BostonTropix
October 2013
Yew Tree Cottage is an ideal base for discovering some of the best kept secrets of Wales. The location gives easy access to many of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of Wales and England, while the cottage itself is tastefully renovated and provides a great place to relax after a day of investigating hilltop castles and border market towns . . . that’s if you can keep away from the delightful village pub!
We like to hike, although there’s loads to do even if you don’t want to stray too far from your car. Castle Caereinion gives easy access to trails on Offa’s Dyke Path, Southern Snowdonia, and the Elan Valley. The drive to each of these places is part of the adventure, and if you want to avoid crowds and mass tourism any of these three areas will give you a unique experience that is increasingly hard to find in the UK. We hiked some of the lesser known peaks around the Cader Idris and Elan Valley areas, cheating a little by parking at trail heads at the top of mountain passes. (As with everywhere, if you avoid weekends you’ll have fewer people around to spoil your enjoyment of the rugged mountain vistas). We were particularly impressed by ‘The Desert of Wales’, with wild horses and dramatic lakes.
The border between Wales and England is dotted with too many castles to mention, but we’d recommend visiting Montgomery Castle (about 8 miles away) as well as Welshpool Castle (about 5 miles). There are also many ‘market days ‘ in the surrounding towns worth checking out.
When you are not out exploring, the cottage has two bedrooms, with the upstairs master suite providing a better experience than most hotels many times the price. Free wi-fi is also a big plus, particularly for keeping in touch with work and family in an area that doesn't have great coverage. Bathrooms are large by UK standards, and there is a fully equipped kitchen for eating in, as well as satellite TV. There is also a small garden area to sit in.
One of the best parts about the cottage is that Joan and Richard also own the village pub, The Red Lion, as well as raise cattle, ducks and sheep. This means that you can get some of the best local steak available next door to the cottage, making eating out very tempting. (The pub is small, very friendly and not at all intrusive . . . you wouldn't know it was there while in the cottage). You will probably never have experienced better hosts than Joan and Richard . . . you’ll just have to see for yourself!