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National Parks Week in Wales: Venture to Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia & Pembrokeshire

By Simona on 20th July

National Parks Week 2015 kicks off Monday 27 July with the theme “Landscapes of Plenty.” Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks feature some of the most diverse scenery in the UK—from their rolling mountains to winding river gorges, there is plenty to explore. Here are our top picks for places to visit and stay during National Parks Week. 

Visit: Brecon Beacons National Park– Explore the beautiful lakes, relax beside rushing waterfalls, or adventure on horseback.  Experience the rural culture within the park and walk some of the finest paths in Europe.   

Stay In: Meadow View Granary – This spacious converted 17th century granary store is surrounded by incredible views and wildlife. Set in a secluded, lush green valley, there are numerous walks available from the door. Sleeps 5. Weeks from £382. Screen Shot 2015-07-03 at 14.11.53

Stay In: The Rising Sun– With wonderful views and an enclosed garden, this stone fronted cottage is a great choice for park exploration.  Sit outside and enjoy a meal with the peaceful sounds of nature around you. Sleeps 4. Weeks from £445. 

Stay In: Bailea Stable Cottage– Experience the panoramic views of the green hillside just outside this contemporary converted stable block. Explore the Bailea family farm and taste water from the mountain spring. After a long day of walking and cycling on nearby routes, enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi bath. Sleeps 2. Weeks from £458. 

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Stay In: Lisa’s Cottage– Below the Talybont Resevoir, this spacious family house is great for bird watching, fishing and enjoying the vast amount of wildlife in the area. Waterfalls and mountain peaks are just a few minutes away, and there are plenty of scenic biking and walking paths. Sleeps 8. Weeks from £645. 

Stay In: Cornwall Farm– This farmhouse has a beautiful view of the hillside and is perfect for relaxing or going for a mountain walk. The home features an enclosed garden, a small pond and stylish furniture. Sleeps 10. Weeks from £1,153. 

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Visit: Snowdonia National Park– The largest national park in Wales has breath-taking landscapes that are perfect for a peaceful holiday. From the rolling mountains to the winding river gorges, there is plenty to explore.

Stay In: Rhyd-Fudr– This charmingly restored Welsh mountain cottage is comfortable and spacious. Venture to the mountains and beaches during the day and cosy up by the wood burner for a peaceful peaceful evening. This traditional house has amazing views of the rolling Snowdonia valleys and wonderful walks to explore. From £755 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. Sleeps 4.  

Stay In: Ty’r Gofalwr– This former coach house and dairy has been beautifully renovated in the heart of Snowdonia. The house features 14 acres of lush grounds, on which stand an art gallery, a coffee shop and a restaurant. Visitors won’t have to go far for beautiful natural sights, as the mountain walks to the beaches are nearby.  Sleeps 4. From £719 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. Screen Shot 2015-07-03 at 14.13.30

Stay In: Aberdyfi House– This converted sea captain’s house features beautiful views of the golden sands and the Aberdovey sea. Walk for miles on the beach or explore the glacial valleys of Snowdonia, and spend the night relaxing at this quiet, comfortable escape. Sleeps 7. From £1319 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. 

Visit: Pembrokeshire National Park – This stunning national park has features a spectacular coastline, where visitors can walk along the golden sands and look for dolphins and seals in the fresh air.  

Explore: Preseli Venture – 27-31 July – Family Adventure Holiday- Stay in the 5 Star Eco Lodge with a range of rooms and locally sourced, home cooked food.  Experience exciting adventures, from coasteering to sea kayaking, under expert guidance from professional guides. Unwind on the spectacular cliff top during a coastal path walk and round off the day in the local beach.  From £479 Adults, £375 child. Special offer – one child goes FREE if you book a family of 4 or more.Screen Shot 2015-07-06 at 17.08.42

Stay In: Stablau Ty Hen – This charming restored barn is stylish and surrounded by spectacular views of the countryside. Explore the footpath outside that runs down to the river and watch for the wildlife that is teeming in the area. Sleeps 2. From £749 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. 

Stay In: Beaudy Ty Hen – Located in one of the most picturesque valleys in the national park, Gwaun Valley, this converted cottage has a contemporary interior and spectacular views of the outdoor meadow filled with vibrant wildflowers. Walk along the Coastal Path or visit the botanical gardens nearby. Sleeps 2. From £829 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. 

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Press Trip: The World Alternative Games, Cambrian Mountains

By Simona on 22nd May

Last weekend, Annabel and I accompanied four national journalists on a press trip to the Cambrian Mountains! Organised by Tom, the journalists sampled some of the most exciting and bizarre sports played at the World Alternative Games.

Day 1 – Mountain Biking

We all made our way to Llanwrtyd Wells, which is known as the smallest village in Britain. It has become world famous for its unusual and quirky events.

On arrival, we were taken deep into the Cambrian Mountains by Red Kite Events for a legendary 10 mile mountain biking route, which was occasionally quite difficult but very rewarding considering the landscape we covered and the view!

The view from 400ft

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Taking a break before a downhill track

On our return we very much appreciated the opportunity to refuel and have dinner at the The Neuadd Arms Hotel.  We dined with Gordon Green, the man that invented the first quirky events held in Llanwrtyd Wells, such as Man vs Horse. Then it was off to bed at our lovely Lledgwial B&B – a morning of bog snorkelling, mountain bike chariot racing and more was ahead of us!

Day 2 – Bog Snorkelling, Bathtubbing, Space Hopper Racing & more!

We took the four excited and a tiny bit apprehensive journalists to the famous bog for their first and main event! Annabel and I cheered them on as, one by one, each journalist lowered themselves into the bog and proceeded to swim at full speed… until about a quarter of the way through, when just about everybody ran out of breath and had to attempt using the snorkel!

Our hotelier, Jen Walsby, was organising and judging events as well as joining the groups of local supporters in cheering our journalists on.

Touching the half-way point post was a triumph for many, with the race to get back to the starting point seeing each snorkeller having an inadvertent taste of bog water, which was reportedly ‘not as bad as it looks’. It was great to watch them navigating the bog, from those that made huge splashes to others who swam repeatedly into the side of the bog!

Bog snorkelling at full speed

We commissioned videographers and photographers to make sure we caught every piece of the action

Some even tried their hand at Bathtubbing, which had mixed success rates!

Once everyone had dried off, we headed over to try out mountain bike chariot racing, which was a lot harder than it looks!

Mountain bike chariot racing definitely took a lot of practice to perfect

Then it was on to the Space Hopper Race, which was probably the one event that saw the fiercest competition!

The scooter slalom certainly had a few tricky turns!

The scooter slalom certainly had a few tricky turns!

Our final event was worm charming, with Annabel and I separated onto different teams – my team won! I can’t really take any credit however, as no matter how hard I patted the ground I just couldn’t get any worms to surface! Our teammate managed to extract 5 worms while Annabel’s team couldn’t find any, so it was definitely a victorious win for us.

Our victorious worm haul getting a close up from the videographer

We were then treated to a delicious meal at The Drover’s Rest, which is a must visit for any foodies travelling to the area!

We drove back to London the following day a little tired but very satisfied with how the weekend went! It was my first ever press trip and I’m sure to have the most exciting work-related stories to tell my graduate friends!

 

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