Explore Mid Wales

Drygarn Fawr: a trip to the gaping gap on the map (and three ways to reach the summit)

Distance: Routes vary in length between 3 and 10 miles) On a hike in a totally different part of Wales at a totally different time last year, Undiscovered Wales met, on the trail, what you could only describe as a true veteran of the hills. A hardened, rain-lashed, wind-grizzled walker who imparted a knowing look whichever part of Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons or Mid Wales … Continue reading Drygarn Fawr: a trip to the gaping gap on the map (and three ways to reach the summit)

lwaterson
Sleep Mid Wales

The Red Kite Estate: futuristic, first-of-their-kind getaways in the wilderness

Wilderness is one of those words bandied about too lightly these days: in Europe we do not in truth have very much of it. On a continent-wide scale, aside from Scandinavia’s northern fringes and parts of northern Scotland, one of the areas most deserving of the term is the tract of Mid Wales where the Red Kite Estate lies. The largest expanse of continuous moorland … Continue reading The Red Kite Estate: futuristic, first-of-their-kind getaways in the wilderness

lwaterson
Explore Mid Wales

Traeth Bach: the cut-off cove that eludes almost everyone

No one could term the beach destinations of Llangrannog, bustling one-time hangout of Dylan Thomas, and Penbryn, home to one of Wales’ best beach cafes, off-the-beaten-track. Both are pretty popular when the sun comes out. But there is a sandy bay in-between attracting about three visitors to every 300 Llangrannog and Penbryn pull in, and is so Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-picturesque it makes even its beautiful neighbours seem … Continue reading Traeth Bach: the cut-off cove that eludes almost everyone

lwaterson
Voices of Wales

Pembrokeshire through an illustrator’s eyes: Jackie Morris puts us in the picture

Goldfinches in mid-flight, a proud oak bent in the breeze, the unfurling of a fern, an owl gliding on a moonlit night, the slippery grace of an otter under water - Jackie Morris’ illustrations are the ultimate journey into the natural world through the simple act of turning a page. The British artist and writer lives in a cottage in Pembrokeshire on Wales’ wild west … Continue reading Pembrokeshire through an illustrator’s eyes: Jackie Morris puts us in the picture

Kerry Walker
Sleep Snowdonia & North Wales

Bodysgallen Hall: National Trust-owned manor in the far north ensconced in exquisite gardens

Turning off the busy Conwy-Llandudno road and bumping over the cattle grid past this palatial property’s gatehouse, itself more lavish than many hotels, it becomes apparent that a stay at Bodysgallen Hall is a firm, fine waltz back in time to a picturesque, peaceful pocket of Wales where the clock stopped some time in the 19th century - or possibly even earlier. Thought to have … Continue reading Bodysgallen Hall: National Trust-owned manor in the far north ensconced in exquisite gardens

lwaterson
Voices of Wales

Stargazing in the Cambrian Mountains at summer solstice with Dafydd Wyn Morgan

The Cambrian Mountains are home to some of the UK’s darkest night skies, with very little light pollution making for perfect stargazing conditions. We talk to Dafydd Wyn Morgan, project manager for Dyfodol Cambrian Futures, about the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail that has recently put this remote, wild corner of Wales firmly on the celestial map. Taking in nine locations that have been awarded Milky … Continue reading Stargazing in the Cambrian Mountains at summer solstice with Dafydd Wyn Morgan

Kerry Walker
Explore Mid Wales

Gentle wilderness along Abergwesyn Common

It can be a wild, stark place, Mid Wales: sometimes too much so for day-trippers who prefer Snowdonia’s more Instagram-able blockbuster beauty. At Undiscovered Wales we love the wildness and the starkness. But sometimes, we crave a lazy, languid day out too: the pootling drive out to a jaw-dropping beauty spot to picnic, cool off in a river and dreamily look at the view. Abergwesyn … Continue reading Gentle wilderness along Abergwesyn Common

lwaterson
Voices of Wales

Talking gin with James Wright of Aber Falls Distillery

Put everything else on ice: it’s time to chill the tonic and make the ultimate lockdown G&T for World Gin Day on 13th June. To give you a head start, we talk to James Wright, managing director at Aber Falls Distillery in Snowdonia, about Welsh gin and how to best drink it. What’s the secret to the perfect G&T, James? Nothing tastes as delicious as … Continue reading Talking gin with James Wright of Aber Falls Distillery

Kerry Walker
Recipe Corner

In high spirits: Aber Falls’ gin cocktail recipe created atop Snowdon

In eager anticipation of World Gin Day on 13th June (that’s this Saturday, folks), we bring you a one-of-a-kind cocktail recipe courtesy of Aber Falls Distillery in Snowdonia. This is no ordinary cocktail: it was created with the first gin to be distilled at 1085m above sea level at the summit of Snowdon. Raising the bar further still, award-winning bar tender Alex Mills - of … Continue reading In high spirits: Aber Falls’ gin cocktail recipe created atop Snowdon

Kerry Walker
Explore South Wales & the Valleys

Paxton’s Tower: the fabulous folly far above the Tywi commemorating prospects lost

Protruding out of the wood-carpeted line of hills south of the River Tywi in bizarre neo-Gothic splendour, Paxton’s Tower is no retiring violet from the public eye - indeed it is among Carmarthenshire’s most distinctive landmarks - but its sheer comic oddness renders it the sort of spot we at Undiscovered Wales absolutely love. The surrounding parish of Llanarthne has, since 2000, become one of … Continue reading Paxton’s Tower: the fabulous folly far above the Tywi commemorating prospects lost

lwaterson