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What was a Cwmwd and what is a Cantref?
In a number of my posts over the years I have mentioned the term Cantref and thought that perhaps now was a good time to explain what this ancient method of land division was and how it functioned. I hope that you will find this of interest. I have also briefly covered what a Cwmwd…
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Crug Hywel Through the Mists of Time
We starting driving from home through thick fog, and were not very optimistic it would lift. The closer we got the more pessimistic we became that we would get many views during our walk, especially as the fog thickened the closer we got to Crickhowell. But not to be deterred we left the car in…
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Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
A lighthouse is painted white – fact! Well, not always it seems. The lighthouse standing at the tip of the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides is definitely not white, in-fact it is hardly painted at all. When viewed from a distance the 37m tall tower built with red bricks resembles a tall industrial chimney.…
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Ty Hwnt I’r Bont – Welsh 100 #63
What else is there to do on a cold and wet day in June? Hmm..let’s think. I know let’s find somewhere interesting to eat! And we’ve not done a Welsh 100 for sometime, especially one involving food. So off we went to Llanrwst to see what was on offer at Ty Hwnt I’r Bont (House…
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Heston Brake
Aunty was away for the weekend and so this gave me the opportunity for some solo exploration of a Neolithic burial chamber not so far from home. Whilst Aunty tolerates my fascination with ancient monuments, it’s not an activity that is actively encouraged. Though I have been accused of having an internal ‘tomb radars as…
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Castell Cynfal
Growing up in Tywyn I had so often passed below Castell Cynfal and thought I must go up there and have a look. Finally after almost 60 years I managed to achieve this minor ambition. The castle sits on a low saddle nestled under the summit of Corlan Fraith, but there is very little to…
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Castell Meurig
Wales is a small country with a huge number of castles. Many of these are spectacular stone structures built by the invading Normans and also by the Welsh princes to protect their lands. However, not all are impressive remains many are just small lumps in the landscape. And Castell Meurig just outside Llangadog is one…
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Sand Castles
There can’t be many places in the UK where you can look down on a Norman castle from the top of a sand dune. You’ll have to look closely at the main photo above to see the castle among the trees. Candleston Castle may not be a major fortress, but as a fortified manor house…
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Grwyne Fawr – forests, hills, saints and revenge.
Today Cwm Grwyne Fawr seems to be a journeys end. The single track road becomes narrower and narrower snaking further into the hills. The farm houses we passed appeared less frequently giving a real sense of sense of remoteness even though this is only a few miles from Abergavenny. However, it was not always thus…
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Ffynnon Issui
Tucked down off the road near a sharp bend, and just above the Nant Mair Ffynnon Issui is one of the better preserved wells I come across in a while. Steps lead down from the road to a small dry stone alter enclosing a square basin which collects water running down from a stream in…
Travels With My Aunt
Random notes on the travels of a Welshman who has been allowed out to play after finishing his chores. OK so I don't travel with my Aunt, but I am usually under the adult supervision of my long suffering wife.
Travels With My Aunt 