Relaxing

Just sit on the terrace - relax and unwind in the special atmosphere of this idyllic spot with a glass of wine or BBQ. Enjoy the views, the peace, the river bubbling over the ford, watch the birds, fall asleep over your book (or your map as you plan tomorrow.)

Walking

Gentle
Stroll by the river or across the fields or up the hill, all on our private land - great views up the valley to the Berwyn Hills

Extended
Explore the peaceful Berwyns, see the highest waterfall in Wales; many varied walks in woods, valleys or open hills (up to 860m. summits)

Serious
Offa's Dyke path and Glyndwr's Way easily accessible

Strenuous
Take a day out to Snowdonia - a great mountain area much wider than just Snowdon (there is a train up Snowdon but feet are cheaper!). Maps available to borrow, and we can discuss your routes. Try Cader Idris or the Aran range for a change.

Sport & Adventure

Details available in the cottage, or on enquiry, of many activities available in the North Wales/Shropshire area - mountain biking, white water, climbing, fishing, sailing, canal boating, quad biking, riding, golf are just a few. From the 12th tee at Llanymynech (20 mins) you can see most of England one way and most of Wales the other - you will probably top your drive! Bring your own horse to enjoy exploring on horseback to the full. Sample adventure training in Snowdonia (try www.pyb.co.uk/courses/taster.php)

Scenery

Drive round the views! Berwyn Hills, Lakes Bala and Vyrnwy (www.vyrnwy.co.uk, www.rspb.vyrnwy.org). Highest road pass in Wales between the lakes. Snowdonia national park starts within 20 min drive - possibilities there are endless. Seaside (North or West) about 1 ½ hrs.

Culture and History

Many famous castles and gardens to visit. Powis and Chirk castles (the nearest) sometimes put on outdoor dramatic productions in summer. Caernarvon has jousting. (www.castlewales.com, www.cadw.wales.co.uk, www.gardensofwales.org.uk)

Within our own Tanat Valley (ownership of which was controversially split between two warring princes in the 12th Century) you can see where Owain Glyndwr's home was sacked in 1403 by the future Henry V, where Saint Melangell protected a hunted hare in 604, and where the Bible was translated into Welsh in 1588. And you may find one of the local choirs performing, or some other festival afoot - music and arts are part of the soul of Wales - or they may just break into song in the pub.

Summer festivals easily reached include the following - check the links for dates and events:

Christmas period: our area is famous for its "Plygain" services - the locals assemble in Church, and family and other parties take turns to sing their favourite carols - mostly ancient Welsh ones.

Cattle and sheep farming life continues all the time in the valley - lambing, shearing, sileageing, markets at Oswestry and Welshpool, sheepdog trials, many local shows in the summer.

Most local farming families speak Welsh to one another as their first language, as do many others, but no lack of welcome to non-Welsh is intended, and everyone speaks English as well. We are English and have made many local friends. We are trying to learn Welsh but it isn't easy!

Towns

Historic Shrewsbury and Chester are inside a 1 hr. drive. Oswestry and Welshpool within ½ hr. provide all necessaries. Wrexham (40 mins) also has good shops.

Eating Out

Many local alternatives, from simple pubs to 4-star Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (which also has a rather cheaper Tavern with the views of the lake just as good - a good walking target). Good restaurants in the towns. More details available in the cottage.