Day Out to Plas Tan y Bwlch with Llandudno MG Owners’ Club

A quick disclaimer before I start… the photos below are snapshots, some taken on my phone and others taken from a moving car – they are here to illustrate the words not as a form of art in their own right.

Today’s run started from Tescos at Llandudno Junction but the places that we visited can easily be found from other starting points in North Wales.  This is the route that we took.  I may have inadvertently changed a junction but the outcome is the same.  There were about 9 cars (I didn’t count) – you’ll see some of the cars in the photos.

We headed away from Llandudno and up into the lanes above Glan Conwy and along the tops of the hills above the Conwy valley.  It’s a bit steep and narrow getting up there but well worth the effort.  The view across to the Carneddau and beyond was spectacular but due to the haze a photo wouldn’t have done it justice (doubt if you would’ve seen what I’m on about).  Loads of snow still on the mountains and there was lots of evidence of how deep the snow had been along our route.

There were a couple of places where we could see lanes still closed by snow… and it came down more than 2 weeks ago!

Our leader for the day led us across hills and moorland, through places that we recognised and some that surprised us – I’d never heard of Llansannan but it’s quite a big place (sorry residents of Llansannan!).

Eventually we came out on the Denbigh moors and headed for Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre for our coffee break.

I’ve driven down the B4501 loads of times (mostly in the middle of the night) but have never stopped at Llyn Brenig – I was surprised how big it is and there’s obviously lots of fishing going on there.  There looked to be small boats with outboard engines for hire and some sort of fish breeding “cages” out in the middle.

There also seems to be a fair amount of mountain biking in the area given the muddy cyclists buying bacon rolls in the cafe!  Here’s the link if you’d like to find out more information.

We parked up and checked that we hadn’t lost anybody along the way.

It wasn’t quite warm enough to sit outside as there is still quite a bit of snow about but I imagine that it must be lovely on a warmer day.

Was wondering what the motorcyclists thought about the car park all being cleared of snow except for their spaces?

After our break we were back on our way again.  Still lots of miles to cover before lunch!

We headed back out onto the Moors again and eventually hit the A5 for a very short stretch before turning off towards Pentrafoelas.  There’s a 40mph speed restriction on the A5 at Pentrefoelas and we spotted a (probably) frustrated traffic cop just beyond where we turned off the main road.  He must’ve thought that he was going to catch at least one of this convoy of MGs doing more than 40… but not today!

Just whilst mentioning Pentrefoelas I have to tell you that there is a little car park just after the turning.  There are some lovely walks along the river and a picnic area.  It’s also a great  place to stop for a clean loo (on opposite side of the road to the car park).  There’s also a tea shop inside the Riverside Chocolate House

Another quick check that nobody had missed the turn and we were back off across the countryside again.

As you can imagine a convoy of MGs can take people by surprise.  Our group today didn’t cause too much of a stir but these farmers and their dog weren’t quite sure how many were coming down the road.

If you really want to see a lot of MGs together check out Llandudno MG Owners’ Club Snowdon Run on August 18th 2013.  It begins with a lineup of all cars on the Promenade at Llandudno in the morning and finishes on Cae Llan in the middle of Betws y Coed in the afternoon.  Back to our run…

We went through the village of Ysbty Ifan..  If you know any welsh then you’ll know that “ysbty” means “hospital” and there’s certainly no hospital in this tiny, picturesque village.  Well this reference dates back to the Knights of St John who founded a hospice here in 1190.  Find out more here.

Our trip continued out across the moors again.  This lonely road across to Pont yr Afon Garn is amazing!  It is difficult to believe that there could still be a road in North Wales where it is possible to drive for so long without any signs of civilisation – no pylons, no fences, no houses… try it and see!

The cafe at  Pont yr Afon Garn had a sign out to say that it was open… that’s a sure sign that it must be nearly Summer.

On a clear day the road from this point down to Llan Ffestiniog is a joy with views over the Moelwyns, the Rhinogs and as far as the coast.  Today was hazy and not so spectacular but very pleasant.  There is a car park and view point along this stretch of road but it is unsigned and has a narrow entrance between two big stone walls.  We managed to duck in there (much to our convoy’s surprise) as we knew where it was… keep your eyes open for it.  This is a photo looking down the hill.  Much better views to be had on a better day.

After this we carried on down the Vale of Ffestiniog to Plas Tan y Bwlch at Maentwrog.  If you’re turning into Plas Tan y Bwlch pull into the layby on the left and then cross the main road into their entrance like a cross road.  I think it’s safer that way.

Quick check around the car park… yes – everybody has made it to our destination!

We walked up to the main house through the gardens.  I think due to the recent cold snap, all of the Spring plants are running a bit late but it was a pleasant enough walk.

Some of the group decided to brave the terrace for their picnics whilst others decided to sit inside in the Conservatory.  

The view from the Terrace is wonderful – but needs a sunny day to do it justice in a photo.

There is no entrance fee for the house or gardens and there are lots of walks around the grounds.  The House has its own halt on the Ffestiniog Railway and we were lucky enough to see a train coming through the mountains, down the Vale of Ffestiniog towards us and hear it blow its whistle as it went around the back of the house.

The last of the photos…

And the obligatory group photo… some people will try to pinch anything!

So there you go!  Would thoroughly recommend Plas Tan y Bwlch for a visit during your stay at Cadair View Lodge.  It’s about 15 minutes drive away.  It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.  There are self-powered audio points through the gardens to give the information about what’s around you.  The Oakley Arms or The Grapes are local recommended places to eat.

Have you been?  What did you think?

Mountain Biking UK – Welsh Special Edition 2012

Check out the Welsh Special Edition of Mountain Biking UK magazine on sale tomorrow – June 1st.

You’ll see our advert alongside a feature on the recent Fetish UK Gravity Enduro series round which took place at Coed Brenin over an extremely wet and wild weekend. Several of the teams taking part stayed with us – bet they were REALLY glad that they were in a nice, warm dry log cabin and weren’t camping!

There’s also the first feature with brilliant photos of the soon to be opened Antur Stiniog – One Big Adventure Gravity Bike Park alongside Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog.  This is a wonderful new development with 4… yes 4, downhill / free ride trails, uplift service (with push up track coming soon for outside of uplift running hours) and a Visitor Centre with cafe, showers, bike shop and roof top viewing area.   We’ve also been told that there will be a separate free ride skills area built along side of the Visitor Centre.   There’s loads of parking on site.co

Get a flavour for what riding here is going to be like here

I also love this film of the build.  The music is no reflection of my thoughts about those who participate in hard-core downhill mtb… honest!

Next year, the new Tan-y-Grisiau Lake XC route will be opened.  This will be a spectacular ride!  Having walked the area regularly I can tell you that the scenery is immense!  Just west of Blaenau Ffestiniog and a short ride from Antur Stiniog it will be well worth the visit… great cafe by the dam too!

We were enormously proud to be asked by the Antur Stiniog Team to do a presentation, at the launch of Eryri One Big Adventure back in March, as a showcase of how local accommodation providers should cater for the mountain bikers visiting the area.  We were also featured on ITV Wales News as part of the project.

This new Centre is about 15 – 20 minutes drive from Cadair View Lodge Log Cabins and boosts the number of “official” trails that are within an hour’s drive of our accommodation to well over 20!  Far too many for ONE weekend’s stay!

And finally, Mountain Biking UK features the Wales Coast to Coast route which comes right past our front door!  If you are coming this way remember that we offer single night stays all year except Christmas and New Year.  We have a pub 5 minutes away for food (including breakfasts)  and “refreshment”.   Our famous Welcome Basket provides basic provisions (bread, milk, tea, coffee, etc. washing-up liquid, loo rolls) is standard with EVERY stay.  We can also have bed linen on your beds for when you arrive exhausted!  And don’t worry… we’ve seen a muddy shower or two in our time!

Enjoy the magazine and we look forward to seeing you very soon.

For more information about what we offer See Our Website

To book, or for more information call me, Sue, on 01978 759603 (office hours usually 10am – 7pm Monday – Friday and weekends).  If I am out leave me a message and I’ll call you back.

Birthday Meal at Indiana Cuisine, Fairbourne

As some of you may know it was my birthday last Friday.  Yes, I know that I don’t look 21 but I’m sure that was the birthday that I was celebrating

It was suggested that I might like to go to Raj + Noorie’s restaurant, Indiana Cuisine, in Fairbourne.  It’s within the Cadair View Lodge 30 Minute Ring.  No complaints from me there.

As always we were met at the door by Raj, our local Bollywood star (read this story) and taken to our table.  It is not unusual to be greeted by Raj + Noorie’s small son, Aazaan, too.  He has all of his father’s charisma and I’m sure that he’ll be a huge hit with the local girls as he grows up.    After we’d settled Raj came over to ask whether there was anything special that I’d like.  I told him that I was starving and would be happy to eat anything.  Then, like some sort of magician, he “produced” my youngest daughter who I expected to be at Uni in Cheltenham… what a great surprise!  He’d had her hidden at the back of the restaurant waiting for us to arrive and I’d been positioned so that I wouldn’t see her approaching the table.

As always, the food was brilliant.  If you like Indian food you must visit Indiana Cuisine.  We had a vegetarian and a meat samosa platter to start with pickles and poppadoms.  For main most of us chose Lemon Chicken with Jeni choosing an extra hot JP.  A JP curry isn’t on the menu and so I can’t tell you the details of it but it seems very popular with our friends and you can choose the strength.  Something that they do at Indiana Cuisine that I’ve never experienced anywhere else is that during your starters they bring out a sample of the sauce from your main course so that you can ask for “adjustments” if necessary – a lovely bit of customer care.

We all enjoyed our meals very much and as always a couple of little extras arrived from the kitchen.  A sample of a Thai dish that they’re working on and some mint naan which was sticky sweet with a hint of mint to it… delicious!

At the end of the meal another surprise.  My eldest daughter is a talented cake decorator and my cake had been sneaked into the restaurant before my arrival too.  And what was it…?  A walking boot – what do you think?  The restaurant had served it on a platter of fruit.

My Birthday Cake

It was a lovely evening and everything was perfect… as it always is there.

If you time your trains right it is possible to get the train there and back from Barmouth or further along the coast.  Fairbourne Station is no more than 2 minutes walk from Indiana Cuisine meaning that you can also have a drink with your meal.

The Season of Love

We’re at that time of the Year, just after St Dwynwen’s Day and before St Valentine’s Day when people’s minds can turn to LOVE.

Potential guests are still calling, looking for that “perfect Valentine’s getaway” to show their loved ones how much they care.  People are looking for champagne, flowers and somebody is even looking for a picnic to be supplied.  There’s no mention of any Valentine’s proposals yet but maybe the ladies are waiting until 29th February to take their opportunity to make a Leap Year proposal.

We had news today of yet another successful proposal during a stay with us.  This gentleman proposed to his girlfriend during a mountain walk around New Year.  It was one that we hadn’t been told about beforehand so it may have been a spur of the minute thing.  There have been several of those.  Moon light, stars, spectacular scenery, twinkling fairy-lights and maybe a glass or 2 of Dutch courage have contributed to a “surprise” proposal.

Looking back across our records I think there have been about 110 proposals during our 9 years, and as far as I know, they’ve all been successful.  It’s always great when I’m let in on the secret when the potential “proposer” books a stay.  Sometimes we’re “roped in” to help with the planning.  This is often the case when the person making the booking is serving in the Forces and stationed  overseas.  I’ve liaised with Llechwedd Slate Caverns for when guests have wanted to propose by their underground lake.  I’ve helped choose the right hill-top, vantage point.  I’ve suggested the beach to be on at sunset.  We’ve smuggled bouquets into cabins in the dead of night.  All part of the service that we offer.

If you’d like a romantic stay in Snowdonia this Valentines’ Day or at any other time during the year then get in touch or have a look at the Romantic Breaks page of our website.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

We can provide gift vouchers for either the full cost or towards  the cost of a stay.  An ideal wedding or anniversary gift.  Extras such as champagne, chocolates, flowers, rose petal strewn beds or picnics can usually be arranged.  Please ask.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Train Crossing Barmouth Bridge

Just spotted that they’re planning a remake of the 1941 film “The Ghost Train” starring Arthur Askey.

The basic plot behind this comedy was that a group are stranded at a remote railway station overnight, which is haunted by a phantom train.  The original film had scenes filmed on Barmouth bridge and at Fairbourne Station, both within 30 minutes of us at Cadair View Lodge.  The remake is being filmed on the  Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Have you ever taken a look at our Film + TV Location page on the website?  You’ll be surprised at how many big films have been filmed, at least in part, in Snowdonia.  Carry On Up The Kyber was filmed on one of the paths on Snowdon.  Lara Croft has run up our mountains too.  Found it hilarious that due to the wonders of editing Richard Gere could jump into the lake at Trawsfynydd, get out and ride his horse along Black Rock Sands, then up an incline at Blaenau Ffestiniog only to enter a slate mine in Harlech (bet somebody will correct me on one of those) all apparently contiguously.  That’s films for you.

Tomb Raider 2, Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life was meant to cause a huge tourist boom in the area around Beddgelert but it never happened.

Anyhow, next time that you’re watching one of the films on the list try to spot Snowdonia and then maybe come to visit the actual location for yourself.  Cadair View Lodge makes an excellent base for exploring the area and many of the film locations mentioned are within the Cadair View Lodge 30 Minute Drive Ring 

 

Fancy A New Hobby in 2012?

This is the time of year when many of us resolve to “change our lives”.  It may be that we resolve to make a lifestyle change – lose weight, get fit or stop smoking or it may be to learn something new.

Whilst a visit to us in Snowdonia can be part of your lose weight, get fit and stop smoking resolutions we also have lots to offer in the learning a new skill side too.  We’ve put together a list of suggestions for courses local (within 30 minutes drive) to Cadair View Lodge accommodation.  Remember that our log cabin accommodation prices are per property and not per person.  So you could bring your family to enjoy a break in Snowdonia whilst you attend your course and the accommodation would cost the same.

Learn Photography - This is our sister company.  Based at Bronaber, Learn Photography.co.uk offer 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 hands-on, customisable digital photography tuition.  No previous knowledge is expected or required and attendees don’t even need their own camera – one can be provided.  Course content it flexible to suit each attendees requirements.  The group size is only one or two people (e.g. for a couple) so attendees get the full attention of the tutor and can ask as many “silly” questions as they want without embarrassment.  This also means that elements can be gone over and over until attendees “get the idea”.

Courses are usually run over 2 days and the price include accommodation in a 2 bed roomed, self catering log cabin for 2 nights.  Attendees are welcome to bring other members of their family to use the accommodation during the course.

Wild Welsh Wood - Wild Welsh Wood specialise in producing furniture made

Mini Story Telling Chairs Made By Wild Welsh Wood

from reclaimed materials.  Their one day course would see attendees learning the skills and completing a rustic chair or stool.  Longer courses to make more detailed pieces of furniture can be arranged.  Guests staying with Cadair View Lodge and taking  a Wild Welsh Wood one day course between January and end of March 2012 will receive 10% discount on their course.  We love Wild Welsh Wood’s story telling chairs.  These are the child sized versions of the originals.  The Company are  based at Dolgoch Falls, about 40 minutes drive from Cadair View Lodge.

Sylvanflair, at Corris Craft Centre, also offer wood furniture making courses.

Mountain Bike Skills Course – Steve, from Wheelism provides a wide range of mountain bike skills courses at Coed y Brenin trail centre which is 2 miles from Cadair View Lodge.  He also runs bike maintenance courses.  Campbell Coaching also provide courses in the area.

Snowdonia Safaris – If you’re thinking big game hunting across the hills you’d be wrong.  A Snowdonia Safari will help you to learn more about and to experience the food (and drink) that is produced in our area.  The selection of safaris is steadily growing and I believe that there will soon be an opportunity to attend a workshop with an artisan baker as part of a safari.  Guests staying with Cadair View Lodge will receive a discount on their safari.

Nature and the Environment – Teaching children through being outdoors is becoming ever more popular with Forest and Beach schools being talked about regularly.  When you come to Snowdonia check out what Ranger activities are being held at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre just down the road from us.  For those who are a little older the Centre for Alternative Technology  hold a wide range of day and multi-day courses about 40 minutes away from us.

Mountain Skills – Many people come to Snowdonia for the Great Outdoors.  Some time spent learning the basics from an experienced instructor can help you to start enjoying your chosen discipline far quicker and also help to keep you safer.  Our friends at Seren Ventures (based in Betws y Coed but operating across the National Park) offer a wide range of courses and guiding.  If they can’t help you they will be glad to give you the details of somebody who can.

Kayaking  – The Tryweryn and Mawddach are just two of the local rivers that prove very popular with kayakers  To be safe and to enjoy the sport take a course with an experienced local coach.  The team at Canolfan Tryweryn can provide a full range of coaching at the National White Water Centre at Frongoch, about 15 minutes drive from Cadair View Lodge.  Also check out FlowFree Coaching who can provide coaching at all levels.

Drive A Steam Train – Snowdonia is well-known for its steam railways.  Come to stay and have a go at driving a train yourself.  The Fairbourne Railway offers “exclusive use” of their railway on non-passenger days.  The Talyllyn Railway offer a “full day” driving experience.

Quilting + Patchworking – Bumble Bee Quilting in Corris run workshops, courses and demonstrations for all skill levels of quilters and patchworkers.  They also have a well stocked shop (and an online shop) to provide all of your quilting, patchworking and other crafting needs.

Fishing Courses – With access to rivers, lakes, estuaries and the sea, Snowdonia is an ideal location for those who love to fish.  The North Wales Fly Fishing School based near to Bala offers courses in all aspects of fresh water and sea fishing.  See their website for full details of their courses.

Bill Swann Glass Courses - Bill’s courses run at his extensively equipped workshops in Porthmadog (about 20 minutes drive from Cadair View Lodge).  The courses are mixed ability which gives beginners a chance to see what can be achieved by more experienced students.  The courses run over 3 days to allow for the preparation of materials and the overnight firing of pieces.  I attended one of Bill’s courses last February and came away with some small pieces to use in jewelry, a couple of slump glass pieces that have been transformed for use with candles and a couple of fused pieces that stand on a window ledge.

Bushcraft Skills – Are you a budding Ray Mears?  You can really experience the wild and decide whether or not foraging and building your own shelters and fires is for you under the supervision of Firefox Bushcraft who run a variety of courses   close to us in Snowdonia.

Cookery Coaching – Wild in the Pantry offer occasional cookery coaching sessions.  There are usually a number of different topics to choose from each lasting for half a day.  Groups are kept small – usually no more than 4 people, and are as “hands on” as is practical given the space.

Our accommodation is very flexible.  Guests can stay with us for any number of days (except Christmas and New Year) and we can often arrange early arrivals and late stays with advance notice.  All of our guests receive our famous Welcome Basket (bread, milk, tea, coffee, biscuits, dairy spread, etc.) no matter how long they stay.  Contact us to book

If you would like to run a course, training session or team building event in Snowdonia then contact us to discuss your requirements.  Our guests have access to a free training room locally.  This room can be fully catered.  It will seat up to 40 people “restaurant style” (i.e. in tables of 4) but can configured to meet individual requirements.  It can also be blacked out for slide shows.

There is so much happening within the Cadair View Lodge 30 Minute Ring that I am bound to have missed something out.  If you run a course or training that would be of interest to visitors to southern Snowdonia then please contact us and I’ll add you in an update.  If you’d like to work with Cadair View Lodge in 2012 then let me know too.

Meal Out At Cross Foxes Bar Grill + Rooms

I’ve only been to the Cross Foxes (at junction of A470 + A494 south of Dolgellau) in the day time and on a grey and miserable day, so arriving in the dark gave a totally different impression.  The outside is subtly lit with the slate steps leading to the front door in-laid with blue LED lights.  Once through the front doors we were met by the homely smell of wax from candle lanterns and the smell of an open fire.

It was a mid-week night so the bar / dining room wasn’t very full but due to the layout it felt quite cosy and not as though we were in an empty space.  Whilst I’m talking about it feeling quite cosy, it was also nice and warm due to the underfloor heating.  I only know about this as the last time I was at The Cross Foxes I was attending an energy efficiency workshop and we were given a guided tour of the building to see all of the renovations and to hear about the energy efficiency measures that had been put in place.  Anyway back to the meal…

The menu isn’t huge but with the addition of the specials list there is plenty to choose from.  For starters two of us chose breaded brie with sweet chilli sauce, one chose a goats cheese and beetroot tartlet and the other chose carrot and coriander soup.  Dewi, the owner, who was looking after the bar and serving meals too, did warn that the soup had a kick to it and I’m told that he wasn’t wrong!

For main course we eventually chose battered sea bass and chips, faggots with mashed potato and two chose local pork sausages with mash.  Rachel had a good laugh at me choosing faggots… not for the reason that you might suspect.  She’s a bassoonist and the word “fagot” appears at the top of many of her musical scores (being the German word for bassoon) and the thought of a bassoon with mashed potato “tickled her”.  My faggots were lovely.  Lots of flavour and not at all dry (some that I’ve had elsewhere have been).  Everybody who had the mashed potato said that they could’ve eaten more (although we did receive a sizable portion) as it was so nice… especially mixed with the really tasty gravy.

For dessert Olli decided that he could fit in a portion of sticky toffee pudding with ice cream… but then he could eat for Britain I’m sure.  The rest of us decided that we could only fit in ice cream.  We had poor Dewi scurrying backwards and forward to the kitchen asking about flavours.  Being one to try the more unusual I had to try the Welsh Rarebit Ice-cream, and yes, it does have little chunks of Snowdonia Cheese in it and I can recommend that you try a scoop or two if you get the chance.

All in all we had a lovely evening.  The service was very relaxed, at no point did we feel rushed.  The atmosphere was cosy and warm – we certainly didn’t feel like jumping up and dashing away.  There was some Spanish music playing in the background and then The Best of the Eagles CD.  Loud enough to hear but not loud enough to be obtrusive.

If this is the usual standard of The Cross Foxes then I am not at all surprised that they have a mention in the 2012 Good Food Guide and a string of other awards.  I have no hesitation in recommending that you pay Dewi and Nichol a visit.

If you are driving to Cadair View Lodge from South Wales or from Shrewsbury direction then you will pass The Cross Foxes.  They serve dinner until 9.30pm and serve lunch from 12pm – 2.30pm (12pm – 9.30pm on a Sunday).  They also serve tea, coffee, sandwiches and cake in their cafe throughout the day.