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Mid Wales
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The
Area known as Mid Wales is that forgotten part of Wales, where time has
certainly stood still. It stretches from Carmarthen in the South to the ancient
Capital town of Machynlleth in the North, and down its spine lies The Cambrian
Mountains. These hills of Mid Wales can be very deceptive. Though they lack the
high peaks of Snowdonia or the accessibility of the Brecon Becons they are not
to be treated lightly. The
first thing you will notice when you first venture onto these beautiful hills is
the lack of people. You will be able to walk or cycle for hours without seeing
another human. So if it’s solitude you want, then you have come to the right
place. |
| The
rolling hills of Mid Wales, are typified by U shaped deep valleys that contain
roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls. The valleys are banked on either side
by the hills themselves. These consist of large expanses of heather covered
slopes, deep peat bogs and long tussock grass. Occasionally the hills are topped
with a rocky outcrop or an ancient Carn. |
| The
highest mountain in the Cambrians is Plynlinimon standing at only 752 metres.
This low peak would seem at first, not worth the effort of peak bagging, but
like all its lesser neighbours in the range it could be a daunting prospect.
With the lack of footpaths on the ground, vast endless peat bogs and
changeable weather it will take all your skills as a navigator to find your way
safely to the summit and back. So you have been warned this area is not for the
inexperienced. You will need to be well versed in the use of a map and compass
before you venture onto these mountains. Even though trekking in this area can
be daunting, it is more than worth the effort. For here in Mid Wales you will
find some of the largest, wildest and most beautiful stretches of moorland South
of Scotland. The other plus is the
solitude, for on these vast expanses your only company will be the hardy Welsh
Sheep and the Red Kite soaring high above your head. |
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MOUNTAIN BIKING
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Mid
Wales is a paradise for Mountain biking with the whole area crisscrossed with
ancient bridleways, unclassified roads, forest tracks and little used country
lanes. With a little imagination and the use of a good 1.25000 map, you should
be able to explore the area. If you do decide to cross, the vast open moorlands,
on your mountain bike, remember to take provisions, waterproofs and warm
clothing. This part of Wales can experience all four seasons of weather in the
same day, even in the middle of summer. |
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A
good centre to base your Mountain Biking is Llanwrtyd Wells. This small town has
a bike hire and repair shop, accommodation and lots of trails that leave only a
short distance out of the town. Cycles
Irfon at Llantwrtyd Wells. Mountain Bike repair, sales and hire
www.cyclesirfon.co.uk Sustrans.
The organisation for British Bike paths.
www.sustrans.org.uk Bike
Magic. Site with lots of information, trails, gear revues, and access www.bikemagic.com
Great
site for all things concerning mountain biking
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Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer 1-25,000 Nos. 186, 187, 188, 200, 214, 215
Getting There
By Plane.
The nearest airport is Cardiff International this has flights from most European
Countries and flights from America twice a week. For all other counties you will
have to fly to Heathrow Airport London.
Cardiff Int
Airport. www.cial.co.uk
01446 711 111
British Airways www.britishairways.co.uk
0845 77 333 77
Ryan Air. www.ryanair.com
By Train.
There is a train service that runs from London and the rest of the UK
veer Swansea. This railway called the Heart of Wales line travels from Swansea
to Shrewsbury, Calling at destinations through out the area.
For
information contact. . www.heart-of-wales.co.uk
Space for bikes
on all trains in the UK is very limited, so book ahead. Usually there is only
space for 2 bikes on each train so if you want to get on with your bike make
sure the train has space available.
Other useful
Welsh train contacts are. www.walesandwest.co.ukand
www.walesrails.co.uk
By Bus
National
Express run a very good coach service from most parts of the UK, but there is no
room for bikes. For getting about in Mid Wales the local bus service is not very
good. It is expensive and it either runs very infrequently or not at all.
National Express (long distance)www.gobycoach.com 08705 808080
By Car
By far the best way to visit Mid Wales is by car, as most of the rides and walks
start far from the nearest town or bus stop. There are garages and petrol
stations at most of the main towns. The fuel in this area usually costs more
than in the major cites, so fill your petrol tank before you arrive. It is
important to remember that most garages in the small towns close Saturday
afternoon and all day Sunday. Look
out for Tesco and Safeway Stores, their petrol is usually cheaper and they both
do a very good English breakfast before 10.30am for £1.99 including tea or
coffee. This can be very useful when you are camping.
Car Hire
If you are travelling by train or coach to the area and you want to hire a car
it is best to finish you journey at Swansea. Here you can hire a car from all
the major car hire companies. Further North there are few car hire firms.
Car Hire Firms
Avis Swansea. 01792 460939
Europcar, Swansea 01792 650526, Fishguard 01348 874750
Hertz. Swansea
01792 587393, Fishguard 01348 874701
BANKS
There are banks in Mid Wales but over the past few
years, due to major closures they
get less and less. Cash machines can only be found in the larger towns and
not at all in the smaller towns and villages. The best way to get cash is either
from the local Post Office or Supermarket with your Visa or Master card.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available throughout the area. This
can be found in most towns and villages, either in small Hotels, Inns or staying
bed & breakfast at the numerous farms and cottages. You can book a room for
the night or longer in these establishments but it would pay you to book well
ahead for the months July, August and September.
Also you will find caravan and campsites at most towns. The only problem
is that most sites only open from 1st March to the end of October so
if you want to visit Mid Wales for winter walks it would be better to
stay in a hotel or B&B.
There are also
country cottages to be hired through out the region. These can be hired for the
weekend, the week or longer.
Other useful links
for accommodation
www.stayinwales.co.uk
A
good site with all types of accommodation from Luxury Hotels, B&B, Inns,
Self-Catering apartments and Caravan Sites.
Useful Contacts
Llandovery Tourist Centre. 01550 720 693
Llandridnod Wells
Tourist Centre 01597 822 600
Elan Valley
Tourist Information
www.elanvalley.org.uk
Camping &
Caravan Sites
Bry-y-Gors Holiday
Park, Pontrhydfendigaid, 01974
831675
A very good, well run site. Close to the village and
excellent food at the local Pub, the Teifi Inn.
Aeron View Caravan and Tent Park, Tegaron.
01974 251 488 www.aeronview.com
Also For Camping
and Caravan parks in Mid Wales. Try
www.ukparks.com
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explore 1-25,000 Nos. 186, 187, 188, 200, 214, 215