Day 7: Wales – Crickhowell
This was my view sitting outside the hotel this morning – no words needed
After breakfast we took a drive through the Welsh country side and little villages to the Brecon Beacons visitors Centre. The whole area encompasses the Brecon Beacons National Park. In a narrow sense, the name refers to the range of old sandstone peaks, which lie south of the town of Brecon.
The scenery along the narrow lanes and open roads is 50 shades of green – shrubs, trees, grasses – dotted with wild flowers. The farm fields are surrounded by dark green hedgerows, with grazing sheep and cows.
The villages are quaint, most surrounding old castles, some in ruins and old churches with tall spires.
Rather than go for a drive, Gareth decided to go on a hike. He headed up the mountain behind Crickhowell, a flat topped mountain, known as Table Mountain. He was excited to have hiked up both Table mountains. He loved the 4 hour hike and returned with stories of the flora and fauna he had discovered.
On our trip back we stopped off at Brecon and walked across the canal to the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum. A whole room is dedicated to the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battles. The town was abuzz with excitement as King Goodwill, the Zulu king, will be visiting them on Sunday. Having stayed at Fugitives Drift and done the Battlefield tour with the Rattray family two years ago, visiting here was like coming full circle. We had stood on the fields and entered the house where the battles took place, here depicted in the museum with toy soldiers. In the museum were relics of the original memorabilia, the original British flag from the battle and the Victoria Crosses awarded. A special morning.
We had delicious homemade pies and pastries for lunch at the local bakery. Gray and I then went for a walk along the canals before meeting Gareth for beers at Bridge End pub.
After dinner at the Bear Hotel, Robs and I went for walk and took in more beautiful views of the town.
Pandas in Africa 