Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LLANWRTYD'S TWISTED EVENTS
While mulling over how to encourage tourism in Llanwrtyd in the dark winter months, some citizens started an
inspired roll call of unconventionality. There's something on each month (see
www.green-events.co.uk
for more
details) but these are some of the wackiest.
Saturnalia Beer Festival & Mountain Bike Chariot Racing
Roman-themed festival in mid-January including a
'best dressed Roman' competition, the devouring of stuffed bulls' testicles and the chariot race.
Man vs Horse Marathon
The event that kicked all the craziness off, it has been held every year since 1980 and
has resulted in some tense finishes. Two-legged runners have won only twice, the first in 2004. Held mid-June.
World Bog Snorkelling Championships
The most famous event of all, held every August bank holiday. Com-
petitors are allowed wetsuits, snorkels and flippers to traverse a trench cut out of a peat bog, using no recognis-
able swimming stroke and surfacing only to navigate. Spin-off events include Mountain Bike Bog snorkelling
('like trying to ride through treacle') and the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon; both held in July.
Real Ale Wobble & Ramble
In conjunction with the
Mid-Wales Beer Festival
, every November cyclists and
walkers follow waymarked routes (15 or 25 miles, or 35 miles for the wobblers), supping real ales at the 'pint-
stops' along the way.
Mari Llwyd
A revival of the ancient practice of parading a horse's skull from house to house on New Year's Eve
while reciting Welsh poetry.
Sleeping & Eating
Ardwyn House
( 01591-610768;
www.ardwynhouse.co.uk
; Station Rd; s/d £60/80; )
The young owners have been
busy restoring the art nouveau grandeur of this once derelict house. Some rooms have
claw-foot baths and rural views, and there is parquet flooring, period wallpaper and fur-
nishings, and an oak-panelled guest lounge with a pool table and bar.
B&B
££
Carlton Riverside
( 01591-610248;
www.carltonriverside.com
; Irfon Cres; mains £12.50-23; 7-8.30pm Tue-Sat)
This upscale
restaurant with rooms has a boutique feel and a mantelpiece that positively groans under
the strain of its foodie awards. The rooms (single/double from £50/£75) are modern,
simple and tasteful, and with late breakfasts and checkouts, it's well catered to bon
vivants. There's a bar (open Tuesday to Sunday evenings) tucked away in the basement
but the real star here is the restaurant and its superb menu which features plenty of local
produce cooked up in imaginative guises as well as some more international dishes. Ask
about all-inclusive foodie breaks.
RESTAURANT, B&B
££
Drovers Rest
RESTAURANT
££
