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The cottages' setting, at the end of a country lane two miles off the nearest 'B' road, is totally unspoilt and a perfect location for relaxing and walking. The scenery is truly spectacular with walks starting from the property that cross thousands of acres of unfenced common land. A favourite walk takes just over five hours, there and back, to see the Elan Valley dams which were built during Victoria's reign to supply clean water to the fast growing population of Birmingham. This was achieved by the construction of four large dams. One was never quite finished, and was eventually blown up in a test during the development of the bouncing bomb featured in the 'Dam Busters' story. The area is well worth a day's visit, which should include a stop at the visitors' centre where a fascinating film details the dam's construction.
The Elan Valley is where the Red Kite is actively protected and has been re-established. The Gurkha regiment, based in nearby Brecon, was assigned the work of guarding the nests. Now the birds can be seen flying over Tyn-y-Beili, and you must see one in full flight to appreciate what a thrill this is. A nearby centre has regular feeding hours during the winter when you can see the birds close up. Other birds such as buzzards, owls and woodpeckers are common but experts will easily spot many far rarer species.
The nearest town is Builth Wells which, although small, is well known as being the permanent site of the annual Royal Welsh Agricultural Show which attracts visitors from all over the world. Regular events continue throughout the year including antique fairs, sales and horse auctions. Builth Wells has a cinema, theatre, and a golf course with several more courses within easy reach In an emergency there is a cottage hospital and doctors' surgery in the centre of town. Canoeing and fishing are a feature of the River Wye which runs through Builth Wells.
The nearest pub, serving food and real ale, is a similar age to Tyn-y-Beili and can be reached on foot in under an hour. By car it is less than ten minutes away. There are other pubs and several good restaurants in the area. The information folder supplied has details of these and other activities. |
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