MENTER MYNYDDOEDD CAMBRIANMenter wledig a ysbrydolwyd gan EUB Tywysog Cymru

CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS INITIATIVEA rural initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales

CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS TOURISM AMBASSADORS 2013

EXPLORE THE CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS

STAY, EAT, DO …THE BEST!

TOURISM AMBASSADORSACCOMMODATION,

FOOD & ATTRACTIONS

The Cam

brian Mou

ntains of Mid

Wales com

prise som

e of the m

ost

beautifu

l, un

spoilt land

scap

es

in Europ

e. They includ

e rare natural

habitats for wildlife and are hom

e to

trad

itional upland

farming practices

dating back to the Middle Ages.

Stun

ning

ly beautifu

l, the area is

however an un

forgiving land

scap

e in which to live and farm. This is why

HRH The Prince of W

ales wishes to

help sustain traditional upland

farms,

rural com

mun

ities and the natural

environm

ent. A key objective is to help

promote rural enterprise and

add value

to reg

ional produce and services by

ensuring

strict ethical stand

ards and

high quality for consum

ers.

The Cam

brian Mou

ntains Initiative

(CMI) is a wide rang

ing project

that includ

es a num

ber of different

organisations and

partners who

are

focused on preserving and

promoting

the very best of the area – in particular

our exception

ally clean natural

environm

ent, vibrant rural com

mun

ities

and traditions.

In 2008 Th

eir Royal Highn

esses Th

ePrince of W

ales and

The Duchess of

Cornw

all estab

lished their W

elsh hom

e(pictured below

) at Llwynyw

ermod

at

Myddfai, near Lland

overy. W

e are most

grateful to them

for their enthu

siasm

and unstinting sup

port for the

Cam

brian Mou

ntains reg

ion and

our local com

mun

ities.

Two years ag

o, HRH The Pince of Wales estab

lished the

Cam

brian Mou

ntains Tou

rism

Ambassador schem

e to

recognise high quality tourism estab

lishm

ents in the

area. They includ

e ho

tels, restaurants, self-catering

accommod

ation as well as visitor attraction

s.

The scheme is designed to acknow

ledge the Ambassadors’

important con

tribution to rural com

mun

ities, includ

ing their

use of Cam

brian Mou

ntains and

other local foo

d produce;

also the way they encourag

e visitors to conn

ect to the

coun

tryside and culture of Mid W

ales.

The aw

ard of the prestigious accolad

e ‘Cam

brian Mou

ntains

Tourism Ambassador’ is based

on indep

endent ad

vice each

year. The estab

lishm

ents listed

overleaf

are the CMI A

mbassadors for 20

13.

These Ambassadors have signed up

to strict criteria and

principles and

are entitled

to use the CMI Tou

rism

Ambassadors brand

identity and

display

the Cam

brian Mou

ntains distinctive woo

den

plaque.

This special, biling

ual plaque was created

by Coe

d Cym

ruusing native Welsh sycam

ore woo

d sou

rced

in the Cam

brian

Mou

ntains. The tree came from

Pon

tsioni, near Builth Wells

and was hand-turned by Richard Freem

an of Llanidloes.

‘One

(ort

wo)

ofth

e10

best

scen

icdr

ives

inth

ew

orld

!’

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Wherever you are staying in

and aroun

d the Cam

brian

Moun

tains region, be sure to

explore the reg

ion’s stun

ning

scenery

from one of tw

o outstanding m

oun

tain

road

s at the very heart of the region -

whether on foot, bike or by car.

Sheep

and

cattle drovers were Wales’s

original ‘cow

boys’ who

, for centuries,

herded

their livestock across wild

terrain to reach the livestock m

arkets

in Lond

on and elsew

here. H

owever, by

the 20

th century, the drovers’ traditions

had fad

ed with the ad

vent of rail and

road

transport for long

er journeys and

the meat trad

e.

Mountain routes that once echo

ed

to the sound of ho

rses, cattle ho

oves

and sheep

dogs no

w stand

silent amid

stunning

scenery, w

atched

over by rare

red kites gliding gracefully in the skies.

Described

by the AA as ‘one of the

10 best scenic drives in the world’,

the

B4

518road

links Cwmystw

yth

and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenery

crosses the watershed

of the Cam

brian

Moun

tains taking

in the fab

ulous

Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes and

dam

s. The

Ela

n V

alle

y V

isit

or

Cen

tre

and trail is one of the Cam

brian

Moun

tains Ambassador attractions!

Ano

ther outstanding drovers’ route is the

exhilarating

B4

343from Tregaron over

to Abergwesyn and

Llanw

rtyd W

ells.

This fabulous route follows a wild and

bleak land

scap

e with grand

, spacious,

expansive views across the roof of

Wales. The area is rich in archaeo

logy,

with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns

and deserted m

edieval villag

es.

Red

Grouse lurk among

st the heather,

plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,

Buzzards and, of course, R

ed Kites!

In Tregaron be sure too to visit CM

Ambassador

Rhi

anno

n G

old

Cen

tre

with its jewellery workshops, craft

centre and

gallery.

And

on your way over the moun

tains,

if you have time, take a detour and

visit

the beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel

on the way. Simple and

isolated, the

chap

el is a spiritual haven of peace

and tranq

uillity.

Definitely ‘must sees’ and

‘don’t miss’,

these tw

o m

arvellous routes are rem

ote

and romantic - perfect for picnics,

land

scap

e pho

tography, painting or

just plain reverie. Time it right and

plan

lunch or dinner at a Cam

brian Mountain

Ambassador venue en route!

Or why not make a complete day of

it and

take in both routes for a truly

spectacular, un

forgettable Cam

brian

Moun

tains circular of ab

out 75 miles

in total (see map

overleaf

for ap

proximate route).

This remarkable roun

dtrip is a firm, seasonal

favourite with vintag

e car enthusiasts and

motor cycle club

s!

The

Cam

bria

nM

ount

ains

Initi

ativ

e

About

our

TourismAmbassadors20

13

HR

H T

he P

rinc

e of

Wal

es p

ictu

red

on

a fa

rm v

isit

wit

h C

amb

rian

Mou

ntai

ns f

arm

er J

ames

Raw

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Old traditions die hard in the

Cam

brian Mou

ntains where

farm

ers and shepherds often still

use ho

rses to access the steep

terrain and

vast wetland

bog

s on

the hill top

s. They

practise the "Hafod

a Hendre" farm

ing

system

of long

sum

mer grazing

on the

hills with sheep broug

ht dow

n to lowland

pastures for winter and lambing.

Throug

h his ‘Farmers Marketing

Initiative’,

HRH The Prince of W

ales is seeking

to

prevent the decline of hill farming. The

upland

s need

animals to m

aintain them

and in turn, this provides nutritiou

s,sustainable foo

d and

maintains valuable

habitats and eco-systems.

Cam

brian Mou

ntains (CM) lamb is

produced

by a group

of 22 farmers in

Mid-W

ales who

se native breed

, mou

ntain

lambs graze freely on

the hills of varied

grasses and

herbs. This results in a

smaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg)

of excep

tion

ally succulent flavour and

meat quality. They supply CM lamb

for the Co-op

erative supermarket’s

Trul

y Ir

resi

stib

lerang

e. It also features

on the TV sho

pping chann

el QVC and

is available from selected bu

tchers in

the region

(see righ

t).

Season

ally available from Jun

e to the end

of January, C

ambrian Mou

ntains lamb has

featured

on menus at high profile events

such as the Ryder Cup

and

Wimbledon

. It was also the highlight of the Royal

Jubilee luncheon

in W

estm

inster Hall

for HM The Queen in Jun

e 20

12.

The brand

identity for the Cam

brian

Mou

ntains includ

es a special w

atercolour

kind

ly provided

by HRH The Prince of

Wales. The Prince first exp

lored the

Cam

brian Mou

ntains in 196

9 when he

was a student at Aberystw

yth University.

For the painting, H

is Royal Highn

ess

selected

the view of Cwm Berwyn

(meaning

‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron

.

The brand

is a m

ark of sup

erior quality

and our farmers ad

here to strict brand

principles to ensure best practice,

sustainable land

manag

ement for

habitats and eco-systems with some of

the lowest carbon

emission

s in the UK!

Not least it is proud

ly served on local

menus by ou

r Cam

brian Mou

ntains

Tourism Ambassadors! W

hy not

take hom

e some delicious Cam

brian

Mou

ntains lamb as a food

gift or to

enjoy at hom

e from

you

r freezer.

Try

som

e de

licio

us, s

uccu

lent

C

ambr

ian

Mou

ntai

ns L

amb!

Cym

raeg

!Th

is new

sletter is aimed

primarily at

visitors to the Cam

brian Mou

ntains

from

outside

the reg

ion. Each year

tourists are fascinated

to discover that

this part of W

ales is very bilingu

al and

that W

elsh (Cym

raeg

) is widely used

in everyday life. The W

elsh lang

uage

contribu

tes to visito

rs’ exp

erience of

being somew

here uniqu

e and qu

itedifferent.

In m

any local com

mun

ities Welsh is

peop

le’s first lang

uage

. In Cered

igion

coun

ty 52%

, and

in Pow

ys 21%, of

peop

le spe

ak W

elsh and

many

scho

ols also teach throu

gh the

med

ium of Welsh. It is an ancient

Celtic lang

uage

that is prono

unced

phon

etically. W

hy not try a few

phrases yourself?

Cym

ru -

Wal

esB

ore

da –

goo

d m

orni

ngN

os d

a - g

ood

nigh

tPl

is –

ple

ase

Dio

lch

yn fa

wr

– th

ank

you

Gw

esty

- ho

tel

Bre

cwas

t - b

reak

fast

Cof

fi - c

offe

eTe

– te

a B

isce

di –

bis

cuits

Cw

rw -

beer

Gw

in c

och

– re

d w

ine

Gw

in g

wyn

– w

hite

win

eIe

chyd

da!

– c

heer

s! (g

ood

heal

th)

MCM1271 11/2012 Design: www.fbagroup.co.uk Printed on recycled paper Images: ©Crown Copyright (2012) Visit Wales, Janet Baxter and Charles Sainsbury-Plaice.

Aberystw

yth - Rob

Rattray

ww

w.ro

brat

tray

.co.

uk

Llandovery - Mathews Butchers

ww

w.m

athe

wsb

utch

ers.

co.u

k

Rhayader - Bob

The Butcher

ww

w.b

obth

ebut

cher

.co.

uk

Treg

aron

- Gary Jones

Cam

bria

n M

ount

ains

But

cher

s G

roup

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

MCM

1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 1

MEN

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NMenterwledigaysbrydolw

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INS

INITIATIV

EAruralinitiativeinspiredbyHRH

ThePrinceofWales

CA

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RIA

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OU

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STAY, E

AT, D

O …

TH

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TOU

RISM

AM

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OR

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CC

OM

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S

The Cambrian Mountains of MidWales comprise some of the mostbeautiful, unspoilt landscapes

in Europe. They include rare naturalhabitats for wildlife and are home totraditional upland farming practicesdating back to the Middle Ages.

Stunningly beautiful, the area ishowever an unforgiving landscape in which to live and farm. This is why HRH The Prince of Wales wishes to help sustain traditional upland farms,

rural communities and the naturalenvironment. A key objective is to helppromote rural enterprise and add valueto regional produce and services byensuring strict ethical standards andhigh quality for consumers.

The Cambrian Mountains Initiative(CMI) is a wide ranging project that includes a number of differentorganisations and partners who arefocused on preserving and promotingthe very best of the area – in particular

our exceptionally clean naturalenvironment, vibrant rural communitiesand traditions.

In 2008 Their Royal Highnesses ThePrince of Wales and The Duchess ofCornwall established their Welsh home(pictured below) at Llwynywermod atMyddfai, near Llandovery. We are mostgrateful to them for their enthusiasmand unstinting support for theCambrian Mountains region and our local communities.

Two years ago, HRH The Prince of Wales established the Cambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassador scheme to recognise high quality tourism establishments in the area. They include hotels, restaurants, self-catering accommodation as well as visitor attractions.

The scheme is designed to acknowledge the Ambassadors’important contribution to rural communities, including theiruse of Cambrian Mountains and other local food produce;also the way they encourage visitors to connect to thecountryside and culture of Mid Wales.

The award of the prestigious accolade ‘Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassador’ is based on independent advice each

year. The establishments listed overleafare the CMI Ambassadors for 2013.These Ambassadors have signed up to strict criteria and principles and are entitled to use the CMI TourismAmbassadors brand identity and displaythe Cambrian Mountains distinctive woodenplaque.

This special, bilingual plaque was created by Coed Cymruusing native Welsh sycamore wood sourced in the CambrianMountains. The tree came from Pontsioni, near Builth Wellsand was hand-turned by Richard Freeman of Llanidloes.

‘One (or two) of the10 bestscenic drives in the world!’

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Wherever you are staying in and around the CambrianMountains region, be sure to

explore the region’s stunning sceneryfrom one of two outstanding mountainroads at the very heart of the region -whether on foot, bike or by car.Sheep and cattle drovers were Wales’soriginal ‘cowboys’ who, for centuries,herded their livestock across wildterrain to reach the livestock markets in London and elsewhere. However, bythe 20th century, the drovers’ traditionshad faded with the advent of rail androad transport for longer journeys andthe meat trade. Mountain routes that once echoed to the sound of horses, cattle hooves and sheepdogs now stand silent amidstunning scenery, watched over by rarered kites gliding gracefully in the skies.Described by the AA as ‘one of the10 best scenic drives in the world’,the B4518 road links Cwmystwyth and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenerycrosses the watershed of the CambrianMountains taking in the fabulous

Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes anddams. The Elan Valley Visitor Centreand trail is one of the CambrianMountains Ambassador attractions!

Another outstanding drovers’ route is theexhilarating B4343 from Tregaron over to Abergwesyn and Llanwrtyd Wells. This fabulous route follows a wild andbleak landscape with grand, spacious,expansive views across the roof ofWales. The area is rich in archaeology,with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns and deserted medieval villages.Red Grouse lurk amongst the heather,plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,Buzzards and, of course, Red Kites!

In Tregaron be sure too to visit CMAmbassador Rhiannon Gold Centrewith its jewellery workshops, craftcentre and gallery.And on your way over the mountains, if you have time, take a detour and visitthe beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel on the way. Simple and isolated, the chapel is a spiritual haven of peace and tranquillity.Definitely ‘must sees’ and ‘don’t miss’,these two marvellous routes are remoteand romantic - perfect for picnics,landscape photography, painting or just plain reverie. Time it right and planlunch or dinner at a Cambrian MountainAmbassador venue en route! Or why not make a complete day of it and take in both routes for a trulyspectacular, unforgettable CambrianMountains circular of about 75 miles in total (see map overleaffor approximate route).This remarkable roundtrip is a firm, seasonalfavourite with vintage car enthusiasts andmotor cycle clubs!

The Cambrian Mountains Initiative

About our Tourism Ambassadors 2013

HRH The Prince of Wales pictured on a farm visit with Cambrian Mountains farmer James Raw

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Old traditions die hard in theCambrian Mountains wherefarmers and shepherds often still

use horses to access the steep terrain andvast wetland bogs on the hill tops. Theypractise the "Hafod a Hendre" farmingsystem of long summer grazing on thehills with sheep brought down to lowlandpastures for winter and lambing.

Through his ‘Farmers Marketing Initiative’,HRH The Prince of Wales is seeking toprevent the decline of hill farming. Theuplands need animals to maintain themand in turn, this provides nutritious,sustainable food and maintains valuablehabitats and eco-systems.

Cambrian Mountains (CM) lamb isproduced by a group of 22 farmers in Mid-Wales whose native breed, mountainlambs graze freely on the hills of variedgrasses and herbs. This results in asmaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg) of exceptionally succulent flavour and meat quality. They supply CM lamb for the Co-operative supermarket’s Truly Irresistible range. It also features on the TV shopping channel QVC and is available from selected butchers in the region (see right).

Seasonally available from June to the endof January, Cambrian Mountains lamb hasfeatured on menus at high profile eventssuch as the Ryder Cup and Wimbledon. It was also the highlight of the RoyalJubilee luncheon in Westminster Hall for HM The Queen in June 2012.

The brand identity for the CambrianMountains includes a special watercolourkindly provided by HRH The Prince ofWales. The Prince first explored theCambrian Mountains in 1969 when he was a student at Aberystwyth University.For the painting, His Royal Highnessselected the view of Cwm Berwyn(meaning ‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron.

The brand is a mark of superior qualityand our farmers adhere to strict brandprinciples to ensure best practice,sustainable land management forhabitats and eco-systems with some ofthe lowest carbon emissions in the UK!

Not least it is proudly served on localmenus by our Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassadors! Why not take home some delicious CambrianMountains lamb as a food gift or to enjoy at home from your freezer.

Try some delicious, succulent Cambrian Mountains Lamb!

Cymraeg!This newsletter is aimed primarily atvisitors to the Cambrian Mountainsfrom outside the region. Each yeartourists are fascinated to discover thatthis part of Wales is very bilingual andthat Welsh (Cymraeg) is widely usedin everyday life. The Welsh languagecontributes to visitors’ experience ofbeing somewhere unique and quitedifferent.In many local communities Welsh ispeople’s first language. In Ceredigioncounty 52%, and in Powys 21%, ofpeople speak Welsh and manyschools also teach through themedium of Welsh. It is an ancientCeltic language that is pronouncedphonetically. Why not try a fewphrases yourself?

Cymru - WalesBore da – good morningNos da - good nightPlis – pleaseDiolch yn fawr – thank youGwesty - hotelBrecwast - breakfastCoffi - coffeeTe – tea Biscedi – biscuitsCwrw - beerGwin coch – red wineGwin gwyn – white wineIechyd da! – cheers! (good health)

MCM1271 11/20

12 Design: www.fb

agroup

.co.uk P

rinted

on recycled

pap

er Im

ages: ©

Crown Copyright (20

12) Visit W

ales, Janet Baxter and Charles Sainsbury-Plaice.

Aberystwyth - Rob Rattraywww.robrattray.co.uk

Llandovery - Mathews Butcherswww.mathewsbutchers.co.uk

Rhayader - Bob The Butcherwww.bobthebutcher.co.uk

Tregaron - Gary Jones

Cambrian MountainsButchers Group

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

MCM1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 1

C

AR

DIG

AN

BA

Y

Aberystwyth

Aberaeron

Llandovery

Llanrhystud

Tregaron

Llanddewi Brefi

Lampeter

Llanbydder

Llandeilo

Newtown

Machynlleth

Mallwyd

Carmarthen

Builth Wells

Rhayader

Pumsaint

Llandrindod Wells

Llanidloes

LlanfairCaereinion

LlangurigDevil’s Bridge

Llanwrtyd Wells

CAM

BR

IAN

MO

UN

TAIN

S

Llangammarch Wells

The National Library of Wales Aberystwythwww.llgc.org.ukWith over 4 million printed volumesand rare books, the Library includesworld class collections of Wales,Welsh-language and Celtic material,including art. Visitors welcome forlibrary tours and a variety of seasonaland permanent exhibitions in theextensive galleries; the café and shopand stunning views over the town.

A range of Ambassador attractionsoffers visitors a host of indoor andoutdoor experiences all year round.When visiting a CambrianMountains Ambassador, pleaseask them more about theCambrian Mountains Initiativeand life in the area. Mwynhewch eich ymweliad! Enjoy your visit!

24

The Metropole Hotel Llandrindod Wellswww.metropole.co.ukA longstanding favourite, this 4 starVictorian spa town hotel dates from1896. A mix of traditional and modern,recently upgraded bedroomscompliment a new hotel spa andtreatment centre (also open to non-residents). Enjoy fine dining anddelicious Sunday lunch in the hotel’sAA Rosette restaurant or informalmeals in the Spencer’s Brasserie.

01

The Falcondale Lampeterwww.thefalcondale.co.ukSuperbly located on the outskirts of thehistoric university town of Lampeter, theFalcondale country house hotel offerssumptuous accommodation for holidaysand short breaks. Lunches and dinners(non-residents welcome) are a delight in the hotel’s AA 2 Rosette restaurant(awarded for 5 consecutive years!) – not least because chef Mike Green andhis team champion local producers.

07

The Castle Hotel Llandoverywww.castle-hotel-llandovery.co.ukTraditional, warm and friendly coachinginn, now fabulously renovated with arelaxed atmosphere – including an oldfashioned bar, roaring log fire, plenty of comfy sofas and a warm welcome.The hotel’s 15 luxury en suite bedroomsfeature simple stylish décor. Deliciousfood served all day includes localdelicacies and traditional dishes.

04

Lasswade Country House Llanwrtyd Wellswww.lasswadehotel.co.ukAA 2 Rosette. 4 Star ‘Restaurant withRooms’. 2011-12 UK Green Champion and2008-10 UK Sustainable Food winner.Personally run by owners Roger andEmma Stevens whose eight bedroomEdwardian House was described in theDaily Telegraph as ‘having one of the bestviews in Wales’. Located in the smallesttown in Britain on the A483 southernapproach to the Cambrian Mountains.

03

Ynyshir Hall Eglwysfach, near Machynllethwww.ynyshirhall.co.ukA haven of tranquility, the hotel’s ninebedrooms offer understated eleganceand fabulous décor (including ownerRob Reen’s stunning paintings). Awardwinning cuisine (AA 3 Rosettes) offersa wealth of superb, fresh (and wild)local ingredients whether for dinner inthe evening or over a simple snack inthe bar at lunchtime. An idyllic retreatwith superb gardens.

2419

Guidfa House Crossgates, nr Llandrindod Wellswww.guidfahouse.co.ukEnjoy your stay at this lovely 5 starB&B country house near LlandrindodWells. Expect a warm welcome andhome-made food as you unwind withbooks by the log fire and afternoon tea in the elegant sitting room. Eveningdrinks or wine and cold platters servedto resident guests if they choose not todine out locally.

26

The New White Lion Llandoverywww.newwhitelion.co.ukRefresh and re-invigorate yourself in this extremely comfortable, 5 starGrade II listed boutique hotelaccommodation in historic Llandovery.Each of the six bedrooms is influencedby local Welsh characters and folklorelegends and features individual stylingwith tasteful furnishings and antiques.Home cooked breakfast and dinner forresidents.

05

Luxury Lodges Trefeglwys, near Llanidloeswww.luxury-lodges-wales.comThis peaceful 80 acre farm featuresbird watching and nature walks from its six luxury self-catering lodges andhoneymoon cottage. Each 5 star lodgeis set in its own private grounds with an individual hot tub and enjoyingpanoramic views of the CambrianMountains. Welcome packs providedand luxurious beauty treatmentsavailable on site.

25

Ty Mawr Mansion Cilcenninwww.tymawrmansion.co.ukThis 5 star award-winning restaurantwith rooms includes nine individuallystyled suites and luxury en-suitebedrooms plus an intimate restaurant.(AA 2 Rosettes). Over 90% of seasonalproduce is sourced within a ten-mileradius of the hotel, much of it organic.For a special treat, enjoy dinnerfollowed by a movie evening in thehotel’s 27 seat cinema!

09

Lake Country House, Hotel & Spa Llangammarch Wellswww.lakecountryhouse.co.ukLuxury spa and country house hotel in fabulous grounds. The elegant,comfortable lounges andbedrooms/suites are richly appointed. In the restaurant Head Chef SeanCullingford offers modern Celtic cuisine(AA 2 Rosette) with discrete unobtrusiveservice and an exceptional wine list. Non-residents welcome for spa days aswell as lunch, dinner, afternoon tea.

02

The Yurt Farm Penuwch, near Aberystwythwww.theyurtfarm.co.ukThea and Laurie invite you for an eco-friendly break in a quiet hay meadow on their family’s organic farm. The simpleluxury of their yurts is unforgettable, with wood burning stoves, handcraftedfurniture, organic bedding and solarshowers. Explore the farm, collect eggsand feed the cows. Enjoy delicious meatand vegetables around the campfire.

12

Y Ffarmers Llanfihangel y Creuddynwww.yffarmers.co.ukSet in a pretty village near Aberystwyth, Y Ffarmers has a well deserved reputationfor quality food and friendly service. A great place for a drink, lunch or dinner,this cosy pub serves well-kept beer as well as local, seasonal produce. Dailymenus vary according to what’s availableand what chef Rhodri Edwards fanciescooking!

13

Ultracomida Aberystwythwww.ultracomida.comFabulous, award-winning Spanish-Welsh deli-restaurant featuring finerange of artisan produce and one ofthe best selections of local Welshcheeses anywhere. Also servingmoreish tapas, delicious lunches in thepopular tapas bar area with its informalatmosphere, together with a greatselection of wines and beers. Bookingsadvised for the evening!

20Esgair Wen, Tyllwyd FarmCwmystwythwww.welshaccommodation.co.ukEnjoy a warm, friendly welcome at thisenchanting 4 bedroom cottage EsgairWen, beautifully situated overlooking the stunning landscape and wildlife ofthe Ystwyth Valley. Located on one of the Cambrian Mountains Lamb hill farms,Tyllwyd, the home of the Raw family for six generations. Also excellent farmcampsite along the river bank nearby.

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Tynrhelyg CottagesTalybontwww.holidaycambriancoast.co.ukStay in rural style and comfort andmeet one of our hard-working farmersin the Cambrian Mountains Lambgroup. Choice of two peaceful, 5* self catering cottages (each sleeps 6)created from traditional stoneoutbuildings. An excellent base for hill or mountain walking; also nearto vast sand dunes and beaches atBorth and Ynyslas, Cardigan Bay.

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Elan Valley Trust CottagesNear Rhayaderwww.elanvalley.org.ukSecluded self catering on the ElanEstate includes a restored 16th centurylonghouse Llannerch y Cawr (2 units.Sleeps 4/6), the traditional cottageTynllidiart (sleeps 4), and cosy 19thcentury farmhouse Penglaneinon(sleeps 6). Each property enjoys fineviews across various valleys, lakes,reservoirs and dams. Meanwhile theTrust’s Penbont House at PengarregDam offers B&B and a tearoom.

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Y Talbot Tregaronwww.ytalbot.comThis 400 year old drovers inn featuresluxury accommodation with ancientbeams, slate floors and cosy inglenookfireplaces in the very heart of the Cambrian Mountains. Passionate aboutlocal food, ales and ciders, the team at Y Talbot delights guests with bothcontemporary and traditional Welsh menus in the restaurant or characterful bar.

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Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Centre9 miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44www.forestry.gov.uk/bwlchnantyrarianA little piece of heaven, high in theCambrian Mountains with an attractiveVisitor Centre and café. Highlightsinclude, stunning views, the lakeside all-ability trail, a choice of waymarked scenicwalks; world class mountain biking routesplus adventure play areas and animalpuzzle trail. Visitors can also enjoy thespectacular daily Red Kite feeding session.

18Rhiannon Gold CentreTregaronwww.rhiannon.co.ukWelsh jeweller Rhiannon Evans has been designing beautiful Celticjewellery for over 40 years. Her uniquejewellery is made by Welsh speakinggoldsmiths and visitors can watch theirwork in progress in the purpose builtviewing workshops. The centre alsoincludes a museum of Celtic Art; café;art gallery plus a delightful craft giftshop.

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Vale of Rheidol RailwayAberystwyth – Devil’s Bridgewww.rheidolrailway.co.ukA blast of the whistle and a hiss of steamand you’re away! A thrilling journeythrough spectacular mountain scenery.Opened in 1902 to carry lead ore andtimber as well as passengers, the narrowgauge railway climbs 700ft (200m) andalmost 12 miles (19 km) to Devil’s Bridgewith its legendary waterfalls.

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Strata FloridaPontrhydfendigaidwww.cadw.wales.gov.ukStrata Florida was a significant 12thcentury Cistercian abbey and animportant Welsh cultural centre. Itsenterprising monks established large-scale sheep farming and created traderoutes across the mountains. Today thepeaceful site houses a new interpretationcentre, including poems by GwynethLewis, to help visitors understand theruins of this once magnificent abbey.

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Aberystwyth Arts CentreAberystwythwww.aberystwythartscentre.co.ukWales’s most vibrant arts centre in amagnificent setting with stunning viewsover Cardigan Bay. With a lively, all yearround theatre, dance, music and filmprogramme, the Centre also includesgalleries with ever-changingcontemporary art exhibitions plusinternational festivals, courses andworkshops, as well as popular cafes, bars, craftshop and bookshop.

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Elan Valley Visitor CentreRhayaderwww.elanvalley.org.uk/visiting-elan/visitor-centreLocated at the foot of the magnificentElan Valley lakes, reservoirs and damsystem, the centre is an excellent basefor exploring the 72 square mile estatein the heart of the Cambrian Mountainsand dramatic scenery. Open all year, it is a favourite with visitors and featureseducational and interpretationexhibitions, a café and shop.

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Ceredigion MuseumAberystwythwww.ceredigion.gov.ukLocated in an original EdwardianTheatre, described as ‘probably themost beautiful museum in Britain’, the region’s rich history is depicted in collections of Welsh costume, artand artefacts relating to the county’sfarming, seafaring, industrial anddomestic heritage. Highlights include a reconstructed 19th century cottageand barn and Welsh textiles display.

Cambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassadors 2013

Photo: Jason Cain

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Welsh Quilt CentreLampeterwww.welshquilts.comJen Jones has assembled aninternationally renowned collection oftraditional Welsh quilts and the Centrefeatures stunning seasonal exhibitions,plus related courses. There is also anintriguing Gallery Shop and lovely deli-café. The 2013 ‘must see’ exhibitionwill focus on Kaffe Fassett’s colourful,dynamic patchwork quilts alongsidetheir flamboyant, vivid 19th and 20thCentury Welsh counterparts.

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LlanerchaeronCiliau Aeronwww.nationaltrust.org/llanerchaeronA wonderful 18th century, small ruralestate owned by the National Trust.Enjoy a visit in the Nash country housewith its laundry, dairy, brewery andsalting house. Also walled garden,parkland and organic home farm withWelsh Black cattle, Llanwenog sheepand rare Welsh pigs. Delicious, homemade refreshments are served in thetearoom.

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Gwesty Cymru Aberystwythwww.gwestycymru.comDiscover true Welsh tradition, culture and contemporary luxury in this seafrontEdwardian guesthouse stylishly reborn for the 21st century. The hotel’s 8 superben-suite rooms include Welsh handcraftedfurniture, specially commissioned oilcanvases, peerless facilities andspectacular seaviews. Gwesty’s restaurantprovides a feast of seasonal, localproduce in imaginative contemporarydishes for lunch and dinner.

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Where to stay & eatAttractions

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

All our Cambrian Mountains Ambassadors are committed to welcoming you warmly during your stay in the area. Theyprovide high standards of hospitality and serve local produce.

As businesses and employers they also help sustain our local communities. Non-residents are welcome in mostestablishments for meals (or spa days!) but please checkindividual websites for full details. Advance booking is alsoadvisable to avoid disappointment.As well as a wide variety of quality accommodation (hotels,self catering, camping and even an organic yurt farm!), theAmbassadors include several award-winning restaurants, a gastro pub and a deli-restaurant.

Mountain drives

MCM1271 Newsletter No3 LATEST_Layout 1 19/11/2012 11:36 Page 2

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The Cambrian Mountains of MidWales comprise some of the mostbeautiful, unspoilt landscapes

in Europe. They include rare naturalhabitats for wildlife and are home totraditional upland farming practicesdating back to the Middle Ages.

Stunningly beautiful, the area ishowever an unforgiving landscape in which to live and farm. This is why HRH The Prince of Wales wishes to help sustain traditional upland farms,

rural communities and the naturalenvironment. A key objective is to helppromote rural enterprise and add valueto regional produce and services byensuring strict ethical standards andhigh quality for consumers.

The Cambrian Mountains Initiative(CMI) is a wide ranging project that includes a number of differentorganisations and partners who arefocused on preserving and promotingthe very best of the area – in particular

our exceptionally clean naturalenvironment, vibrant rural communitiesand traditions.

In 2008 Their Royal Highnesses ThePrince of Wales and The Duchess ofCornwall established their Welsh home(pictured below) at Llwynywermod atMyddfai, near Llandovery. We are mostgrateful to them for their enthusiasmand unstinting support for theCambrian Mountains region and our local communities.

Two years ago, HRH The Pince of Wales established theCambrian Mountains Tourism Ambassador scheme torecognise high quality tourism establishments in the area. They include hotels, restaurants, self-cateringaccommodation as well as visitor attractions.

The scheme is designed to acknowledge the Ambassadors’important contribution to rural communities, including theiruse of Cambrian Mountains and other local food produce;also the way they encourage visitors to connect to thecountryside and culture of Mid Wales.

The award of the prestigious accolade ‘Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassador’ is based on independent advice each

year. The establishments listed overleafare the CMI Ambassadors for 2013.These Ambassadors have signed up to strict criteria and principles and are entitled to use the CMI TourismAmbassadors brand identity and displaythe Cambrian Mountains distinctive woodenplaque.

This special, bilingual plaque was created by Coed Cymruusing native Welsh sycamore wood sourced in the CambrianMountains. The tree came from Pontsioni, near Builth Wellsand was hand-turned by Richard Freeman of Llanidloes.

‘One (or two) of the10 bestscenic drives in the world!’

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Wherever you are staying in and around the CambrianMountains region, be sure to

explore the region’s stunning sceneryfrom one of two outstanding mountainroads at the very heart of the region -whether on foot, bike or by car.Sheep and cattle drovers were Wales’soriginal ‘cowboys’ who, for centuries,herded their livestock across wildterrain to reach the livestock markets in London and elsewhere. However, bythe 20th century, the drovers’ traditionshad faded with the advent of rail androad transport for longer journeys andthe meat trade. Mountain routes that once echoed to the sound of horses, cattle hooves and sheepdogs now stand silent amidstunning scenery, watched over by rarered kites gliding gracefully in the skies.Described by the AA as ‘one of the10 best scenic drives in the world’,the B4518 road links Cwmystwyth and Rhayader. Its spectacular scenerycrosses the watershed of the CambrianMountains taking in the fabulous

Elan Valley with its dramatic lakes anddams. The Elan Valley Visitor Centreand trail is one of the CambrianMountains Ambassador attractions!

Another outstanding drovers’ route is theexhilarating B4343 from Tregaron over to Abergwesyn and Llanwrtyd Wells. This fabulous route follows a wild andbleak landscape with grand, spacious,expansive views across the roof ofWales. The area is rich in archaeology,with Bronze Age ritual sites, cairns and deserted medieval villages.Red Grouse lurk amongst the heather,plus Lapwings, Golden Plovers,Buzzards and, of course, Red Kites!

In Tregaron be sure too to visit CMAmbassador Rhiannon Gold Centrewith its jewellery workshops, craftcentre and gallery.And on your way over the mountains, if you have time, take a detour and visitthe beautiful Soar y Mynydd chapel on the way. Simple and isolated, the chapel is a spiritual haven of peace and tranquillity.Definitely ‘must sees’ and ‘don’t miss’,these two marvellous routes are remoteand romantic - perfect for picnics,landscape photography, painting or just plain reverie. Time it right and planlunch or dinner at a Cambrian MountainAmbassador venue en route! Or why not make a complete day of it and take in both routes for a trulyspectacular, unforgettable CambrianMountains circular of about 75 miles in total (see map overleaffor approximate route).This remarkable roundtrip is a firm, seasonalfavourite with vintage car enthusiasts andmotor cycle clubs!

The Cambrian Mountains Initiative

About our Tourism Ambassadors 2013

HRH The Prince of Wales pictured on a farm visit with Cambrian Mountains farmer James Raw

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

Old traditions die hard in theCambrian Mountains wherefarmers and shepherds often still

use horses to access the steep terrain andvast wetland bogs on the hill tops. Theypractise the "Hafod a Hendre" farmingsystem of long summer grazing on thehills with sheep brought down to lowlandpastures for winter and lambing.

Through his ‘Farmers Marketing Initiative’,HRH The Prince of Wales is seeking toprevent the decline of hill farming. Theuplands need animals to maintain themand in turn, this provides nutritious,sustainable food and maintains valuablehabitats and eco-systems.

Cambrian Mountains (CM) lamb isproduced by a group of 22 farmers in Mid-Wales whose native breed, mountainlambs graze freely on the hills of variedgrasses and herbs. This results in asmaller, slightly lighter lamb (16kg) of exceptionally succulent flavour and meat quality. They supply CM lamb for the Co-operative supermarket’s Truly Irresistible range. It also features on the TV shopping channel QVC and is available from selected butchers in the region (see right).

Seasonally available from June to the endof January, Cambrian Mountains lamb hasfeatured on menus at high profile eventssuch as the Ryder Cup and Wimbledon. It was also the highlight of the RoyalJubilee luncheon in Westminster Hall for HM The Queen in June 2012.

The brand identity for the CambrianMountains includes a special watercolourkindly provided by HRH The Prince ofWales. The Prince first explored theCambrian Mountains in 1969 when he was a student at Aberystwyth University.For the painting, His Royal Highnessselected the view of Cwm Berwyn(meaning ‘Berwyn Valley’) near Tregaron.

The brand is a mark of superior qualityand our farmers adhere to strict brandprinciples to ensure best practice,sustainable land management forhabitats and eco-systems with some ofthe lowest carbon emissions in the UK!

Not least it is proudly served on localmenus by our Cambrian MountainsTourism Ambassadors! Why not take home some delicious CambrianMountains lamb as a food gift or to enjoy at home from your freezer.

Try some delicious, succulent Cambrian Mountains Lamb!

Cymraeg!This newsletter is aimed primarily atvisitors to the Cambrian Mountainsfrom outside the region. Each yeartourists are fascinated to discover thatthis part of Wales is very bilingual andthat Welsh (Cymraeg) is widely usedin everyday life. The Welsh languagecontributes to visitors’ experience ofbeing somewhere unique and quitedifferent.In many local communities Welsh ispeople’s first language. In Ceredigioncounty 52%, and in Powys 21%, ofpeople speak Welsh and manyschools also teach through themedium of Welsh. It is an ancientCeltic language that is pronouncedphonetically. Why not try a fewphrases yourself?

Cymru - WalesBore da – good morningNos da - good nightPlis – pleaseDiolch yn fawr – thank youGwesty - hotelBrecwast - breakfastCoffi - coffeeTe – tea Biscedi – biscuitsCwrw - beerGwin coch – red wineGwin gwyn – white wineIechyd da! – cheers! (good health)

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Aberystwyth - Rob Rattraywww.robrattray.co.uk

Llandovery - Mathews Butcherswww.mathewsbutchers.co.uk

Rhayader - Bob The Butcherwww.bobthebutcher.co.uk

Tregaron - Gary Jones

Cambrian MountainsButchers Group

www.cambrianmountains.co.uk

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