on house including badminton, board games, a piano to
play and costumes to try on. This was one house that the kids didn't
want to leave!!
 |
| Newton House - built about 1600 |
 |
| Gorgeous gardens - |
 |
| Sir Llywelyn |
 |
| Deer in the park - gentle grazers |
 |
| View from garden |
 |
| Sitting room - all hands on - very child friendly |
 |
| Newton House was used as a hospital and also for prisoners of war during WWII |
 |
| Attention! |
 |
| On arrival at Ed and Ruth's place, Luke found Socks immediately! |
 |
| Evening clouds over Hereford |
 |
| Ruth ready for BBQ |
 |
| Luke, Rebecca and Annika toasting marshmellows |
Two hours drive along the beautiful hedge lined lanes and roads of Wales back across the border to gorgeous Hereford and Ed and Ruth's beautiful house and lovely hospitality. The green of the fields in midsummer is stunning and is like a moving postcard the whole way. There are the regulation roundabouts of UK roads but Karl is doing a great job of driving on the left side in a left hand drive vehicle....it's passing tractors on narrow country lanes which prove the challenge!
 |
| Bubbles - Socks' brother |
On arrival at Ed and Ruth's we had a lovely relaxed BBQ and chatted until it got it bit chilly...and kept chatting....Everyone was so happy to be back there: Luke had Socks the cat, and toys galore, Tim had a guitar and Annika enjoyed the trampoline and chatting. So good to catch up with them again! Only Rebecca was there as Victoria is in Cambodia and Rachel is still in Australia. Rebecca was very kindly playing with Luke so we could talk with the adults! Yeah! Travelling doesn't gives us much chance of this.
 |
| Tim in his element! |
Such beautiful country side!! Lovely to be visiting with friends again :)
ReplyDeleteFriends are essential!!!
Delete