Tasting the Scenic Rails of Mid Wales

Sunday 30 July - 5 days away from £649pp
Single supplement - £118
Door-to-door pick-ups available

Mid Wales is bordered by the two stunning national parks of Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, and is home to rich green landscapes, the spoilt Ceredigion coastline and the stunning Cambrian mountains.

Price includes:

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast.
Entertainment in the hotel on one evening.
Excursions as detailed.
Entrance to Powis Castle and Gardens, and Elan Visitor Centre.
Train journeys as detailed.
Guided tour and tasting of Penderyn Distillery.

Itinerary:

Day one:
We make our way to the hotel with a couple of comfort stops on the journey, then are then welcomed with tea and coffee on arrival.

Day two:
In the morning, we head north to the impressive Powis Castle, which began life as a medieval fortress. We spend time at leisure exploring the magnificent collections contained in the castle and its world-famous garden, as well as a superb collection of treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum. After time for lunch, we set our sights on the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Set in a fantastic location against a spectacular backdrop of a Victorian stone dam, Elan is a nature and wildlife haven withinthe Cambrian Mountains. We can explore at leisure, whilst a team of Rangers are on hand to tell us more and how to get the most out of our afternoon.

Day three:
Today we travel west to the popular seaside resort of Aberystwyth where we board the Vale of Rheidol Railway (past winner of Coach Friendly Heritage Railway of the Year) for a nostalgic journey through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery. During our three-hour round trip, our narrow-gauge
steam locomotive climbs 700ft to Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous waterfalls. We spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, exploring Aberystwyth’s many attractions, including the longest electric cliff railway in Britain.

Day four:
This morning, we head south for a six-mile return vintage steam train journey from Pant to Torpantau on the Brecon Mountain Railway. We journey along the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons. Our 90-minute trip includes a 35-minute stop at Pontsticill station where there is a Lakeside café and Steam Museum. We have free time for lunch back at Pant Station’s Tearoom and time to visit the locomotive workshop before heading to the famous and award-winning Penderyn Distillery where we enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Our tour and tasting will teach us about the founding of Penderyn and what makes the different whiskies taste as they do, so we’ll begin to understand why its reputation as a quality whisky producer is growing.

Day five:
On our final day, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading home, arriving late afternoon.

Your Hotel:

Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells (****)
The elegant and historic four-star Metropole Hotel is located in the centre of the Victorian town of Llandrindod Wells and was originally the largest hotel in Wales. Still privately owned by the great, great grandson of the original owner, the Metropole is still the highest AA rated hotel in Mid Wales. All 109
traditionally styled bedrooms are well sized and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. There is a large, spacious restaurant with a conservatory offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, a modern, cosy bar and a comfortable lounge. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, steam room and gym. The hotel has a lift.

Book today:

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