Are you taking a trip to Wales in Great Britain and looking for a truly out-of-the-way place to stay? the Llanerchindda bed and breakfast might just be your ideal spot. There are others, of course, but my wife and I certainly enjoyed this location and hosts.
What a perfect, out-of-the-way place to simply rest and relax, do some trout fishing, or do some extreme four-wheeling – all in central Wales. the place is called Llanerchindda Farm and is fairly difficult to locate on a map, much less find it on the ground. it is located outside of a small settlement called Cynghordy, which is near the town of Llandovery.
Llanerchindda is a family business run by the Hadley family. Martin, his wife Lynn, and their twin sons mark and Andrew are the guiding forces that pour their heart and soul into this place. Each contributes in whatever needs must be undertaken at the time, from cooking or cleaning to washing off the muddy four-wheelers. even the flower boxes must be picked out and “cleaned up” every day. They have a staff of 4 or 5 helpers as well.
The location was an old farm house converted into a bed and breakfast a number of years ago, with a primary emphasis on 4×4 driving activities. a swift moving stream through the property provides an abundance of water hazards as does the steep, almost-mountainous terrain. There are straightforward tracks, deep wallows, muddy and steep climbs, and river sections. Although it is only 50 acres, the site is even utilized by the Welsh 4×4 Emergency Response teams for training. the official name is “4×4 Response Wales” and is part of a national 4×4 network across the UK. the Welsh club that trains at Llanerchindda was even named Club of the Month in the September 2009 issue of Land Rover Monthly magazine.
The B&B can actually cater to as many as 35 guests, utilizing serviced rooms or self-catering accommodations. most rooms come equipped with a small color television with a few channels, coffee and tea maker, hair dryer, and central heat. There is a nice lounge area downstairs as well as a patio with a great view of the valley and countryside. it provides a spectacular view of Cynghordy Viaduct. the viaduct was built in just 14 months in the middle 1800′s for the railroad to cross the valley and it is still used for railroad service today.
A full farmhouse breakfast is served buffet style each morning, including eggs, ham, sausage, tomatoes, toast, yogurt, cereals, juices, coffee, tea, etc. Light lunches are available as an option. Traditional three course dinner meals are served in the main room, also at an extra optional charge. These dinners are outstanding, mostly prepared by Lynn herself, or at the least, her recipes are used. we tried two different, complete meals and they are quite filling and delightfully scrumptious. Lynn has a self-published cookbook of her special Welsh recipes available for sale on location., which make terrific gifts for friends and family back home.
The surrounding area provides an abundance of activities for UK or European guests on holiday or a quick weekend. American visitors can find history and small shops galore. the nearby town of Llandovery has a rich and ancient history and culture. the Romans took advantage of the hills to build a fort. Later, the Normans used the area to build a church. the “Church of Mary on the Hill” still stands on a hillside, watching over the town. the grave of William Williams, the famous preacher and religious songwriter, is located in the town. And of course, the expected castle. Unfortunately, the town’s castle consists mostly of ruins, but it is worth a short visit. There is a small town Heritage Center as well. Services for most wants and needs can be found in Llandovery.
Llanerchindda Farm may be off the beaten path somewhat, but is well worth the visit. Martin, Lynn, mark, Andrew and their staff do their best to make your stay enjoyable. Costs range approximately $30 to $35 Euros per person.
Bed & Breakfast in Wales – The Llanerchindda Farm is Unique Among Many