Llanfair Caereinion and Powys Castle, Annual Trip 2019
45 members and friends of the Group assembled at the Quay Hotel, Deganwy at 9 o’ clock on Wednesday morning, 15th May 2019 to board the Llew Jones bus with Meurig, our friendly driver, who was to be with us all day. Many in the party had never visited mid Wales before, so the journey was to be a bit of an eye opener for them. We enjoyed a leisurely drive along the A470 through Llanrwst where we saw the new Eisteddfod field. Onwards then through Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog before turning for Dolgellau at Maentwrog. Refernce was made to many interesting stories about places along the way, and much interest was shown in the story of Hedd Wyn as we swept by Yr Ysgwrn.
The weather was glorious and we had the opportunity to have a cuppa in Dolgellau and to walk around the town.
Returning to the bus, we followed the A470 to Bwlch Oerddrws and then on to Mallwyd where we joined the A458. We were seeing Wales at its best today as we followed Afon Banwy on our way to Llanfair Caereinion where some of the group enjoyed another cuppa!! The one o clock train to Welshpool was waiting for us at the station as we said farewell to Meurig – for a short time.
Two coaches had been reserved for the Group and there was ample room for everyone. Although the short journey on the small train was pleasant and relaxing enough – it was perhaps not as spectacular as other railways in North Wales. The railway follows Afon Banwy towards Welshpool. Meurig was there waiting for us.
After a session of taking photographs, we made the short trip to Powys Castle for the afternoon where everybody had the chance to either visit the Castle, wander through the grounds or just sit in the sunshine to enjoy an ice cream.
Powys Castle
Everybody obediently returned to the bus by 4.30pm and apart from a little traffic congestion as we joined the A55, we made good progress to Bod Erw Hotel at St Asaph where we enjoyed a gloriously sumptuous supper to crown a very pleasant day out.
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