Wales Day 6 – Home

Today was essentially the long haul home. It was a difficult journey due to the storm front that moved in near Cardiff and brought torrential rain and very low visibility. Before long the roads were flooded which just meant a slow a deliberate drive home. To top it off, there were a spate of accidents- one on the M4 at J6 (the turnoff to Windsor). The whole inbound M4 was closed. Just add 30 minutes to the trip home…

Rather than just make a bee line for home we wanted to visit the Brecon Beacons one last time. Our Lonely Planet guide suggested LLanthony Priory which is on the extreme eastern border of the Beacons in the Black Mountains. The priory itself is in ruin but the trip is absolutely spectacular. Its accessed via a narrow country road that requires you squeeze the car between the hedge rows and other occasionally on-coming traffic.

We loved exploring the Priory. It is such an imposing structure even though it is in ruin. James escorted us through each room opening and closing his imaginary doors. Soon the rain started falling in earnest so we took shelter in the small lunch/bar room located what seems to be the priory cellar. It was very atmospheric. But also absolutely bustling. Merrilyn and I both had fresh vegetable soup and James enjoyed a steaming hot chocolate. We got talking to some locals who told us that the bench we were sitting on where the Archbishop of Canterbury and General Schwartzkopf have sat.

Getting back to the car was when the heavens opened up. As we made our way to Hereford the small country road we travelled on was more like a river. And the rivers were swelling before our eyes.

Last few photos are here.