Heart of Wales train ride to Llandrindod Wells

When I suggested a train ride on the very beautiful Heart of Wales line, I had a dozen or so people who were really interested in joining in.

I chose Llandrindod Wells as I knew there was a good choice of different things to do there, which would suit everyone.

Bev, Robert and I, got on the train at Swansea with the others boarding at their nearest station on route.

The three of us took a 4 seated area with table, each, and spread ourselves out well, with bags, coats and scarves trying to keep seats for all of us to sit together on the out trip at least.

This worked really well with everyone getting on at their chosen stations.Eduardo and Liz did give me slight cause for concern when they didn't show up where they were expected, but both got on at the station after--I think they were just testing me??!!

As there was only one carriage on the train it was easy for our friends on the platforms to spot us frantically waving, something that would never happen with the numerous carriages on the train to London for example.

With all on board we took in the sights and sites of the lovely countryside with me pointing out when we were chugging over the Cynghordy Viaduct--on our weekend there last March we had been down below eating our lunch and had waved at the train above.

All too soon we were arriving at Llandrindod, with John Cooper joining us there as a surprise guest.

First stop off the train was the quaint and very homely Herb Garden cafe, for a coffee and planning meeting.

Caffeine intake sorted, we made our way up Llan'dod main street with its variety of cafes and unique shops with The Rock Park and Lake beckoning-- the latter complete with a water spouting serpent.

We ambled around both of these picturesque areas and went into The Lake cafe for a well earned lunch.

Amongst other delicious feasts, there was Lamb Cawl which a few of us favoured.

This tale will probably lose a lot in translation but when one of the individually ordered Lamb Cawls came, the waitress specified that this was the one with "peas on the side."

Apparently one of our group had specifically ordered this addition.Dafydd happened to be the lucky recipient though he denied asking for any sort of peas and think as we might, no-one could come up with what had actually been said on ordering for such a misunderstanding to have been made.

We also chuckled that no-one had questioned this "extra"--neither the person taking the order nor anyone in the kitchen had queried why someone wanted "peas on the side."

They must have thought we don't get out much!!!

We continued back down to the centre of town and through the main street with some lovely individual shops and a delicatessen with some lovely produce and equally lovely smells inside.

All too soon it was time to get to the station for the return journey--not quite as enjoyable in the darkness but nevertheless it was a very lovely relaxing day.

It may have been Black Friday for some, but definitely not for us!!!

This was something a bit different which worked well and I hope its an event that will be repeated in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready for another adventure?

GOC Shop

From hoodies and t-shirts to bags, bottles and bears - show your love for GOC with our gear from Spreadshirt.