Joshua recommends The Blue Lagoon as the perfect place for cliff diving, wild swimming and hiking. Found on the rugged coastline of South Wales near Abereiddy Beach, Pembrokeshire.

It is a must for hike lovers that are looking for some adventurous activities to do during their hike.

A former slate quarry

Pembrokeshire played a lead role in the slate industry, with around 100 quarries in the county in the late 18th century.

Slate from Abereiddy was transported by tramway to the neighbouring Porthgain Habour and shipped out. The quarry itself was active until the early 20th century and later abandoned and now flooded.

The Blue Lagoon was formed when the channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, allowing the sea to flood in.

Ruined quarry buildings still sit on the clifftop, with the remains of the workmen’s cottages adjacent to the car park, along what was called The Row. You’ll also spot the foreman’s house and the powder store here.

Josh said:

We got up early so as to miss the crowds at the stunning Blue Lagoon and then began our hike along the coastal path checking out Traeth Llyfn and looping back at Porthgain Harbour. This in total is around 4 hours and if you are lucky enough to get a sunny day then it is truly a treat!

Watch Josh’s video here:

All photos and video are from Joshua McCartney.

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Today I’m walking up Moel Morfydd. A mountain that is part of the Llantysilio Mountain Range which is the backdrop to the village I live in, Bryneglwys. These mountains split Llangollen and Bryneglwys and can be seen while driving down the A5104. So I’ve always seen these mountains, but never been up them (Oh the shame!).

Approaching from Bryneglwys side of Moel Morfydd there is a handy carpark just has the start of the path. The views are already pretty breathtaking!

The walk is very steep in places and the path is cover in loose stones, so walking boots are a must! But the path is easy to follow. After a few breaks, including one for a paned and a butty, we reach the top, where you’ll find a stone pillar and panoramic views of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Visit in Autumn for the Mountain in full bloom!

I’d recommend coming in at end of Summer when the heather flowers, the purples, pink and oranges decorate your path. There also “Llys” (I think they are called whimberry or Billberries in English) grown on the bushes, if you’ve never had them in a pie with apples you haven’t lived yet! So we picked some along the way and make a tarten when we got home.

We were even lucky enough to spot some wild grouse! (Luckily our Westie, Cassie was on a lead).

You can keep walking all 3 peaks to find the Ponderosa a Cafe on the edge of the Horseshoe Pass, this 7 mile round trip, which I have not yet attempted.

Historical Fact

Llantysilio Mountains were set on fire during the War to trick enemy aircraft into dropping their bombs onto the mountains instead of cities like Liverpool.

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By Hems Du Winter

Brecon and its surrounding areas is a place I’ve only just  discovered, it boastfully promotes itself as one of the UK’s leading adventure playgrounds, well who’d have known. 

The imposing black mountains as I drive from cheshire host several adventure centres hosting water sports, fishing, canoeing, pony trekking, and epic walking with amazing views and of course the area is a cyclist’s dream!  

I’m here for something else the world famous Hay Book Festival, it was so famous that this was my second first time visiting. For those not yet attended it is an annual eleven-day event straddling 27th May to 6th of June which plans to return to its pre-Corvid glory in 2021.

Is the Hay Festival just an event for literary luvvies?

Far from it! But before we get into the detail, you may be one of these people, admittedly like I, who have heard of it but don’t know much else and would never even consider going.  In a nutshell, it’s one of the world’s biggest and best literary festivals and it takes place every summer in the little borders town of Hay on Wye in Powys.

For over 30 years Hay has brought readers and writers together to share stories and ideas in live sustainable events around the world, the festivals wants to inspire, examine and entertain.

The first Hay Festival 30 years ago was held in the modest surroundings of a pub garden. These days it attracts 100,000-plus visitors over 11 days who engage with 700 speakers and attend over 800 events that feature the world’s great writers, poets, philosophers, historians, adventurers, storytellers, scientists, comedians and musicians. 

It’s moved to a large tented village on the outskirts of town with ten venues, pop-up cafes, shops and restaurants and its brilliant.

The sessions I visited I’d booked before arriving

 I new there would be only so many seats for Stephen Fry. Although the various seated auditoriums are pretty big and can accommodate hundreds of people, it’s always best to book in advance to make sure you get to see the people you really want to see. The popular events, talks and interviews get booked up pretty quickly although there is an office on-site where unsold tickets and return can be bought o the day. The organisation is superb, both online and on site and the Hay website is just fantastic.

Did you know for just £10, you can access Hay on line where you can see as many of the talks and events you like from the last few years.  Wonderful value. We saw a range of talks including a very emotionally-charged interview with yachtsman Robin Knox-Jonson, a wonderful talk from authorises Raynor Winn (if you haven’t yet read her awesome book, The Salt Path, do so immediately) and TV journalists Emily Maitliss and John Sopel.

One of the highlights has to have been former NHS doctor Adam Kay whose book, This is Going to Hurt has been in the Tines best seller list for years!! I ached with laugher. The audiences represent all ages and all backgrounds and there’s usually an opportunity to ask questions after the talks. Authors then move to the amazing bookshop where if you want, they will autograph a copy of their books.  

Friends and I relaxed in deckchairs on the village green, browsed the stalls and visited a festival bookshop which stocks 55,000 titles by visiting speakers. We enjoyed the evenings as they are devoted to music, comedy and film, just superb.

A cliche perhaps but there really is something for everyone, of every age, interest and inclination.   

Pretentious they say? It’s a rollercoaster of the senses.

The atmosphere is superb, there’s nothing at all pretentious about it and in one day attending talks and interviews you’ll experience the full gamut of emotions. It is a rollercoaster for the senses. And it’s just so civilised and relaxed!

I..we didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as we did and went back again in a large group the year after.  We would have returned a third time this year had it not been for the pandemic.

It’s fun going in a group of 14. You attend the talks and events you want during the day and get together in the evening over the dinner table to swap experiences. Brilliant.

Accommodation

Both years we stayed in the 17th century converted mill that is Trebarried Mill in Llanfilo, Brecon, a fifteen-minute drive to the festival site. The Mill has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms enough to fit us all in. Spacious accommodation including two reception rooms, a ‘snug’ dating back to the 17th century with original beams, inglenook fireplace and toasty wood burner. The main living area is split into two. One part has a large dining table (seats 14+) and the other section has ample comfy seating, pub sized pool table, TV and music system and numerous sleeping options with a choice of bedrooms including two large family rooms. Beds include super kings, kings, doubles and a selection of single beds (max 16 -18 beds in total). One of the family bedrooms even has a balcony overlooking the stream!

Obviously Trebarried Mill isn’t just for Hay!  Click here to find places to stay during the festival. Where to Stay | Hay-on-Wye, Hereford
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When I need to blow the cobwebs away and be inspired by beauty and culture I take this Medieval Town Walk in Ruthin, I thought It would be nice to share it with you.z

My name is Liz I’ve lived in Ruthin all my adult life, and I’ve always wanted to share this story of Ruthin with as many people as I could I believe Ruthin should be on everyones bucket list. I hope you enjoy?

My walk starts at St Peter’s Square, known to locals as the top of town, which is the oldest part of the town. The clock tower in the centre is surrounded by historical buildings, including:

The Old Court House

Built in 1401, you can still see the remains of a gibbet used to execute Charles Meehan, a Franciscan priest. Charles was shipwrecked on the Welsh coast when Catholicism was treasonous — Meehan was hanged, drawn, and quartered in 1679. In 1987 he was beatified by Pope John Paul II as one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales.

King Arthurs Rock… The Standing Stone (Menhir)

No one knows how old it is but this limestone chunk is believed to be that upon which King Arthur beheaded Gildas’ brother is located just off the end of the roundabout in front of the old Barclays Bank.

The Myddleton Grill

The Myddleton Grill is now a restaurant, formally a pub. Known by locals as the Seven Eyes, because of its seven prominent windows on the roof. Built in the 14th century. Designed in the Dutch style with a long, steeped roof is attributed to Sir Richard Clough, an Elizabethan merchant. The dormer windows, each at a different elevation. Acquired by Sir Hugh Myddleton in 1595, who provided London with it first fresh water supply.

St Peters Church

I’m going to call it a slow walk as that’s what I want from my gaunt. To look up in wonderment of this small but perfectly formed town.

I’m standing at the top of our lovely town, right next to the big monument, take a look at the carving on here they are truly wonderful.

I trot and I’m heading straight for St Peters Church to look at the roof, parts are as old as 1282!

The Land of Song!

Heading back to the roundabout and down Well Street we find another wealth of historically important buildings.

The middle ages haven’t left Ruthin you can see lots of timber frame houses made up of wattle and daub. It’s charming and a lovely place to visit and stay if you looking for somewhere quite remarkable.

Siop Nain (Grandmothers Shop), now a tea and gift shop on Well Street printed the first copies of the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

Continue down Well Street you will pass other listed building including Castle Mews, Manor House, Wynnstay Hotel, Wayfarer Wool Shop and the Cons Club.

The Wool Shop is my favourite!

Find more Holiday Ideas in Denbighshire here.

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