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MENTER MYNYDDOEDD CAMBRIANMenter wledig a ysbrydolwyd gan EUB Tywysog Cymru
CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS INITIATIVEA rural initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales
CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS TOURISM AMBASSADORS 2013
EXPLORE THE CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS
STAY, EAT, DO …THE BEST!
TOURISM AMBASSADORSACCOMMODATION,
FOOD & ATTRACTIONS
The Cam
brian Mou
ntains of Mid
Wales com
prise som
e of the m
ost
beautifu
l, un
spoilt land
scap
es
in Europ
e. They includ
e rare natural
habitats for wildlife and are hom
e to
trad
itional upland
farming practices
dating back to the Middle Ages.
Stun
ning
ly beautifu
l, the area is
however an un
forgiving land
scap
e in which to live and farm. This is why
HRH The Prince of W
ales wishes to
help sustain traditional upland
farms,
rural com
mun
ities and the natural
environm
ent. A key objective is to help
promote rural enterprise and
add value
to reg
ional produce and services by
ensuring
strict ethical stand
ards and
high quality for consum
ers.
The Cam
brian Mou
ntains Initiative
(CMI) is a wide rang
ing project
that includ
es a num
ber of different
organisations and
partners who
are
focused on preserving and
promoting
the very best of the area – in particular
our exception
ally clean natural
environm
ent, vibrant rural com
mun
ities
and traditions.
In 2008 Th
eir Royal Highn
esses Th
ePrince of W
ales and
The Duchess of
Cornw
all estab
lished their W
elsh hom
e(pictured below
) at Llwynyw
ermod
at
Myddfai, near Lland
overy. W
e are most
grateful to them
for their enthu
siasm
and unstinting sup
port for the
Cam
brian Mou
ntains reg
ion and
our local com
mun
ities.
Two years ag
o, HRH The Pince of Wales estab
lished the
Cam
brian Mou
ntains Tou
rism
Ambassador schem
e to
recognise high quality tourism estab
lishm
ents in the
area. They includ
e ho
tels, restaurants, self-catering
accommod
ation as well as visitor attraction
s.
The scheme is designed to acknow
ledge the Ambassadors’
important con
tribution to rural com
mun
ities, includ
ing their
use of Cam
brian Mou
ntains and
other local foo
d produce;
also the way they encourag
e visitors to conn
ect to the
coun
tryside and culture of Mid W
ales.
The aw
ard of the prestigious accolad
e ‘Cam
brian Mou
ntains
Tourism Ambassador’ is based
on indep
endent ad
vice each
year. The estab
lishm
ents listed
overleaf
are the CMI A
mbassadors for 20
13.
These Ambassadors have signed up
to strict criteria and
principles and
are entitled
to use the CMI Tou
rism
Ambassadors brand
identity and
display
the Cam
brian Mou
ntains distinctive woo
den
plaque.
This special, biling
ual plaque was created
by Coe
d Cym
ruusing native Welsh sycam
ore woo
d sou
rced
in the Cam
brian
Mou
ntains. The tree came from
Pon
tsioni, near Builth Wells
and was hand-turned by Richard Freem
an of Llanidloes.
‘One
(ort
wo)
ofth
e10
best
scen
icdr
ives
inth
ew
orld
!’
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Wherever you are staying in
and aroun
d the Cam
brian
Moun
tains region, be sure to
explore the reg
ion’s stun
ning
scenery
from one of tw
o outstanding m
oun
tain
road
s at the very heart of the region -
whether on foot, bike or by car.
Sheep
and
cattle drovers were Wales’s
original ‘cow
boys’ who
, for centuries,
herded
their livestock across wild
terrain to reach the livestock m
arkets
in Lond
on and elsew
here. H
owever, by
the 20
th century, the drovers’ traditions
had fad
ed with the ad
vent of rail and
road
transport for long
er journeys and
the meat trad
e.
Mountain routes that once echo
ed
to the sound of ho
rses, cattle ho
oves
and sheep
dogs no
w stand
silent amid
stunning
scenery, w
atched
over by rare
red kites gliding gracefully in the skies.
Described
by the AA as ‘one of the
10 best scenic drives in the world’,
the
B4
518road
links Cwmystw
yth
and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenery
crosses the watershed
of the Cam
brian
Moun
tains taking
in the fab
ulous
Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes and
dam
s. The
Ela
n V
alle
y V
isit
or
Cen
tre
and trail is one of the Cam
brian
Moun
tains Ambassador attractions!
Ano
ther outstanding drovers’ route is the
exhilarating
B4
343from Tregaron over
to Abergwesyn and
Llanw
rtyd W
ells.
This fabulous route follows a wild and
bleak land
scap
e with grand
, spacious,
expansive views across the roof of
Wales. The area is rich in archaeo
logy,
with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns
and deserted m
edieval villag
es.
Red
Grouse lurk among
st the heather,
plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,
Buzzards and, of course, R
ed Kites!
In Tregaron be sure too to visit CM
Ambassador
Rhi
anno
n G
old
Cen
tre
with its jewellery workshops, craft
centre and
gallery.
And
on your way over the moun
tains,
if you have time, take a detour and
visit
the beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel
on the way. Simple and
isolated, the
chap
el is a spiritual haven of peace
and tranq
uillity.
Definitely ‘must sees’ and
‘don’t miss’,
these tw
o m
arvellous routes are rem
ote
and romantic - perfect for picnics,
land
scap
e pho
tography, painting or
just plain reverie. Time it right and
plan
lunch or dinner at a Cam
brian Mountain
Ambassador venue en route!
Or why not make a complete day of
it and
take in both routes for a truly
spectacular, un
forgettable Cam
brian
Moun
tains circular of ab
out 75 miles
in total (see map
overleaf
for ap
proximate route).
This remarkable roun
dtrip is a firm, seasonal
favourite with vintag
e car enthusiasts and
motor cycle club
s!
The
Cam
bria
nM
ount
ains
Initi
ativ
e
About
our
TourismAmbassadors20
13
HR
H T
he P
rinc
e of
Wal
es p
ictu
red
on
a fa
rm v
isit
wit
h C
amb
rian
Mou
ntai
ns f
arm
er J
ames
Raw
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Old traditions die hard in the
Cam
brian Mou
ntains where
farm
ers and shepherds often still
use ho
rses to access the steep
terrain and
vast wetland
bog
s on
the hill top
s. They
practise the "Hafod
a Hendre" farm
ing
system
of long
sum
mer grazing
on the
hills with sheep broug
ht dow
n to lowland
pastures for winter and lambing.
Throug
h his ‘Farmers Marketing
Initiative’,
HRH The Prince of W
ales is seeking
to
prevent the decline of hill farming. The
upland
s need
animals to m
aintain them
and in turn, this provides nutritiou
s,sustainable foo
d and
maintains valuable
habitats and eco-systems.
Cam
brian Mou
ntains (CM) lamb is
produced
by a group
of 22 farmers in
Mid-W
ales who
se native breed
, mou
ntain
lambs graze freely on
the hills of varied
grasses and
herbs. This results in a
smaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg)
of excep
tion
ally succulent flavour and
meat quality. They supply CM lamb
for the Co-op
erative supermarket’s
Trul
y Ir
resi
stib
lerang
e. It also features
on the TV sho
pping chann
el QVC and
is available from selected bu
tchers in
the region
(see righ
t).
Season
ally available from Jun
e to the end
of January, C
ambrian Mou
ntains lamb has
featured
on menus at high profile events
such as the Ryder Cup
and
Wimbledon
. It was also the highlight of the Royal
Jubilee luncheon
in W
estm
inster Hall
for HM The Queen in Jun
e 20
12.
The brand
identity for the Cam
brian
Mou
ntains includ
es a special w
atercolour
kind
ly provided
by HRH The Prince of
Wales. The Prince first exp
lored the
Cam
brian Mou
ntains in 196
9 when he
was a student at Aberystw
yth University.
For the painting, H
is Royal Highn
ess
selected
the view of Cwm Berwyn
(meaning
‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron
.
The brand
is a m
ark of sup
erior quality
and our farmers ad
here to strict brand
principles to ensure best practice,
sustainable land
manag
ement for
habitats and eco-systems with some of
the lowest carbon
emission
s in the UK!
Not least it is proud
ly served on local
menus by ou
r Cam
brian Mou
ntains
Tourism Ambassadors! W
hy not
take hom
e some delicious Cam
brian
Mou
ntains lamb as a food
gift or to
enjoy at hom
e from
you
r freezer.
Try
som
e de
licio
us, s
uccu
lent
C
ambr
ian
Mou
ntai
ns L
amb!
Cym
raeg
!Th
is new
sletter is aimed
primarily at
visitors to the Cam
brian Mou
ntains
from
outside
the reg
ion. Each year
tourists are fascinated
to discover that
this part of W
ales is very bilingu
al and
that W
elsh (Cym
raeg
) is widely used
in everyday life. The W
elsh lang
uage
contribu
tes to visito
rs’ exp
erience of
being somew
here uniqu
e and qu
itedifferent.
In m
any local com
mun
ities Welsh is
peop
le’s first lang
uage
. In Cered
igion
coun
ty 52%
, and
in Pow
ys 21%, of
peop
le spe
ak W
elsh and
many
scho
ols also teach throu
gh the
med
ium of Welsh. It is an ancient
Celtic lang
uage
that is prono
unced
phon
etically. W
hy not try a few
phrases yourself?
Cym
ru -
Wal
esB
ore
da –
goo
d m
orni
ngN
os d
a - g
ood
nigh
tPl
is –
ple
ase
Dio
lch
yn fa
wr
– th
ank
you
Gw
esty
- ho
tel
Bre
cwas
t - b
reak
fast
Cof
fi - c
offe
eTe
– te
a B
isce
di –
bis
cuits
Cw
rw -
beer
Gw
in c
och
– re
d w
ine
Gw
in g
wyn
– w
hite
win
eIe
chyd
da!
– c
heer
s! (g
ood
heal
th)
MCM1271 11/2012 Design: www.fbagroup.co.uk Printed on recycled paper Images: ©Crown Copyright (2012) Visit Wales, Janet Baxter and Charles Sainsbury-Plaice.
Aberystw
yth - Rob
Rattray
ww
w.ro
brat
tray
.co.
uk
Llandovery - Mathews Butchers
ww
w.m
athe
wsb
utch
ers.
co.u
k
Rhayader - Bob
The Butcher
ww
w.b
obth
ebut
cher
.co.
uk
Treg
aron
- Gary Jones
Cam
bria
n M
ount
ains
But
cher
s G
roup
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
MCM
1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 1
MEN
TERM
YNYD
DO
EDD
CA
MB
RIA
NMenterwledigaysbrydolw
ydganEUBTywysogCym
ru
CA
MB
RIA
NM
OU
NTA
INS
INITIATIV
EAruralinitiativeinspiredbyHRH
ThePrinceofWales
CA
MB
RIA
N M
OU
NTA
INS TO
UR
ISM A
MB
ASSA
DO
RS 20
13
EX
PLO
RE
TH
E
CA
MB
RIA
N M
OU
NTA
INS
STAY, E
AT, D
O …
TH
E B
EST
!
TOU
RISM
AM
BA
SSAD
OR
SA
CC
OM
MO
DA
TIO
N,
FO
OD
& A
TT
RA
CT
ION
S
The Cambrian Mountains of MidWales comprise some of the mostbeautiful, unspoilt landscapes
in Europe. They include rare naturalhabitats for wildlife and are home totraditional upland farming practicesdating back to the Middle Ages.
Stunningly beautiful, the area ishowever an unforgiving landscape in which to live and farm. This is why HRH The Prince of Wales wishes to help sustain traditional upland farms,
rural communities and the naturalenvironment. A key objective is to helppromote rural enterprise and add valueto regional produce and services byensuring strict ethical standards andhigh quality for consumers.
The Cambrian Mountains Initiative(CMI) is a wide ranging project that includes a number of differentorganisations and partners who arefocused on preserving and promotingthe very best of the area – in particular
our exceptionally clean naturalenvironment, vibrant rural communitiesand traditions.
In 2008 Their Royal Highnesses ThePrince of Wales and The Duchess ofCornwall established their Welsh home(pictured below) at Llwynywermod atMyddfai, near Llandovery. We are mostgrateful to them for their enthusiasmand unstinting support for theCambrian Mountains region and our local communities.
Two years ago, HRH The Prince of Wales established the Cambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassador scheme to recognise high quality tourism establishments in the area. They include hotels, restaurants, self-catering accommodation as well as visitor attractions.
The scheme is designed to acknowledge the Ambassadors’important contribution to rural communities, including theiruse of Cambrian Mountains and other local food produce;also the way they encourage visitors to connect to thecountryside and culture of Mid Wales.
The award of the prestigious accolade ‘Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassador’ is based on independent advice each
year. The establishments listed overleafare the CMI Ambassadors for 2013.These Ambassadors have signed up to strict criteria and principles and are entitled to use the CMI TourismAmbassadors brand identity and displaythe Cambrian Mountains distinctive woodenplaque.
This special, bilingual plaque was created by Coed Cymruusing native Welsh sycamore wood sourced in the CambrianMountains. The tree came from Pontsioni, near Builth Wellsand was hand-turned by Richard Freeman of Llanidloes.
‘One (or two) of the10 bestscenic drives in the world!’
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Wherever you are staying in and around the CambrianMountains region, be sure to
explore the region’s stunning sceneryfrom one of two outstanding mountainroads at the very heart of the region -whether on foot, bike or by car.Sheep and cattle drovers were Wales’soriginal ‘cowboys’ who, for centuries,herded their livestock across wildterrain to reach the livestock markets in London and elsewhere. However, bythe 20th century, the drovers’ traditionshad faded with the advent of rail androad transport for longer journeys andthe meat trade. Mountain routes that once echoed to the sound of horses, cattle hooves and sheepdogs now stand silent amidstunning scenery, watched over by rarered kites gliding gracefully in the skies.Described by the AA as ‘one of the10 best scenic drives in the world’,the B4518 road links Cwmystwyth and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenerycrosses the watershed of the CambrianMountains taking in the fabulous
Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes anddams. The Elan Valley Visitor Centreand trail is one of the CambrianMountains Ambassador attractions!
Another outstanding drovers’ route is theexhilarating B4343 from Tregaron over to Abergwesyn and Llanwrtyd Wells. This fabulous route follows a wild andbleak landscape with grand, spacious,expansive views across the roof ofWales. The area is rich in archaeology,with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns and deserted medieval villages.Red Grouse lurk amongst the heather,plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,Buzzards and, of course, Red Kites!
In Tregaron be sure too to visit CMAmbassador Rhiannon Gold Centrewith its jewellery workshops, craftcentre and gallery.And on your way over the mountains, if you have time, take a detour and visitthe beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel on the way. Simple and isolated, the chapel is a spiritual haven of peace and tranquillity.Definitely ‘must sees’ and ‘don’t miss’,these two marvellous routes are remoteand romantic - perfect for picnics,landscape photography, painting or just plain reverie. Time it right and planlunch or dinner at a Cambrian MountainAmbassador venue en route! Or why not make a complete day of it and take in both routes for a trulyspectacular, unforgettable CambrianMountains circular of about 75 miles in total (see map overleaffor approximate route).This remarkable roundtrip is a firm, seasonalfavourite with vintage car enthusiasts andmotor cycle clubs!
The Cambrian Mountains Initiative
About our Tourism Ambassadors 2013
HRH The Prince of Wales pictured on a farm visit with Cambrian Mountains farmer James Raw
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Old traditions die hard in theCambrian Mountains wherefarmers and shepherds often still
use horses to access the steep terrain andvast wetland bogs on the hill tops. Theypractise the "Hafod a Hendre" farmingsystem of long summer grazing on thehills with sheep brought down to lowlandpastures for winter and lambing.
Through his ‘Farmers Marketing Initiative’,HRH The Prince of Wales is seeking toprevent the decline of hill farming. Theuplands need animals to maintain themand in turn, this provides nutritious,sustainable food and maintains valuablehabitats and eco-systems.
Cambrian Mountains (CM) lamb isproduced by a group of 22 farmers in Mid-Wales whose native breed, mountainlambs graze freely on the hills of variedgrasses and herbs. This results in asmaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg) of exceptionally succulent flavour and meat quality. They supply CM lamb for the Co-operative supermarket’s Truly Irresistible range. It also features on the TV shopping channel QVC and is available from selected butchers in the region (see right).
Seasonally available from June to the endof January, Cambrian Mountains lamb hasfeatured on menus at high profile eventssuch as the Ryder Cup and Wimbledon. It was also the highlight of the RoyalJubilee luncheon in Westminster Hall for HM The Queen in June 2012.
The brand identity for the CambrianMountains includes a special watercolourkindly provided by HRH The Prince ofWales. The Prince first explored theCambrian Mountains in 1969 when he was a student at Aberystwyth University.For the painting, His Royal Highnessselected the view of Cwm Berwyn(meaning ‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron.
The brand is a mark of superior qualityand our farmers adhere to strict brandprinciples to ensure best practice,sustainable land management forhabitats and eco-systems with some ofthe lowest carbon emissions in the UK!
Not least it is proudly served on localmenus by our Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassadors! Why not take home some delicious CambrianMountains lamb as a food gift or to enjoy at home from your freezer.
Try some delicious, succulent Cambrian Mountains Lamb!
Cymraeg!This newsletter is aimed primarily atvisitors to the Cambrian Mountainsfrom outside the region. Each yeartourists are fascinated to discover thatthis part of Wales is very bilingual andthat Welsh (Cymraeg) is widely usedin everyday life. The Welsh languagecontributes to visitors’ experience ofbeing somewhere unique and quitedifferent.In many local communities Welsh ispeople’s first language. In Ceredigioncounty 52%, and in Powys 21%, ofpeople speak Welsh and manyschools also teach through themedium of Welsh. It is an ancientCeltic language that is pronouncedphonetically. Why not try a fewphrases yourself?
Cymru - WalesBore da – good morningNos da - good nightPlis – pleaseDiolch yn fawr – thank youGwesty - hotelBrecwast - breakfastCoffi - coffeeTe – tea Biscedi – biscuitsCwrw - beerGwin coch – red wineGwin gwyn – white wineIechyd da! – cheers! (good health)
MCM1271 11/20
12 Design: www.fb
agroup
.co.uk P
rinted
on recycled
pap
er Im
ages: ©
Crown Copyright (20
12) Visit W
ales, Janet Baxter and Charles Sainsbury-Plaice.
Aberystwyth - Rob Rattraywww.robrattray.co.uk
Llandovery - Mathews Butcherswww.mathewsbutchers.co.uk
Rhayader - Bob The Butcherwww.bobthebutcher.co.uk
Tregaron - Gary Jones
Cambrian MountainsButchers Group
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
MCM1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 1
C
AR
DIG
AN
BA
Y
Aberystwyth
Aberaeron
Llandovery
Llanrhystud
Tregaron
Llanddewi Brefi
Lampeter
Llanbydder
Llandeilo
Newtown
Machynlleth
Mallwyd
Carmarthen
Builth Wells
Rhayader
Pumsaint
Llandrindod Wells
Llanidloes
LlanfairCaereinion
LlangurigDevil’s Bridge
Llanwrtyd Wells
CAM
BR
IAN
MO
UN
TAIN
S
Llangammarch Wells
The National Library of Wales Aberystwythwww.llgc.org.ukWith over 4 million printed volumesand rare books, the Library includesworld class collections of Wales,Welsh-language and Celtic material,including art. Visitors welcome forlibrary tours and a variety of seasonaland permanent exhibitions in theextensive galleries; the café and shopand stunning views over the town.
A range of Ambassador attractionsoffers visitors a host of indoor andoutdoor experiences all year round.When visiting a CambrianMountains Ambassador, pleaseask them more about theCambrian Mountains Initiativeand life in the area. Mwynhewch eich ymweliad! Enjoy your visit!
24
The Metropole Hotel Llandrindod Wellswww.metropole.co.ukA longstanding favourite, this 4 starVictorian spa town hotel dates from1896. A mix of traditional and modern,recently upgraded bedroomscompliment a new hotel spa andtreatment centre (also open to non-residents). Enjoy fine dining anddelicious Sunday lunch in the hotel’sAA Rosette restaurant or informalmeals in the Spencer’s Brasserie.
01
The Falcondale Lampeterwww.thefalcondale.co.ukSuperbly located on the outskirts of thehistoric university town of Lampeter, theFalcondale country house hotel offerssumptuous accommodation for holidaysand short breaks. Lunches and dinners(non-residents welcome) are a delight in the hotel’s AA 2 Rosette restaurant(awarded for 5 consecutive years!) – not least because chef Mike Green andhis team champion local producers.
07
The Castle Hotel Llandoverywww.castle-hotel-llandovery.co.ukTraditional, warm and friendly coachinginn, now fabulously renovated with arelaxed atmosphere – including an oldfashioned bar, roaring log fire, plenty of comfy sofas and a warm welcome.The hotel’s 15 luxury en suite bedroomsfeature simple stylish décor. Deliciousfood served all day includes localdelicacies and traditional dishes.
04
Lasswade Country House Llanwrtyd Wellswww.lasswadehotel.co.ukAA 2 Rosette. 4 Star ‘Restaurant withRooms’. 2011-12 UK Green Champion and2008-10 UK Sustainable Food winner.Personally run by owners Roger andEmma Stevens whose eight bedroomEdwardian House was described in theDaily Telegraph as ‘having one of the bestviews in Wales’. Located in the smallesttown in Britain on the A483 southernapproach to the Cambrian Mountains.
03
Ynyshir Hall Eglwysfach, near Machynllethwww.ynyshirhall.co.ukA haven of tranquility, the hotel’s ninebedrooms offer understated eleganceand fabulous décor (including ownerRob Reen’s stunning paintings). Awardwinning cuisine (AA 3 Rosettes) offersa wealth of superb, fresh (and wild)local ingredients whether for dinner inthe evening or over a simple snack inthe bar at lunchtime. An idyllic retreatwith superb gardens.
2419
Guidfa House Crossgates, nr Llandrindod Wellswww.guidfahouse.co.ukEnjoy your stay at this lovely 5 starB&B country house near LlandrindodWells. Expect a warm welcome andhome-made food as you unwind withbooks by the log fire and afternoon tea in the elegant sitting room. Eveningdrinks or wine and cold platters servedto resident guests if they choose not todine out locally.
26
The New White Lion Llandoverywww.newwhitelion.co.ukRefresh and re-invigorate yourself in this extremely comfortable, 5 starGrade II listed boutique hotelaccommodation in historic Llandovery.Each of the six bedrooms is influencedby local Welsh characters and folklorelegends and features individual stylingwith tasteful furnishings and antiques.Home cooked breakfast and dinner forresidents.
05
Luxury Lodges Trefeglwys, near Llanidloeswww.luxury-lodges-wales.comThis peaceful 80 acre farm featuresbird watching and nature walks from its six luxury self-catering lodges andhoneymoon cottage. Each 5 star lodgeis set in its own private grounds with an individual hot tub and enjoyingpanoramic views of the CambrianMountains. Welcome packs providedand luxurious beauty treatmentsavailable on site.
25
Ty Mawr Mansion Cilcenninwww.tymawrmansion.co.ukThis 5 star award-winning restaurantwith rooms includes nine individuallystyled suites and luxury en-suitebedrooms plus an intimate restaurant.(AA 2 Rosettes). Over 90% of seasonalproduce is sourced within a ten-mileradius of the hotel, much of it organic.For a special treat, enjoy dinnerfollowed by a movie evening in thehotel’s 27 seat cinema!
09
Lake Country House, Hotel & Spa Llangammarch Wellswww.lakecountryhouse.co.ukLuxury spa and country house hotel in fabulous grounds. The elegant,comfortable lounges andbedrooms/suites are richly appointed. In the restaurant Head Chef SeanCullingford offers modern Celtic cuisine(AA 2 Rosette) with discrete unobtrusiveservice and an exceptional wine list. Non-residents welcome for spa days aswell as lunch, dinner, afternoon tea.
02
The Yurt Farm Penuwch, near Aberystwythwww.theyurtfarm.co.ukThea and Laurie invite you for an eco-friendly break in a quiet hay meadow on their family’s organic farm. The simpleluxury of their yurts is unforgettable, with wood burning stoves, handcraftedfurniture, organic bedding and solarshowers. Explore the farm, collect eggsand feed the cows. Enjoy delicious meatand vegetables around the campfire.
12
Y Ffarmers Llanfihangel y Creuddynwww.yffarmers.co.ukSet in a pretty village near Aberystwyth, Y Ffarmers has a well deserved reputationfor quality food and friendly service. A great place for a drink, lunch or dinner,this cosy pub serves well-kept beer as well as local, seasonal produce. Dailymenus vary according to what’s availableand what chef Rhodri Edwards fanciescooking!
13
Ultracomida Aberystwythwww.ultracomida.comFabulous, award-winning Spanish-Welsh deli-restaurant featuring finerange of artisan produce and one ofthe best selections of local Welshcheeses anywhere. Also servingmoreish tapas, delicious lunches in thepopular tapas bar area with its informalatmosphere, together with a greatselection of wines and beers. Bookingsadvised for the evening!
20Esgair Wen, Tyllwyd FarmCwmystwythwww.welshaccommodation.co.ukEnjoy a warm, friendly welcome at thisenchanting 4 bedroom cottage EsgairWen, beautifully situated overlooking the stunning landscape and wildlife ofthe Ystwyth Valley. Located on one of the Cambrian Mountains Lamb hill farms,Tyllwyd, the home of the Raw family for six generations. Also excellent farmcampsite along the river bank nearby.
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Tynrhelyg CottagesTalybontwww.holidaycambriancoast.co.ukStay in rural style and comfort andmeet one of our hard-working farmersin the Cambrian Mountains Lambgroup. Choice of two peaceful, 5* self catering cottages (each sleeps 6)created from traditional stoneoutbuildings. An excellent base for hill or mountain walking; also nearto vast sand dunes and beaches atBorth and Ynyslas, Cardigan Bay.
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Elan Valley Trust CottagesNear Rhayaderwww.elanvalley.org.ukSecluded self catering on the ElanEstate includes a restored 16th centurylonghouse Llannerch y Cawr (2 units.Sleeps 4/6), the traditional cottageTynllidiart (sleeps 4), and cosy 19thcentury farmhouse Penglaneinon(sleeps 6). Each property enjoys fineviews across various valleys, lakes,reservoirs and dams. Meanwhile theTrust’s Penbont House at PengarregDam offers B&B and a tearoom.
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Y Talbot Tregaronwww.ytalbot.comThis 400 year old drovers inn featuresluxury accommodation with ancientbeams, slate floors and cosy inglenookfireplaces in the very heart of the Cambrian Mountains. Passionate aboutlocal food, ales and ciders, the team at Y Talbot delights guests with bothcontemporary and traditional Welsh menus in the restaurant or characterful bar.
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Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Centre9 miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44www.forestry.gov.uk/bwlchnantyrarianA little piece of heaven, high in theCambrian Mountains with an attractiveVisitor Centre and café. Highlightsinclude, stunning views, the lakeside all-ability trail, a choice of waymarked scenicwalks; world class mountain biking routesplus adventure play areas and animalpuzzle trail. Visitors can also enjoy thespectacular daily Red Kite feeding session.
18Rhiannon Gold CentreTregaronwww.rhiannon.co.ukWelsh jeweller Rhiannon Evans has been designing beautiful Celticjewellery for over 40 years. Her uniquejewellery is made by Welsh speakinggoldsmiths and visitors can watch theirwork in progress in the purpose builtviewing workshops. The centre alsoincludes a museum of Celtic Art; café;art gallery plus a delightful craft giftshop.
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Vale of Rheidol RailwayAberystwyth – Devil’s Bridgewww.rheidolrailway.co.ukA blast of the whistle and a hiss of steamand you’re away! A thrilling journeythrough spectacular mountain scenery.Opened in 1902 to carry lead ore andtimber as well as passengers, the narrowgauge railway climbs 700ft (200m) andalmost 12 miles (19 km) to Devil’s Bridgewith its legendary waterfalls.
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Strata FloridaPontrhydfendigaidwww.cadw.wales.gov.ukStrata Florida was a significant 12thcentury Cistercian abbey and animportant Welsh cultural centre. Itsenterprising monks established large-scale sheep farming and created traderoutes across the mountains. Today thepeaceful site houses a new interpretationcentre, including poems by GwynethLewis, to help visitors understand theruins of this once magnificent abbey.
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Aberystwyth Arts CentreAberystwythwww.aberystwythartscentre.co.ukWales’s most vibrant arts centre in amagnificent setting with stunning viewsover Cardigan Bay. With a lively, all yearround theatre, dance, music and filmprogramme, the Centre also includesgalleries with ever-changingcontemporary art exhibitions plusinternational festivals, courses andworkshops, as well as popular cafes, bars, craftshop and bookshop.
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Elan Valley Visitor CentreRhayaderwww.elanvalley.org.uk/visiting-elan/visitor-centreLocated at the foot of the magnificentElan Valley lakes, reservoirs and damsystem, the centre is an excellent basefor exploring the 72 square mile estatein the heart of the Cambrian Mountainsand dramatic scenery. Open all year, it is a favourite with visitors and featureseducational and interpretationexhibitions, a café and shop.
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Ceredigion MuseumAberystwythwww.ceredigion.gov.ukLocated in an original EdwardianTheatre, described as ‘probably themost beautiful museum in Britain’, the region’s rich history is depicted in collections of Welsh costume, artand artefacts relating to the county’sfarming, seafaring, industrial anddomestic heritage. Highlights include a reconstructed 19th century cottageand barn and Welsh textiles display.
Cambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassadors 2013
Photo: Jason Cain
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Welsh Quilt CentreLampeterwww.welshquilts.comJen Jones has assembled aninternationally renowned collection oftraditional Welsh quilts and the Centrefeatures stunning seasonal exhibitions,plus related courses. There is also anintriguing Gallery Shop and lovely deli-café. The 2013 ‘must see’ exhibitionwill focus on Kaffe Fassett’s colourful,dynamic patchwork quilts alongsidetheir flamboyant, vivid 19th and 20thCentury Welsh counterparts.
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LlanerchaeronCiliau Aeronwww.nationaltrust.org/llanerchaeronA wonderful 18th century, small ruralestate owned by the National Trust.Enjoy a visit in the Nash country housewith its laundry, dairy, brewery andsalting house. Also walled garden,parkland and organic home farm withWelsh Black cattle, Llanwenog sheepand rare Welsh pigs. Delicious, homemade refreshments are served in thetearoom.
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Gwesty Cymru Aberystwythwww.gwestycymru.comDiscover true Welsh tradition, culture and contemporary luxury in this seafrontEdwardian guesthouse stylishly reborn for the 21st century. The hotel’s 8 superben-suite rooms include Welsh handcraftedfurniture, specially commissioned oilcanvases, peerless facilities andspectacular seaviews. Gwesty’s restaurantprovides a feast of seasonal, localproduce in imaginative contemporarydishes for lunch and dinner.
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Where to stay & eatAttractions
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
All our Cambrian Mountains Ambassadors are committed to welcoming you warmly during your stay in the area. Theyprovide high standards of hospitality and serve local produce.
As businesses and employers they also help sustain our local communities. Non-residents are welcome in mostestablishments for meals (or spa days!) but please checkindividual websites for full details. Advance booking is alsoadvisable to avoid disappointment.As well as a wide variety of quality accommodation (hotels,self catering, camping and even an organic yurt farm!), theAmbassadors include several award-winning restaurants, a gastro pub and a deli-restaurant.
Mountain drives
MCM1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 2
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The Cambrian Mountains of MidWales comprise some of the mostbeautiful, unspoilt landscapes
in Europe. They include rare naturalhabitats for wildlife and are home totraditional upland farming practicesdating back to the Middle Ages.
Stunningly beautiful, the area ishowever an unforgiving landscape in which to live and farm. This is why HRH The Prince of Wales wishes to help sustain traditional upland farms,
rural communities and the naturalenvironment. A key objective is to helppromote rural enterprise and add valueto regional produce and services byensuring strict ethical standards andhigh quality for consumers.
The Cambrian Mountains Initiative(CMI) is a wide ranging project that includes a number of differentorganisations and partners who arefocused on preserving and promotingthe very best of the area – in particular
our exceptionally clean naturalenvironment, vibrant rural communitiesand traditions.
In 2008 Their Royal Highnesses ThePrince of Wales and The Duchess ofCornwall established their Welsh home(pictured below) at Llwynywermod atMyddfai, near Llandovery. We are mostgrateful to them for their enthusiasmand unstinting support for theCambrian Mountains region and our local communities.
Two years ago, HRH The Pince of Wales established theCambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassador scheme torecognise high quality tourism establishments in the area. They include hotels, restaurants, self-cateringaccommodation as well as visitor attractions.
The scheme is designed to acknowledge the Ambassadors’important contribution to rural communities, including theiruse of Cambrian Mountains and other local food produce;also the way they encourage visitors to connect to thecountryside and culture of Mid Wales.
The award of the prestigious accolade ‘Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassador’ is based on independent advice each
year. The establishments listed overleafare the CMI Ambassadors for 2013.These Ambassadors have signed up to strict criteria and principles and are entitled to use the CMI TourismAmbassadors brand identity and displaythe Cambrian Mountains distinctive woodenplaque.
This special, bilingual plaque was created by Coed Cymruusing native Welsh sycamore wood sourced in the CambrianMountains. The tree came from Pontsioni, near Builth Wellsand was hand-turned by Richard Freeman of Llanidloes.
‘One (or two) of the10 bestscenic drives in the world!’
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Wherever you are staying in and around the CambrianMountains region, be sure to
explore the region’s stunning sceneryfrom one of two outstanding mountainroads at the very heart of the region -whether on foot, bike or by car.Sheep and cattle drovers were Wales’soriginal ‘cowboys’ who, for centuries,herded their livestock across wildterrain to reach the livestock markets in London and elsewhere. However, bythe 20th century, the drovers’ traditionshad faded with the advent of rail androad transport for longer journeys andthe meat trade. Mountain routes that once echoed to the sound of horses, cattle hooves and sheepdogs now stand silent amidstunning scenery, watched over by rarered kites gliding gracefully in the skies.Described by the AA as ‘one of the10 best scenic drives in the world’,the B4518 road links Cwmystwyth and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenerycrosses the watershed of the CambrianMountains taking in the fabulous
Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes anddams. The Elan Valley Visitor Centreand trail is one of the CambrianMountains Ambassador attractions!
Another outstanding drovers’ route is theexhilarating B4343 from Tregaron over to Abergwesyn and Llanwrtyd Wells. This fabulous route follows a wild andbleak landscape with grand, spacious,expansive views across the roof ofWales. The area is rich in archaeology,with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns and deserted medieval villages.Red Grouse lurk amongst the heather,plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,Buzzards and, of course, Red Kites!
In Tregaron be sure too to visit CMAmbassador Rhiannon Gold Centrewith its jewellery workshops, craftcentre and gallery.And on your way over the mountains, if you have time, take a detour and visitthe beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel on the way. Simple and isolated, the chapel is a spiritual haven of peace and tranquillity.Definitely ‘must sees’ and ‘don’t miss’,these two marvellous routes are remoteand romantic - perfect for picnics,landscape photography, painting or just plain reverie. Time it right and planlunch or dinner at a Cambrian MountainAmbassador venue en route! Or why not make a complete day of it and take in both routes for a trulyspectacular, unforgettable CambrianMountains circular of about 75 miles in total (see map overleaffor approximate route).This remarkable roundtrip is a firm, seasonalfavourite with vintage car enthusiasts andmotor cycle clubs!
The Cambrian Mountains Initiative
About our Tourism Ambassadors 2013
HRH The Prince of Wales pictured on a farm visit with Cambrian Mountains farmer James Raw
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
Old traditions die hard in theCambrian Mountains wherefarmers and shepherds often still
use horses to access the steep terrain andvast wetland bogs on the hill tops. Theypractise the "Hafod a Hendre" farmingsystem of long summer grazing on thehills with sheep brought down to lowlandpastures for winter and lambing.
Through his ‘Farmers Marketing Initiative’,HRH The Prince of Wales is seeking toprevent the decline of hill farming. Theuplands need animals to maintain themand in turn, this provides nutritious,sustainable food and maintains valuablehabitats and eco-systems.
Cambrian Mountains (CM) lamb isproduced by a group of 22 farmers in Mid-Wales whose native breed, mountainlambs graze freely on the hills of variedgrasses and herbs. This results in asmaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg) of exceptionally succulent flavour and meat quality. They supply CM lamb for the Co-operative supermarket’s Truly Irresistible range. It also features on the TV shopping channel QVC and is available from selected butchers in the region (see right).
Seasonally available from June to the endof January, Cambrian Mountains lamb hasfeatured on menus at high profile eventssuch as the Ryder Cup and Wimbledon. It was also the highlight of the RoyalJubilee luncheon in Westminster Hall for HM The Queen in June 2012.
The brand identity for the CambrianMountains includes a special watercolourkindly provided by HRH The Prince ofWales. The Prince first explored theCambrian Mountains in 1969 when he was a student at Aberystwyth University.For the painting, His Royal Highnessselected the view of Cwm Berwyn(meaning ‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron.
The brand is a mark of superior qualityand our farmers adhere to strict brandprinciples to ensure best practice,sustainable land management forhabitats and eco-systems with some ofthe lowest carbon emissions in the UK!
Not least it is proudly served on localmenus by our Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassadors! Why not take home some delicious CambrianMountains lamb as a food gift or to enjoy at home from your freezer.
Try some delicious, succulent Cambrian Mountains Lamb!
Cymraeg!This newsletter is aimed primarily atvisitors to the Cambrian Mountainsfrom outside the region. Each yeartourists are fascinated to discover thatthis part of Wales is very bilingual andthat Welsh (Cymraeg) is widely usedin everyday life. The Welsh languagecontributes to visitors’ experience ofbeing somewhere unique and quitedifferent.In many local communities Welsh ispeople’s first language. In Ceredigioncounty 52%, and in Powys 21%, ofpeople speak Welsh and manyschools also teach through themedium of Welsh. It is an ancientCeltic language that is pronouncedphonetically. Why not try a fewphrases yourself?
Cymru - WalesBore da – good morningNos da - good nightPlis – pleaseDiolch yn fawr – thank youGwesty - hotelBrecwast - breakfastCoffi - coffeeTe – tea Biscedi – biscuitsCwrw - beerGwin coch – red wineGwin gwyn – white wineIechyd da! – cheers! (good health)
MCM1271 11/20
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Aberystwyth - Rob Rattraywww.robrattray.co.uk
Llandovery - Mathews Butcherswww.mathewsbutchers.co.uk
Rhayader - Bob The Butcherwww.bobthebutcher.co.uk
Tregaron - Gary Jones
Cambrian MountainsButchers Group
www.cambrianmountains.co.uk
MCM1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 1