The Magic of Mid Wales

03-26-2014

New York, New York – March 26, 2014 - The diminutive country of Wales is just about the size of the state of New Jersey.  Yet each region within that compact geographic area is densely packed with its own local delights. Mid Wales is stunning in its diversity- from the brooding Brecon Beacons in the east, to the rugged Ceredigion Coast in the west and formidable Harlech Castle in the north.

Tregaron, an unmistakably Welsh market town is a good base from which to visit this undiscovered region. The town is building a reputation for hospitality and as a major walking center and is nestled on the western edge of The Cambrian Mountains.

The Prince of Wales inspired The Cambrian Mountains Initiative (CMI) of which he is president.  The initiative seeks to maintain a unique living environment by sustaining rural communities and family farms and guarding the area’s natural environment and heritage. Providing the best Welsh welcome and a high quality of service to visitors is also a major aim. The CMI has appointed Tourism Ambassadors – establishments that have agreed to strict criteria of excellence in their products and services.

The Prince of Wales has made his Welsh home at Llwynywermod, near the village of Myddfai, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. Forming part of the courtyard range adjoining Llwynywermod, West Range is a charming barn conversion available for periodic vacation rental.  For more information go to  www.duchyofcornwallholidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/west-range.php

Y Talbot – www.ytalbot.com, a welcoming pub and hotel in the center of Tregaron is a Tourism Ambassador along with Rhiannon Gold Centre (Welsh gold is extremely rare and is used in crafting royal wedding rings), The National Library of Wales-www.llgc.org.uk-in Aberystwyth (the repository for over 4 million volumes, including the first book printed in Welsh) and several other hotels, restaurants and attractions. www.cambrianmountains.co.uk will give you more information about this beautiful stretch of Mid Wales.

The region’s food is outstanding. Caerphilly, the king of Welsh cheeses is traditionally made by Trethowan’s Dairy near Tregaron and Cambrian Welsh Lamb is also a local delicacy. www.trethowansdairy.co.uk.

Myths and legends abound: Twm Siôn Cati-commonly referred to as ‘The Welsh Robin Hood,’ (c1530-1609) deserves more respect. He was of noble blood, a poet and a heraldic bard of renown. Another legend concerns The Tregaron Elephant, a circus performer that died in the town in 1848 and is rumored to be buried behind the town's Talbot Hotel. Visit www.americas.visitwales.com for more information about the myths and legends of Wales.

Recently, the Ceredigion Coast Path was incorporated into the 871-mile Wales Coast Path and offers walkers exceptional coastal views and seaside villages – www.walescoastpath.gov.uk.

At Mid-Wales’s western edge, the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of just eight ‘Dark Sky Reserves’ on the entire planet – http://www.darksky.org.  Now, the Elan Valley, with some of the darkest skies in the UK, is striving to become the first International Dark Sky Park in Wales – thus protecting the wildlife of the night and giving amateur astronomers and visitors a matchless environment in which to appreciate the night sky of this beautiful area. It put Mid Wales on the map as an astro-tourism destination.

Soar Chapel, the most remote chapel in Wales, sits peacefully amid the hills and streams of the Cambrian Mountains. It is beautiful place in which to spend a quiet moment or two and to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Llanwrtyd Wells has long been recognized as the ‘capital of quirk’ in Wales. This summer, the town will host both their annual Green Events – www.green-events.co.uk, and the 2014 World Alternative Games - www.worldalternativegames.co.uk. Root for your favorite as international contestants show their skill at bog snorkeling, in a man vs horse marathon and many other off beat competitions.

For the very best hotels and guest houses, check out www.rarebits.co.uk and

www.little-places.co.uk. These individually owned properties offer some of the very best in Welsh accommodation, food and drink – like Dolly – a splendidly restored circus waggon - www.ffynnonf.co.uk/waggon.htm -just one option in the Little Places collection.

From majestic mountains to a glorious coast, Mid Wales offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore the best of Wales by discovering its towns and villages, food and drink. You’ll experience the warmest of Welsh Welcomes (Croeso).

For more information about this region of Wales go to www.amercias.visitwales.com

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