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There are so many things to see
and do whilst on your holiday in Wales. One day you could be
up a mountain looking down on Carreg Cennen Castle, the next
exploring the beautiful welsh coastline with its clean wide-open
beaches. Today, mountain biking in the Brechfa forest, tomorrow,
a boat trip to Scomer Island, a spot of fishing on the Towy or
Cothi rivers, learning to ski on the dry slopes of Pembray Park
or walking in Carmarthenshire's stunningly varied scenery.
You
do not have to travel to enjoy this location, there are walks
from the property and a guide, if you need one, can be arranged.
Many of our holiday makers are actually happy to spend time lazing
about the gardens.
Click on links below for some ideas on,
what to do and where to go.
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There are many things to do and see
within a short drive: Dryslwyn Castle, Dinefwr Park, Golden Grove
with its wild deer and activities for children in the summer, Lyn
Lech Owen reservoir, Aberglasney Gardens or The National Botanical
Garden of Wales. All are within a15 minute drive and there's so
much more.
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| The Lost
Gardens of Aberglasney |
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The story of Aberglasney and its
gardens spans many centuries, but its origins are shrouded
in mystery. This intimate ‘garden lost in time’ is
both enchanting and inspiring, combining historic garden
structures with sympathetic design and planting. Aberglasney
packs an amazing amount into its intimate spaces. You
can explore the ancient formal gardens with their pools,
parapets, cloisters and arches, and then discover the
rare and exciting plants that are turning the rest of
Aberglasney into a plantsman’s
paradise. Again a short drive away from LLanfynydd, A good
way to spend an afternoon.
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.aberglasney.org |
| The National
Botanical Garden Of Wales |
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The National Botanical Garden of Wales
is just a short drive from Ash Tree Lodge. It is one
of the first national botanic gardens to be created in
the new millennium. It is the most visited garden in
Wales and is helping to conserve some of the rarest
plants in the world. This is an interesting day out for
the family. Those particularly interested in horticulture
should not miss the opportunity to take a look. There
is lots going on so check out the web
site before you arrive at Ash
Tree Lodge. If you are a group more than 10 you may
be able to get a visitors discount. Powered wheel chairs
also available at the gardens.
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
www.gardenofwales.org.uk/ |
| Walking
in Carmarthenshire |
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Carmarthen's hills and moors rise
to over 2,500 feet stretching northwards to include the
southern end of the Cambrian Mountains and eastward to
include the Carmarthen Fans in the west of the Brecon
Beacons National Park. Carmarthenshire's remote and tranquil
environment are a stronghold of the 'bird of Wales,'
the Red Kite, which is seen frequently flying over
Stangwrach cottage and our Luxury Ash Tree Lodge. Holidaycottagewales.com
can offer you an experienced guide to take care of the
maps whilst you can take in the breathtaking scenery,
which surrounds this beautiful part of Wales.
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| Ash Tree Lodge |
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| Dryslwyn
Castle |
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Dryslwyn Castle stand
proud over looking the river Towy This is a great place
for kids to explore and a good vantage point to look
over the valley and watch the sun set or sun rise. Only
a short drive from Llanfynydd, Ash Tree Lodge and Stangwrach
Cottage, it's great as an evening trip to wear the
children out before bedtime. If you are feeling energetic
you could even get the bikes out and ride to the castle
and make an afternoon of it with packed lunch. It's all
down hill from the lodge, but bear in mind to save some
energy for the steeper climb back home. Better still
get some one to collect you and your bike by
car.
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| 5 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk |
| The Red
Kite Feeding Centre Llanddeusant |
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The red kite feeding centre is located
in the village of Llanddeusant at the western edge of
the Brecon Beacons National Park in Carmarthenshire,
Wales. Visitors may sit in the specially
built hide only feet away from diving birds and observe
them competing naturally for the meat provided by the
feeding centre at regular times throughout the year.
This is a great day out for the photography enthusiast.
You will also see the red kites all around Llanfynydd
where Ash Tree Lodge and Stangwrach Cottage are located,
there are several breeding pairs around the hills and
forests surrounding Llanfynydd village.
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| 13 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
www.redkiteswales.co.uk |
| Dinefwr
Park, LLandeilo |
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Dinefwr Park is a short drive from
the village of Llanfynydd on the outer rim of the historical
town of Llandeilo. At the heart of Welsh history for
a thousand years, Dinefwr Park took shape in the years
after 1775, when the medieval castle, house, gardens,
woods and deer park were integrated into one vast and
breathtaking landscape. Footpaths through the park lead
to the castle, deer park and woods, which have outstanding
views of the Towy Valley. Badger watching can also be
arranged at the park from the especially adapted hide, which is currently being
refurbished.
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| 7 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.aboutbritain.com/DinefwrPark.htm |
| Dolaucothi
Gold Mines |
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These unique gold mines, last worked in 1938, are set amid wooded hillsides
overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. The Romans who exploited the site almost
2000 years ago left behind a complex of pits, channels, adits and tanks. Mining
resumed in the 19th century and continued through the 20th century, reaching
a peak in 1938. Guided tours take visitors through the Roman and the more recent
underground workings. Gold panning gives visitors the opportunity to experience
the frustrations of the search for gold. This is a good half-day tripe for the
whole family.
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| 12 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-dolaucothigoldmines/ |
| Carreg
Cennen Castle |
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There are few castles in Wales,
which can boast a more spectacular location than Carreg
Cennen. Its stout, weather-beaten ruins crown a precipitous
limestone crag overlooking the remote Black Mountain
in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons National
Park. There is only one way up, a steep, grassy hill
protected by a complicated system of defences. Approach
from the opposite direction is impossible, for the castle
sits the edge of a sheer 100-mtr cliff. A visit is an
adventure below as well as above ground. A passageway
cut into the cliff face leads to a natural cave, which
may well have been inhabited in prehistoric times.
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| 13 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=17 |
| Llandeilo
a small thriving market town |
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Llandeilo is a small, but thriving,
market town in Carmarthenshire, situated on the edge
of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a popular
home for people who work elsewhere and also an area that
attracts many tourists and holidaymakers. It is located
within easy reach of the hills and the coast, the Heart
of Wales railway line and the M4 motorway. Also only
a 15-minute drive from the village of Llanfynydd. The
community of Llandeilo about 2000 residents and is
well served with small friendly shops, cloths, local
produce, gifts and galleries. Well worth an afternoon
especially combined with a visit to Dinefwr Park.
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=17 |
| Re-enactments |
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In period houses across Wales re-enactments
are a great way to become caught up in history, great
for kids and grown ups. Last year the Sealed Knot staged
a battle in Dinefwr Park and it was spectacular. Sealed
Knot battle re-enactments are colourful, exciting and
above all realistic - the roar of the cannon, cavalry
dashing across the field, thousands of soldiers clashing
in battle, the colourful standards, the smoke and the
noise of the drums - this is the Sealed
Knot - vividly
bringing to life the battles that helped shape our nation.
Carmarthen also holds the Merlin festival where you can
see knights in armour.
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.thesealedknot.org.uk/musters.asp |
| Gelli Aur |
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At Gelli Aur, 60 acres of wooded
parkland surround a magnificent mansion with commanding
views across the Vale of Tywi. There’s a 20-acre
deer park, terraced gardens, visitor centre and cafe,
exhibitions and displays. Nature trails explore woodland,
parkland, ponds and meadow. Breeding birds include pied
flycatchers, chiff chaffs and blue tits. The 10-acre
arboretum with mature trees and shrubs was planted in
the 1860’s by the Cawdor
family’s head gardener, William Hill. There are
frequent special events, craft demonstrations and
guided walks are available throughout the year. Visit
- http://www.welshgamefair.com
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.onebiggarden.com/Places_To_Visit/Gelli_Aur_Country_Park-P2-8.aspx |
| Llyn Llech
Owain Country Park |
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Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is
an area of 64 hectares, the central feature being the
lake itself, which is surrounded by a peat bog. The rest
of the park consists of woodland, dry heath and broad
leaved woodland. Many paths are well surfaced and accessible
to wheelchair users. Facilities include a Visitor Centre,
live TV pictures of nesting birds, woodland walks, lakeside
and bog walks, picnic areas, cafeteria, Mountain bike
trail, and adventure playground. This is a good afternoon
trip as the adventure playground provides a
great place to burn off excess energy.
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| 7 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southwest/nature/placestogo/attractions/pages/llynllechowain.shtml |
| Horse
Riding |
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Marros riding centre a family owned & run
establishment providing horse riding services, catering
for all levels of riders from people who have never even
seen a horse close up, to the most experienced of riders.
We take both individuals and families for treks on the
Marros Mountain along our woodland tracks or for the more
experienced rider we offer riding along the eleven kilometres
of beaches that are within easy reach of the farm. We provide
lessons for all levels of rider from complete beginners
up to very experienced riders wanting to improve their
skills.
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| 29 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.marros-farm.co.uk |
| Llansteffan
Castle |
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Llansteffan Castle is an impressive,
dramatically sited stronghold crowning a hilltop overlooking
the estuary of the River Tywi. This is a lovely trip
for an afternoon evening run. Children can enjoy the
open space for flying their kites, playing in the sand
and collecting shells. The more energetic amongst you
can make their way through the woods up to the castle.
Depending on the time of year this is also a good place
for a bag of chips, and there is nothing better than
mum having an evening off cooking. The little end cottage,
converted into a cafe also makes some great cakes and
a cappuccino to die for after a long walk.
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| 20 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
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| Coasteneering |
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A 'Must-Do' activity - 100% enjoyment
guaranteed - a fun way to see and enjoy the Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park in South Wales. Spend approx 3 hours
(time flies when you're having fun) traversing rocks,
swimming between gaps, playing team games such as the
'washing machine' and the 'angle run', cliff jumping
(choose your own comfortable height that suits your nerve)
and exploring caves - try not to get washed out to sea
! Trust us - we haven't had a single person who hasn't
thoroughly enjoyed Coasteering, a great group adventure
activity, even suitable for non-swimmers.
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| For more info click link: |
http://www.shaggysheepwales.co.uk |
| Quade
Biking |
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South Wales - farm & woodland
terrain, Quad Bike racing with muddy woodland skill trail.
Great for the whole family but muddy so be prepared
to get down and dirty. Shaggy sheep have many more activities
so please see their website for more adrenaline adventures.
They also cater for large groups so if you are staying
at AshTtree Lodge in Llanfynydd which sleeps up to 12,
it may be worth a call to arrange a group activity.
There is also go karting horse-riding mountain biking.
etc
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| For more info click link: |
http://www.shaggysheepwales.co.uk |
| Carmarthen
Town |
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Every town is unique, but Carmarthen
is especially so, because of its blend of geographical
location, long and varied history, culture and role as
a county town. The town's location, at the tidal limits
and lowest bridging point of the River Tywi, made it
the natural route centre for West Wales. Carmarthen is
a vibrant market town, and has a modern shopping complex.
Carmarthen is Wales's oldest town with a history extending
back over two thousand years. It was an
important commercial and agricultural centre the twentieth
century has brought many changes, but Carmarthen has retained
its character.
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| 10 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
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| Dinefwr
Castle Llandeilo |
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Dinnefwr Castle (sometimes anglicized
as Dynevor) is a Welsh castle overlooking the River Tywi
near the town of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, West Wales.
It lies on a ridge on the northern bank of the Tywi,
with a steep drop of several hundred feet to the river.
This is a great place to explore. You have wide-open
space, wooded walks, and the ruins of a fantastic
castle to explore. A great afternoon trip with a picnic
and welli boots. Only seven miles from LLanfynydd village,
Ash Tree Lodge and of course the cosy Stangwrach Cottage.
A great place for the kids to run wild and the photography
enthusiast.
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| 7 miles from Stangwrach |
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| Gwili Steam Railway |
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The Gwili Steam Railway, is the
only steam standard gauge railway operating in South
West Wales. The Gwili Railway is a living reminder of
a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking
Carmarthenshire hills. The trip down memory lane starts
at Bronwydd Arms Station, and the steam train follows
the route, originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth
line to a delightful halt at Danycoed. Bronwydd Arms
is the point where you will find the Gwili Railway. Bronwydd
is situated just off the A484 approximately 3 miles from
the centre of Carmarthen. Not to be missed if your potty
about railways.
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| 12 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk |
| Folly
Farm |
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Set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire
countryside, Folly Farm offers four fantastic reasons
to visit… a friendly farmyard, spectacular zoo,
enormous vintage funfair and an imaginative range of
adventure play.
Jolly Farm is perhaps Folly Farm's most well-known and
popular attraction, where visitors meet our huge variety
of friendly farm animals and their babies, including horses,
donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, Shetland ponies, hens, and
much more, including many rare breeds! Visitors can even
enjoy a close encounter with our baby animals during
Folly Farm's long-established and ever popular bottle-feeding
show.
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| 34 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.folly-farm.co.uk/farm.asp |
| Oakwood
Theme Park |
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Experience the thrills of our white-knuckle
rides for yourself with action shots of Hydro, Megafobia,
The Bounce and Vertigo. Check out what we’ve
got for the whole family including granny and grandpa!
A thrilling day out for the whole family.
Some of our rides aren’t suitable for all of our
guests, whether disabled or non-disabled, due to maximum
and minimum height and size restrictions and certain health
restrictions. Be warned by Grace, take
a spare set of cloths, pack a picnic and mums, pack some
headache tablets as you will be watching with bated breath.
Look at website for more info.
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| 36 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.oakwood-leisure.com |
| Cenarth
Paintball Games |
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The session begins with signing
an insurance agreement and getting kitted out with all
the equipment. If you've played on other sites, you may
think our safety rules are excessive in comparison, but
we are dedicated to ensuring that all players have a
safe day as well as an enjoyable one! You will be divided
into two teams, issued with a gun and given the chance
to practice on the shooting range! Then it's off to the
first game to splat, splat, and splat! At the start of
each game you'll be given an objective, which you and
your team members will need to plan how you are going
to capture. 12+ group discounts available, see website.
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| 32
miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.cenarth-paintball.co.uk |
| Pembrey
Country Park |
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The People visit
Pembrey Country Park for many different reasons. Some to
enjoy the freedom to wander around 202 hectares of glorious
parkland, some to take advantage of one of the best beaches
in the UK, others to use the host of excellent family attractions
found in the Park. Set against the spectacular backdrop
of the Gower Peninsula and overlooking the coastal scenery
of Carmarthen Bay, the Park had been transformed into one
of Wales’s top visitor attractions. Learn how to
ski and board without
even setting foot on a snow-covered mountain or take your
bikes and enjoy the Millennium Coastal Path/Celtic Trail.
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| 24 miles from Stangwrach |
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| Fishing,
Llanfynydd, Wales |
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Stangwrach cottage and Ash Tree Lodge are very popular in the fishing season.
The Towy (Tywi in Welsh) is only a couple of miles away and is one of Britain's
top sea-trout rivers. Towy sewin (as the sea-trout is known in Wales) are famous
for their size - five and six-pounders are common. The river's runs of salmon
are also among the best in the Principality. As a spate river, the Towy produces
excellent daytime sport to anglers spinning or fly-fishing when the river is
running off after rain. However, it is for the nighttime sport it offers with
sea trout that the Towy is most famous for.
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| 2 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.towyfishing.co.uk/the%20river.htm |
| Wales
Coastline, Stack Rocks, pembrokshire |
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The welsh coastline, dramatic limestone
cliffs and a wealth of wildlife in green unspoilt surroundings.
Look out for: St Govan's Chapel, choughs, and spectacular
limestone cliffs/coastal scenery. Stack Rocks (Elegug Stacks - elegug is Welsh
for guillemot) are two detached pillars of limestone. Also, look for the Green
Bridge, a natural arch carved by the waves, and the Cauldron on the promontory
to the east. The tops of the Stacks and the ledges below are crammed with guillemots
and razorbills, and fulmar and kittiwake nest on the cliffs along with herring
and black-backed gulls. Wildlife photographers and walkers haven.
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| 47 miles from Stangwrach |
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| The Chocolate
Factory |
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Visit the chocolate farm where
you can smell, taste, drink, see, touch, listen to and
absorb the full flavours of fine chocolate at our award
winning chocolate workshops. There's 3000 years of history
in chocolate. On a Factory Tour we show you how chocolates
are made. Young and old are welcome to have a go. You
can see all the details of our famous visitor attraction
at the Welsh Chocolate Farm see the website. This attraction
is an hour away, ideal for a day trip or combined with
another, in the area.
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| 29 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.welshchocolatefarm.com/ |
| Knights
in Armour, Merlin, Magic & Mystery Festival |
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Family entertainment with street
entertainers, magicians, traditional fun fair, Mardi
Gras-style parade, vivid storytellers, medieval re-enactors,
animal displays, local arts & crafts marquee, a Welsh “food
hero’s” exhibition, live music as well as
the death defying Vander Brothers stuntmen...
Loads of entertainment based on myths & legends fills
the streets during the day with late afternoon and evening
activities held in the lovely setting of Carmarthen Park.
Summer dates - location Carmarthen town centre
and Park
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| 12 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
Photo by Debbie
Maidment |
| Laugharne
Castle |
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Laugharne is more than just the
town where Dylan Thomas lived, much more. It is an ancient
town steeped in history sitting on the estuary of the
River Taf. What was once a busy port is now popular
with writers, artists, tourists, anglers and bird watchers.
And overlooking the estuary are the dramatic ruins of
a Norman Castle. The famous Dylan Thomas Boathouse was
also in laugharne were he spent the last four years
of his life during which time many major pieces of work
were written - including Under Milk Wood.
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| 14 miles from Stangwrach |
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| Cothi River |
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This stunning scenery is just an hour's walk from Ash Tree Lodge and Stangwrach
Cottage. Fantastic for fishing but also if you are passionate about photography
and wild life. It a place to sit, listen, to paint, to fish, to photograph or
just to breath in the vision. The trees sling to the deep gorges, the river
silent in some places but deafening in others as it tumbles over rocks worn
smooth with times past. The banks are full of snowdrops or bluebells and there
are walks along the riverbanks. A guide can be made available to lead you thought
and over some very tricky footbridges and paths, you may even be lucky and see
an otter.
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| 2 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
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| Mountain
Biking, Abergorlech, Brechfa Forest |
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Brechfa Forest, one of
Wales' best kept secrets. With it's dramatic views and
deeply cut river valleys offering superb mountain biking.
What this trail delivers in views and scenery it certainly
backs up with terrain and excitement. Taking design and
construction to new levels, the trail is a hard, fast,
all weather surface which becomes more and more exciting
as your skill level and speed progresses. Soon you’ll
be railing the perfectly sculpted berms and huge switchbacks,
jumping the step up jumps and tabletops and grinning
all the way to the bottom of the exhilarating final
descent.
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| 5 miles from Stangwrach |
http://www.mbwales.com |
| Tenby Beach |
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Just an hour from Tenby’s three
blue flag beaches you have the best of both worlds, coast
and country. Tenby (Welsh: Dinbych-y-Pysgod, "little
town of the fishes") is a walled seaside town in
Pembrokeshire, West Wales, lying on Carmarthen Bay. Probably
originating as a Viking settlement, the town grew as
a port around the now-ruined Tenby Castle, and is now
a popular seaside holiday resort.
This makes a lovely
day out for the family, you have the beach and the beautiful
town, well worth a visit.
Photo by kind permission of Pete Rogers (see website
below)
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| 37 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.welshwales.co.uk |
| Saundersfoot Beach |
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Saundersfoot is a fishing village
located in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National
Park and is one of the most popular seaside resorts in
the UK. Located at the foot of a picturesque wooded valley
Saundersfoot has everything to offer from sandy beaches,
watersports, fishing trips, shops, restaurants,
and the coastal path.
It also has one of the best fish
and chip restaurants in Wales. Its called the Mermaid
and it is located right beside the slipway to the beach,
on top of a bucket and spade beach shop, hence the
picture. Good friendly staff, weither you take away
or eat inside looking out over the beach.
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| 35 miles from Stangwrach |
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| Golf, Wales |
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So, what’s it all about?
Quite simply, ‘Golf as it should be’ is what
the game is really about – challenge and conviviality,
achievement and relaxation, good competition and great
fun. It sums up the kind of golf you can find in Wales.
See the golf website to find out more about
the ingredients of this magic formula.
More info coming soon
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| 10 miles from Ash Tree Lodge |
http://www.golf.visitwales.com |
| Skomer
Island |
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Skomer Island lies just off the
Pembrokeshire coast, south west Wales. A 50-seater passenger
boat transports visitors to the Island from Martin’s
Haven (OS Grid Ref: SM 760 091), 12 miles south west
of the county town of Haverfordwest.
This is a great day trip, full of wildlife, take your
camera and packed lunch. Good walking shoes a must. Back
pack and water proofs. An early start to catch the boat
but fantastic, you wont want to leave the island, a photographers
paradise.
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| A full day out - fantastic |
http://www.welshwildlife.org/skomerIntro_en.link |
| Manor
House Wildlife Park |
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Manor House Wildlife Park is situated
by the unique and beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal resort
town of Tenby. Now owned by the one and only Anna Ryder
Richardson from the TV series Changing Rooms, Manor House
Wildlife Park enables visitors to interact with the animals,
including Zebras, Emu's and Wallabies as well as many
different types of monkey.
This is a good
day out for the whole family, young, old
and disabled. This is a particular favourite with our
disabled visitors.
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| A full day out - fantastic |
http://www.manorhousewildlifepark.co.uk/ |
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