The middle week of our 24 day holiday in the UK was spent on the edge of Wales’ picturesque Brecon Beacons. Our cottage was accessible by a ludicrously steep road that had the less powerful cars among us rolling back for a second go at a few of the sharp corners.
After that all you had to do was avoid the sheep. When at the top of the hill, we had amazing views over the valley. Unfortunately, we experienced some of the worst of country life when it turned out about three billion flies had decided to take occupation of the roof above our bedroom.
As soon as the lights were switched on, and the heating kicked in, they came alive and made themselves at home. No amount of fly spray, rolled up paper or paperback novels could overcome them and we spent the rest of the holiday with a pretty cold and dark room, though we spent barely any time in there as we were so busy enjoying ourselves!
In the build up to our holiday we’d been wishing for cool, bright, sunny autumn weather, complete with blue skies and dazzling colours on the trees. The first day in Wales did not disappoint. After a little drive we walked along the waterfalls at Tal-y-bont, stopping occasionally for a picnic (buy the pork pie form the deli in Crickhowell – DO IT!) or a cup of tea and cake. Just soaking up the incredible colours was a delight.
The next day we were out on another walk, though this time we just started at the public footpath about 100 yards from our cottage. It took us approximately five minutes to inadvertantly lose the “official” path and find ourselves scrambling on a really steep trail, under low trees and over mossy rocks. The “leader” seemed to think it was a path but that mainly based on the presence of sheep rather than anything else. There’s nothing like a little adventure.
The next day we were off down the beach for a barbecue. By this point the weather had reverted to October type, but it was all part of the fun to be huddled up whilst tucking into delicious sausages, burgers and salads. Not to mention a few cheeky glasses of prosecco…
Every evening we tucked into pizza, lasagne, breads, biscuits, chutneys, cheeses, chocolate and ALL THE CRISPS AND DIPS whilst enjoying a few gently competitive parlour games. It really was an exercise indulgence.
The last day was a Sunday, so naturally we went to the pub for a roast (of course!), which was delicious but rather sad as before our pudding had even settled we were saying goodbye, and promising to keep in touch with some of our dearest family.
It was a blur of booze and bellyache, but it was bloody brilliant. Thanks for having us, Wales.
