Willow Nuggins goes to the Cambrian Mountains Part 2

Day 5 - Devil's Bridge

There is a long drive ahead of us today along some tiny lanes to get to Devils Bridge Falls and Vale of Rheidol Railway. We head out from Ffarmers and immediate the journey takes a turn for the better. We descend steeply into a lovely valley where the road crosses a river with a ford. It was nice to wash the dust off the wheels and cool down my underside.

The road now rises steeply into the hills and after a tricky ascent we are greeted with specular views of the Cambrian mountains. After taking a few minutes to appreciate it we continue on. After another 20 mins of twisty narrow roads with very few oncoming cars to worry about, we reach the B4343. The journey continues on uneventfully for another 40 minutes until we reach Devil's Bridge. We stop in the Rheidol Railway car park and my family made their way to Two Hoots tea room. They enjoy a quick drink with a side of cake before making their way to the falls.

An hour later I see them approach the station, they do look exhausted and very hot. The hour long train ride to Aberystwyth will give them plenty of time rest and cool off.

When they return Paul is adorned with a new hat and sunglasses. Heather with just sunglasses. They're trying to keep cool which can be difficult when its 30C. Everyone loads in, cranking up the AC and heading home. We try to stick to A and B road but something goes wrong somewhere and we end up at the beginning of the same twisty road we come up. Never mind we'll just enjoy the view for a second time.

Day 6 - Llyn Brianne Dam/Reservoir

Today looks like it going to be another scorching day, so we all decide to set off early to try and make the most of the cooler weather. We leave the cottage and roll on down the drive then at the end Paul indicates left. What's left? I think to myself.

Every other journey we've gone we've always turned right. I look into the distance and I don't like what I see. A small single track lane going up, up and up into the hills. Paul's takes it all very slowly. After the first few twists and turns I settle into the journey thinking - well this is too bad after all. The journey continues on for a while and then our first stop of the day comes into view. The RSPB reserve at Gwenffrwd-Dinas. Everyone piles out for a walk along the river and I can have a little rest.

When the walk is done and dusted everyone piles back in for a small trip to the dam. Then all of a sudden Paul slams on the brakes, does a six point turn and goes down a small track! At this point I was a bit confused, but low and behold as we go around the corner the scene opens up in front of us. This was definitely worth the detour.

We park up and take in what's across the valley. Seeing the outflow of the power station on the left. Then we hear what could only be describes as a horrible scraping noise comes across the valley. There at the bottom of the overflow ramp is a digger scraping and scraping and scraping the concrete. What on earth are they doing???. It puts a bit of a dampener on the experience but there is always work to be done somewhere.

Leaving them to it we join the road again continuing on to the dam. There are a few people dotted around the car park trying to catch any shade they can, but what a view! Peering down at the water it does looks very low. A drought looks to be on the way.

After a little look around we're all looking forward to lunch. We set off again to try and find a quiet place to setup. We see a nice car park overlooking the reservoir so we pull in. We open the door and are hit by the sound of load music coming from someone sleeping on the grass. Now this isn't the quiet place we thought it was. Everyone climbs aboard again a bit disappointed to try to find somewhere else that would be more suitable. Its not long before we see another car park, its not as nice but it is quiet and we can have the place to ourselves. We stop, roll out the awning, put up the table and chairs and ah relax...

When it comes time to leave there is a decision to make. Go back the way we came or continue on looping around to Llandovery on the main road. We make the call lets continue on and see what else this wonderful landscape has for us. Off we go and its not long before we see something we are glad we didn't miss. "I recognise this road. I recently watched a YouTube video on it. This is Devil's Staircase" says Nicola.

Up we go and its not too bad but then at the top it dawns on us we now have to do the same on the way down but this time with a couple of switch backs. When we get to the bottom we pull over and I'm glad of the break. My breaks are very hot and smelly and could do with a little time to cool down.

Paul and Heather cool themselves down in the stream, splashing about and really enjoying themselves. It's not long before it gets to hot outside and everyone climbs onboard again letting the air conditioning cool them down. We continue on our journey stopping again at another stream for some more cooling fun. It's late in the day now and we're all a little tired so we head home. Now this was a very unexpected day that everyone really enjoyed.

Day 7 - Dinefwr Castle

Today is the last day of the holiday and tomorrow we're going home. We decide on

a short trip to Dinefwr Castle with lunch in a café or restaurant somewhere then back to the cottage for a lazy afternoon. On our way to Dinefwr we take a little detour to Talley Abbey. There's not much there but you can still get a feel for its size. When we think we've seen all the Abby has to offer and some careful reversing we move on.

Its not long before Dinefwr comes into view. We follow the signs to the castle and down the long a narrow drive we go. We pull into the castle and thankfully there is one more space in shade under a large oak tree. My family go off to see the old castle and wander around the woods. While I have some quiet time in the cool shade.

Day 8 - Raglan Castle and Home

We are all up early, packing, tidying and loading ready for the journey home. It doesn't take long and soon enough we're on the road home. Leaving the oh so hot and sunny Wales behind us. 8 Days in wales and not a drop of rain who would have believed it! To make the most of our CADW membership we decide to make a quick stop at Raglan Castle. We've driven past it several times and it would be nice to see it before our membership runs out. The swallows are there in force littering the sky with their darting flight. There is a lot to see but it doesn't take long before we're itching to be on the road again on the way home.

Goodbye Wales. Thank you for the warm or even hot welcome. We've enjoyed our time but home is calling. So its so long for now.