The Snowdonian scenery is breath-taking

Gareth Evans, GTW’s resident Welshman gives an overview of what his homeland has to offer coach groups – along with some ideas you may not have thought about previouslyIt may look small on the map but Wales offers a rich variety of interesting destinations for groups and coach tour operators to explore. Every corner brings a different view, and each town has its own differing accent. Contrary to popular belief, the stereotypical Ruth Madoc ‘Hi-de-hi’ accent is not universal – the southerners sound very different to the northerners, who in turn differ from those in Mid and West Wales. What is consistent however, is the ability of the Welsh to talk – they certainly live up to that particular stereotype. Like England and Scotland, Wales boasts its own distinct regions – and cuisine. As a fellow Welsh exile, Hayley Crane of ‘Door2Tour.com’ says: “When visiting Wales, make sure you try the Welsh cakes (a biscuit-sized fruit cake), Bara Brith (fruit loaf) and for the more adventurous, Laver Bread (seaweed).” While Wales is of course a popular part of the UK to visit – with firm favourites including Snowdonia and South West Wales – it’s also nice to discover somewhere different – hence our off the beaten track suggestions.NORTH WEST
With its lovely beaches, long Victorian pier and interesting shops, Llandudno is rightly a popular, thriving resort. The beautiful Victorian seaside resort is uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with wonderful beaches for people to explore. Wales’ largest seaside resort has plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Don’t forget to enjoy a trip on the Great Orme Tramway or perhaps an open top bus ride – or go by vintage Alpine Travel coach if you prefer. While Llandudno is without doubt the coach holiday capital of North Wales, Criccieth and Mold are also home to coach-friendly hotels. Llandudno and Criccieth in particular are perfect for exploring Snowdonia, lending themselves to circular tours. ‘Must do’ attractions include the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Bodnant Garden and the unique Italianate village of Portmeirion. Other places worthy of exploration include Porthmadog and Betws y Coed which are ideal for coffee or lunch stops – and Beddgelert, which is home to a not to be missed ice cream parlour. Home to the famous castle, Caernarfon offers an opportunity to stretch one’s legs and is also the northern terminus of theWelsh Highland Railway. Llanberis and its well-known pass, which must be driven with care, is another pleasant place to visit, if a little busy during the peak summer school holidays. While the Snowdon Mountain Railway is undoubtedly its most popular attraction, across the road is the friendly Llanberis Lake Railway, which offers delightful views of the water after which it is named and Mount Snowdon. The free-to-enter National Slate Museum allows one to learn about the traditional Welsh slate industry and it is also conveniently located alongside the lake railway and the coach park. Not to be forgotten is the Isle of Anglesey, which offers an entirely different set of scenery to that on the mainland. A popular stop-off is the Edinburgh Wollen Mill at Llanfair PG – better known as ‘that place with the long name.’

NORTH EAST
With its tea rooms and souvenir shops, and the river Dee flowing through its heart, Llangollen is a popular place to visit throughout the year. Coaches can conveniently be parked in the central coach park, which also has toilets alongside. The

Brecon Cathedral is an easily overlooked gem

Llangollen Railway allows one to enjoy the river valley from a decidedly different angle to that from a coach traversing the A5. A new development this season is the opening of the extension from Carrog to Corwen. A boat trip with a difference can be enjoyed on a horse-drawn barge from Llangollen Wharf. An alternative canal cruise is that which traverses Thomas Telford’s mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the UK’s biggest navigable aqueduct which towers an impressive 126ft above the river Dee. Refreshments can also be served on board.

Off the beaten track: Tanat & Vyrnwy Gems

Lake Vyrnwy dam

Despite being conveniently located across the border from Shrewsbury, the Northern tip of Powys is not normally on the radar for coach groups. Yet this corner of the principality offers a host of undiscovered gems – and thus provides something different for your itineraries. There is a Welsh phrase used in mid-Wales that sums it up: ‘Mwynder Maldwyn’ – the gentleness of Montgomeryshire. A network of B roads allows full-size coaches to access the scenic Tanat, Cain and Vyrnwy Valleys – routes which are normally the preserve of the natives and those who can read maps. Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown is Pistyll Rhaeadr, which is literally translated as ‘spring of the waterfall.’ Located in the Berwyn Mountains, north of the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, near Oswestry, the waterfall is formed by the Afon Disgynfa’s falling, in three stages, over a 240-foot (73m) drop, after which the river is known as the Afon Rhaeadr. The fall is composed of two drops, the water flowing through a natural rock arch in the middle between the two.

The waterfall is often cited as the tallest single drop in the UK, although this is subject to debate. For those of us old enough to remember the Timotei hair shampoo adverts of the late 1980s, this is where they were filmed. It was also the location of Reichenbach falls in Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock Holmes. Set in the area too was the 1995 film ‘The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain.’ The C-class road is suitable only for a minicoach. However, local operator Tanat Valley Coaches (TVC) offers the opportunity for groups to be transported to the breath-taking waterfall in a 29-seater Sitar Beluga minicoach – a full-size coach can be safely parked at the firm’s garage on the edge of the village.

Call TVC on 01691 780212 or visit www.tanat. co.uk. In a similar vain, another hidden gem is the delightful nearby Penant Melangell church. A place of pilgrimage, parts of the Grade 1-listed structure date back to the twelfth century. It rightly proclaims to be one of the loveliest small churches in Britain – and undoubtedly one of the most remote. Its famous shrine attracts many visitors, but not enough to disturb its tranquillity. Prior arrangements must be made with the Centre Director so that groups can be comfortably accommodated – call 01691 860408 or visit www.st-melangell.org. uk. Again, it is accessed via a C-class road, which meanders its way up a side valley from Llangynog and is suitable only for a minicoach – but can be accessed using TVC’s smaller vehicles. For itinerary purposes, afternoon tea or morning coffee can be served either at the café the waterfall or in the two village pubs in Llangynog – the New Inn or the Tanat Valley Inn. An attraction which is accessible for full-size coaches however, is Lake Vyrnwy.

Built in the 1880s to supply Liverpool with fresh water, the spectacular dam is 144ft (44m) high from the bottom of the valley, and 128ft 39m) thick at the base. It is 1,171ft (357m) long and has a road running along the top. It is decorated with over 25 arches and two small towers (each with four corner turrets) rising above the road surface. The Victorian reservoir has a circumference of 11.5 miles. The nature reserve and the area around it are jointly managed by the RSPB and Severn Trent water. A popular retreat for visitors from the West Midlands and North West of England, it also attracts ornithologists, cyclists, and hikers. The reserve is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. A tea room, souvenir shop and bird hide provide added interest at the lake. If in the area on a weekend, the Cambrian Heritage Railway offers the choice of two short train rides in Oswestry and at Llynclys, four miles south of the market town at the throat of the Tanat Valley. Call 01691 688763 or visit https:// cambrianrailways.com . While larger group-friendly hotels are at a premium in this part of the world, the Premier Inn at Oswestry includes a welcoming bar and restaurant, minutes away from the main A5. Coaches are no strangers to the hotel. Other attractions in the area, albeit a little further away include Llangollen, Chirk Castle, the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway and Powis Castle.

The Welsh Highland Railway is a ‘must do’ journey through the heart of Snowdonia

MID WALES
As Powys’ county town, Llandrindod Wells is the capital of Mid Wales in more ways than one. The Victorian spa town is the ideal place to base your tour, being easily accessible by road and rail – and home to coach-friendly hotels. Places to explore in the area include the so-called Red Kite Country, the Black Mountains and the Elan Valley, a complex of Victorian reservoirs which supply the West Midlands with water. Further south is the delightful town of Brecon. While a canal boat trip can be enjoyed from alongside the coach park, easily overlooked is Brecon Cathedral.

WEST WALES
Undoubtedly one of Wales’ most picturesque harbour towns, Tenby is popular with locals and visitors alike. The cliff-top seaside resort has cobbled streets featuring shops, cafes and restaurants. For an experience with a difference, enjoy a peaceful escape by boat over to Caldey Island, home to the monks of the Cistercian Order. Medieval churches can be explored, along with a walk up to the lighthouse – or just relax on the beach. With its rugged limestone cliffs and golden sands, explore the picturesque scenery of the Gower Peninsula, which lies to the west of Swansea. Welsh Cream Tea can be enjoyed at the Gower Heritage Centre. Swansea itself includes the Welsh National Waterfront Museum, formerly known as the selfexplanatory industrial and maritime museum. In addition to the famous market which sells Laver Bread, there is also the Dylan Thomas Centre and Castle. A little further afield is the superb National Botanic Garden – a Welsh Eden project. The centrepiece of this Millennium project is the Norman Fosterdesigned Great Glasshouse, partially built below ground level, housing plants from Chile, Australia, South Africa and the Mediterranean.

St Fagan’s, the Welsh Museum of Life

THE SOUTH
The Welsh capital is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with lots to see and do. Visit the medieval Cardiff Castle, with over 2,000 years of history which can be found in the heart of the city – a stones throw from the shops. In addition to the capital and St David’s shopping centres, don’t forget to visit the traditional indoor market, particularly the stall which sells an array of different twists on Welsh Cakes. A must do attraction on the outskirts of the city is St Fagan’s, The Welsh Museum of Life. Something of a Welsh Beamish, it is highly recommended – consisting of reconstructed buildings from all across Wales. It is highly recommended Enjoy a ride on the scenic Brecon Mountain Railway, which despite its name, is located near Merthyr Tydfil. Interestingly, it has just extended the length of its running line and opened a new steam museum. A convenient stop-off for those travelling along the M4 is McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlet village at Bridgend.