Thursday 24th September

After a long drive through the countryside we arrived at our hotel in Mid Wales town of Llandrindod Wells. We were all delighted to find it had a bar where we could refresh ourselves

Friday 25th September

We drove to the Town of Newtown, where we caught the train to Aberystwyth. The journey was beautiful, fascinating countryside culminating in views of the sea. Shame it was cold and windy at the coast, but at least the sun was shining. We loved the train journey and the busyness of this seaside town

Saturday 26th September

Todays trip was to the South Wales mining town of Blaenavon, where we rode the Blaenavon & Pontypool steam railway. We then went to big pit, which is still classed as a working mine. Unfortunately, due to the crisis we were unable to go underground, but we were able to have a look around the pit top baths and other buildings

Sunday 27th September

Lovely Sunny and almost warm day as we went to see the Elan Valley. We had drinks and lunch in the visitor centre. Tour of the magnificent valley with its incredibly scenic view. We learned about the Dambuster training there and that the film of the war time exploit was also taken there. Dinner tonight in an Indian Restaurant – a first for some of us

Monday 28th September

Long drive to the coastal town of Towyn in west Wales to ride on the narrow gauge Talyllyn railway. The engine was called Tom Rolt, which was interesting as it commemorated a pioneer of rail and canal restoration.  Another scenic drive there and back. At the hotel for dinner in a Chinese restaurant  - no one went for the ‘english options’ but we didn’t risk the chop sticks!