The real WWW - wicked weekend in wales

Introduction

The quest to get away periodically continues with the May long weekend bringing a jaunt to South Wales. It was probably a little more driving than I would like but what a place that part of the United Kingdom is. Given ours was a short weekend we keep things close to the M4 so that it was east to traverse different places. Opposed to our Cambridge trip we opted for Premier Inn an equal alternative to the conventional Travelodge as our resting place.

First stop - Margam Country Park

Miserable Margam was a perfect setting to start our break. After an early start from London and a spanking 3 hours along the M4 motorway we arrived at miserable Margam Country Park. But don't linger on the miserable adjective the park was wet so difficult to appreciate its glory but the castle was magnificent surrounded by the grey skies. It was the castle of doom from the stories you will have read as a child.

Margam Castle - be scared, be very scared

A more amiable view of the side of the castle

You can go inside and admire the wonderful atrium

The castle grounds are excellent to take a kite - there's plenty of wind usually we were told, except the day we were there. Our newly bought kite was wet and packed back in its packaging. Margam country park was hosting a special event (super heroes) the following day. Fortunately we missed seeing men in colourful tights and even better we read in the national press that the day was marred with large crowds, Version 2 of the event will surely be better. My advice is avoid men in tights and go on a miserable day and admire the melancholy of the place.

The Gower Peninsula

This stretch of beach lies between Swansea and an area known as the Mumbles. We parked up on the road side near the Mumbles and walked along the seafront. You can see along the coast all the way to Port Talbot which houses a steel works. Its a great place to walk, run, cycle and pretty much appreciate what life is meant to be about.

As you can see the weather had cleared up when we went to Gower during the afternoon and out kite got a good working over soaring into the blue sky and drying itself off. One of the by products of our Gower visits or shall we say souvenirs were the rocks you see in the foreground some of which grace the edges of our pond now. We finished Gower with a hot cup of team to watch the tide come in.

Rhossili Bay - just go there will you

Just do as I say and you wont regret this. Rhossili Bay is on the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea. As the M4 ends you have to take a number of smaller country roads to end at the bay. We followed direction to Rhossilli and ended up at the upper part of the bay where you can walk along the cliff edges. There is an alternative route to the sand dunes lower down so plan your day accordingly. While we were there for a couple of hours the area has an immense amount of beauty. But I can imagine it being bitterly cold outside of the summer months. The blue skies and the clear views made for super brain detoxing medicine. Sadly its not the kind that you can bring back to the retoxification effects of London but remember respite is only 3 hours away.

Aberdulais Waterfall

So this is no Victoria Falls but its Wales and the sounds of flowing water brings a natural feel good factor. The falls are part of an old works and remains of its are still part of the area. The waterfall is artificial to some degree but still very picturesque. The attraction is a small one with the waterfall being the primary draw.

Well there you have it

As an old buddy of ours from Hong Kong used to say. Go and get some detox its better than anything from a bottle.