Elan Valley - May 2014

On Monday morning the sun was still shining and it was time for us to pack up and head south right into the heart of mid Wales to the Elan Valley, an area we were both really looking forward to exploring (and we were not disappointed).

On arrival we pitched up on a beautiful campsite (Elan Oaks) and had a quick bite to eat to the sound of the river and a cuckoo (something we'd not heard for a few years!).  The plan was to get the bikes out and go for a short ride, but once on them the thunder started to we headed back to sit in Daisy and watch and listen.  After an hour or two the storm seemed to be over so we decided to walk to Rhayader, the nearest town, just 2.7 miles from the site, along the Elan Valley Trail (so all off road).  We togged up in our wet weather gear and off we went (spotting two bull finches just outside the site).  We were well into our walk when the thunder came rumbling around the valley again and the rain started and it was torrential.  We got soaked but still managed to get to Rhayader and then we walked back and got soaked again!

After nice hot showers, in the 5* wet rooms on site, we headed down to the local hotel where we met up with Mike's sister and husband for the evening.  A good time was had by all.