Cwm Irfon is secluded and peaceful with easy access by road, by horse,
by foot or by mountain bike up and along quiet mountain streams to
the Abergwesyn Valley, The switchback mountain road to the steep climb
called the Devils Staircase and on to the wild Cambrian Mountains.
Only three miles down the valley is Llanwrtyd Wells with internationally
recognised restaurants, a full calendar of events including bog snorkelling,
the Man V Horse race, real beer in good pubs and an array of other
quirky events throughout the year.
The three acres of woods provide a natural adventure playground for
children with small paths criss crossing between the rhododendrons
and on up the side of the hill to look out points next to gnarled
old oaks bearded with lichen and moss.
Mountain Biking
Llanwrtyd Wells set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains
of Mid Wales is an absolute gem of a place for cyclists. It is unique
in the UK in offering visiting bikers - road and off road - traffic
free cycling, an unprecedented mix of mountain and valley routes,
way marked rides and a town that extends a very warm welcome.
There are seven different way marked mountain bike and road rides
which start directly from your cottage door. Cwmirfon cottages provide
an ideal base to explore this wonderful environment with facilities
to store bikes securely, wash them down if they need it and information
about the wide variety of rides available. There are rides to please
everyone. Cyclists can select from winding traffic free lanes and
tracks along the enchanting Irfon Valley - well suited to family excursions
and with picknick spots along the way on the banks of the river Irfon
- to renowned road routes such as the serious, switchback ascent of
the Devils Staircase (only three miles from your cottage) and mountain
bike trails that feature in the gruelling man v horse v bike race
of international repute. There is no better way to explore mid Wales
than by bike.
We have a wide range of maps available that provide detailed routees
for every taste from afternoon meander by the river to the most demanding
mountain bike tracks. We can also provide a pick up and drop off service
for luggage or equipment if you are planning to move on to another
destination. Llanwrtyd Wells has a railway station on the Heart of
Wales Line running from South to North Wales.
Good quality mountain bikes are also available for hire from nearby
in Llanwrtyd Wells (01591 610710) at Cycles Irfon and also Pedal Power
Mid Wales
http://www.cycle-hire-wales.com/
Walking
The Cambrian Mountains are ideal for walking, both for those
who like a quiet afternoon stroll after lunch, a leisurely picnic
on the river bank amongst the bluebells or for those who wish
to undertake longer rambles on day walks or are staying with
us as a break in part of a longer journey on the alternative
section of the Wye Valley Walk.
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Whatever your taste
the mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs will provide the
drama or tranquility you seek.
We have ordnance survey maps and walking routes available and
can provide packed lunches and experienced guides if required. |
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Fishing
We have two and a half miles of coarse fishing in the River
Irfon a major tributary of the River Wye and belong to the Upper
Irfon Trust. As members of the Wye and Usk Foundation Passport Scheme
our fishing forms part of the Upper Irfon Beat and can be used at
a reduced rate if staying with us. The income we derive in this
way is used to improve the river and habitat of the Upper Irfon.
The Wye and Usk Foundation exists to improve the fisheries of the
River Wye and its tributaries by improving the river environment.
The River Irfon is a prime breeding spot for Salmon and provides
a home to Brown Trout and Grayling. In recnt years the river has
suffered from acidification as a result of heavy industry in the
South and the expansion of conifer plantations. Even more recently,
as heavy industry reduces and the conifers are cut back from the
rivers watersheds the water quality is improving and the fish are
returning. This year the Wye and Usk Foundation is planning to lime
some of the bogs that collect water for the Irfon to further reduce
acidity.
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There is
a lot of information about fishing in this area on the Wye &
Usk Foundation web site http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/ and
we can provide a fact sheet about local fishing opportunities
on request. |
Sauna – after all those strenuous activities!
The sauna is situated in the small stable behind the cottages. It
can be rented by the hour
Guests can shower in their own cottage beforehand and then walk
the short distance to the sauna (bathrobes can be provided). After
your sauna and when you wish to referesh yourself during tour sauna
there is a simple cold outdoor shower of Cwm Irfon spring water
or we can provide warmer scented water for a slightly less invigorating
experience. For group bookings Woodpecker Cottage can be converted
to a room to relax afterwards in front of the blazing wood stove
with a cool drink.
Prices
Individuals: £5 for the first hour and £2.50 for
every subsequent hour at specific times
Groups: £25 for the first hour and £5 for every
subsequent hour (includes use of Woodpecker Cottage to change,
shower and relax when
available)
Bathrobes hire £2 each
Soft drinks, fruit juices and spring water (free) available
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Town events
There are a large number of events going on in Llanwrtyd Town including
The Man Versus Horse Race, The World Bog Snorkelling Championships,
The Real Ale Wobble and Real Ale Ramble linked by the Real Ale festival
in Autumn.
Information about dates can be found on the town information website
http://llanwrtyd-wells.powys.org.uk/index1.htm
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