Why Wales?
Back in Canada, Sam and I were greatly intrigued by television programs we had seen about Wales. The countryside looked stunning, the Welsh language is like a song and the history of the area was turbulent and ancient: all very appealing to us. These ideas were the catalyst to send us west while we wandered Great Britain. Our trip to Wales revealed much more than we ever expected!
Rheadr Nantcol Waterfalls Park: Whether relaxing by a babbling beck or riding Sassy high above the stone walled sheep pastures, we found ourselves enveloped in the peaceful beauty of Wales at every turn.
In planning our Mid-Life Gap year adventure we said , ‘Lets take a year to travel Europe! That should be enough time to explore!’ However, after we leave each location the realization strikes us that we could have used another 6 months to discover the truest form of a place! Wales was no different; our time here was precious short.
The route through Wales
Our journey to Wales started after some time in North Yorkshire. We crossed into the Welsh countryside near Holt which is a bit north on the border line. We entered via the A593 aimed squarely at Snowdonia National Park. Then after a week of day trips and staying in a historic property near Dyffryn Ardudwy we ventured south to the Brecon Beacons National Park for a 3 night stay near Babel. From there we went to a house sit in Somerset, England for a time. On our way back through to catch a ferry to Ireland we skirted the south coast of Wales twice, stopping to check out some extraordinary sites!
Food
Our first stop in Wales was at Dolgellau for a bite to eat and chance to stretch our legs. The village of Dolgellau is a quintessential mix of quiet narrow streets and bustling specialty shops. We love the look of dark stone buildings with bright white window frames.
Believe it or not our first meal in Wales was not Welsh lamb, Welsh cakes or some beautiful dairy product. By chance we managed to find an authentic Spanish tapas bar! Tafarn y Gader tapas bistro and bar is a delightful experience. We gravitated to the Chef’s recommendations. (As we do!) If you have a chance visit this award winning restaurant you will not be disappointed. (Best Mediterranean establishment in Wales 2 years running)
After this delicious meal we found ourselves wandering the town shops in search of post cards. Sam and I struck up a conversation with another ‘moto couple’ on a Triumph Explorer. As we mentioned the restaurant they said Charley Boorman had mentioned this establishment in one of his publications about riding in Wales. So there you have it. Award winning and celebrity recommended tapas in small village Wales!
During our stay in the Breacon Beacons area we sampled the obligatory slow roasted welsh lamb. All I can say is that it is simply amazing. Sorry no photo, we scarfed it up too quickly!
Other characters we met along the road in Wales
Near Brecon Beacons National Park we were motoring along minding our own business when we came across a group of four young fellas from the mid-lands driving these vintage light cars! The three wheel machine in green is a 1930 Morgan Aero, I’m not too sure about the manufacturer or model of red 4 wheeler. (Any help would be appreciated) They were very kind and invited us to a rally the next day in a nearby town. Have a look at this short video of the experience.
History at every vantage point – What’s next?
The history of Wales is at your finger tips wherever you roam in this gorgeous country. Whether you are interested in Roman history, ancient stone circles and burial chambers or medieval fortifications, Wales has it all!
The following video is a teaser to wet your appetite for the continuation post about Wales. The next offering will feature our experience learning about the history, the hiking, the Irish Sea, flora and fauna as well as other fun stuff like a steam train ride!
Thanks for following along on the ride of a lifetime as we make our Mid-Life Gap Year a reality! We are posting different and interesting photos and anecdotes almost daily to Instagram and our Facebook page. Check them out, follow, like, subscribe and comment to keep us up to speed on what you like to see! We love that you are with us virtually and the feedback keeps us connected.
Take care and keep on travelling!
Dan&Sam (and Sassy too)
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