Whether it’s a traditional family picnic in the countryside or a trip to the beach on a sunny afternoon, what better way to spend quality time together?
At Tynrhyd you can take a picnic into the 13 acres of grounds and relax in peace! There’s no need to pack the family, dog, all the things you think you’ll need into the car and drive anywhere!
Here’s a list of some handy picnic extra’s to take with you!
Picnic blanket and napkins.
Sun tan lotion and sun glasses.
Outside games such as boules and rounders, or just a football will do!
Books and magazines for reading.
Rubbish bags for clearing up at the end of the day.
Wet wipes for sticky fingers.
Mosquito repellent.
Keep it light; who wants to lug heavy plates, cutlery, glasses and bowls! Paper plates and cups are better to avoid breakages, are light and easier to carry.
Camera – to capture your wonderful lazy days of summer!
Send us a picture of your idyllic picnic to holiays@tynrhyd.com and we’ll feature it in our social media!
“Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar have spent many years watching the night skies, waiting for the stars to reveal a sign of great things to come. As time goes by they have grown impatient, as well as old and grey! However, one night a brand new star appears and they begin an eventful journey which ends with the realization that some things in life are definitely worth waiting for!”
These guys were used to dark skies and would often sit to observe the starry sky while they watched their sheep by night. It’s unfortunate that our lives are so often filled with such busyness, running around from pillar to post without much thought or time for the inspiring celestial activities above. I’m sure you’ve heard of the underworld but what about looking upwards?
Yes, I’m one of the majority of those people who have never taken much notice of the sky line except for the occasional trip to the beach with friends following a celebratory meal at an end of a special era in our lives! We start to reminisce and look up to the stars and wonder where we will all be in 10 years time!
So, this cosmos, sky line, outer space, celestial; interstellar; meta galactic universe, call it what you may! Does it matter what goes on? Is it effecting us? Are we missing out on something?
In a word, Yes! I won’t get into the scientific explanation of it now but since Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Elan Valley Estate in the Cambrian Mountains has achieved International Dark Sky Park status only this summer, my interest in the world of stars and planets has awaken! Elan Valley has become the world’s first privately owned, but publicly accessible park to receive this accolade. Yes, really, and it’s right on our doorstep!
This 45,000 acre estate is now protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live there, as well as for visitors and the wildlife which exists there. It’s a fantastic playground for newbies as well as professional astronomers!
Night at Craig Goch, Elan Valley
Living in the beauty of the Cambrian Mountains, I never realised that we are the fortunate few (10% of the UK population) who truly experience dark skies at night. With the Christmas festivities fast approaching I shall definitely be looking upwards and to the Elan Valley for exciting planetary activities. In fact, you are all invited to join the Elan Valley Astronomy Group at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre to the Geminid meteor watch this Sunday, December 13th! I know my family can’t wait to get there! Why not make this a new, educational hobby for the family?
If any of the following sounds familiar, please join in….! “If you have a telescope or binoculars that don’t seem to work as you think they should, the “instructions” seem unfathomable or you simply need some advice on your scope, bring it along and we’ll see what we can do to assist you. From 9.30pm onwards if skies permit, we will hold a Geminid Meteor watch from the overflow carpark grounds. Please bring sun lounger/chair, red light torch, clipboard, pencil and wrap up warmly…it could get a tad chilly!!! (We’ll supply sky chart to plot your meteors on.) “
Please register your intent to join on either or both parts of the evening by calling the Visitor Centre on 01597 810880.
It’s Christmas time!
Don’t forget, Santa will be appearing on December 24th 10am-4pm, at the Visitor Centre and who knows we might see a few shepherds watching their flock…and the stars by night! Hope to see you there!
Grab your families and friends and start planning your next dream holiday together at our stunning country retreat. Experience an absolutely stunning time at Elan Valley and make it a special holiday to remember! We are taking bookings now for 2016 and 2017 already…!
Tynrhyd Retreat
Devil’s Bridge
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 4QX wwww.tynrhyd.com
Enquiries/ Bookings – Call us on (01267) 667 604
E: holidays@tynrhyd.com
Follow us on:
Hell is a tourist village on Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean. Apparently years ago a Dignitary from another country visited the Island and noticed the strange-looking lava rock formations and said they looked like Hell and so the name stuck!
Place names are always an interesting topic! Many places around the world take on similar names for towns and cities such as Bangor in North Wales, Ireland and France. From the weird to the wonderful you do wonder sometimes how on earth they been named! From Puddle in Cornwall, UK to Prickly Bottom in Tasmania, Australia- Devil’s Bridge seems much more exciting and interesting!
Devil’s Bridge is a term applied to dozens of ancient bridges, found primarily in Europe. Most of these bridges are stone or masonry arch bridges. They represent massive technological achievement and each of the Devil’s Bridges has a corresponding Devil-related myth or folktale.
The Ceredigion Devil’s Bridge, Pontarfynach, in Welsh, literally means “The bridge on the Mynach” which refers to the river Mynach. On the edge of the village you’ll see the unusual road bridge from which the village gets its English name. The original bridge was constructed by the monks of Strata Florida, at what time is unknown, but legend says it was built by the devil. The bridge has been thrown across a chasm 114 feet above the first fall and 324 feet above the bottom of the cataract. So the what about the myth?
Well, it goes like this…. Old Megan Llandunach, of Pont-ar-Fynach
Had lost her only cow; Across the ravine the cow was seen, But to get it she could not tell how.
In this dilemma the Evil One appeared to her disguised as a monk. He offered to cast a bridge across the chasm if she would promise to give him the first living being that should pass over it when complete. To this she gladly consented. The bridge was thrown across the ravine and the Evil One stood beyond bowing and beckoning to the old woman to come over and try it but she was too clever for him. She noticed, instead of a foot, he had a hoof.
In her pocket she fumbled, a crust out tumbled, She called her little black cur; The crust over she threw, the dog after it flew, Says she, “The dog’s yours, crafty sir!”
All myths inspire imagination but if you are looking for a break with a difference this is the place for you!
Are YOU counting down the weeks until October half term?
Are you running from those constant dates in your diary?
Come and stay at Tynrhyd Retreat, luxury accommodation and forget about all your stress and myths! Book it now and line up a beautiful holiday with your besties for a real escape and give yourself and the beauties in your life a relaxing break from it all. A peaceful retreat where you can snuggle up in front of a real fire, go for a lovely Autumn walk, check out the local luxury chocolate factory or dip into the Swim Spa XStream Hot Tub for a while. Whatever you chose to do, this will be well spent quality and fun time at your home-away-from-home!
Email: holidays@tynrhyd.com to book now! Get in there fast for October half term! Check out your next dream holiday at www.tynrhyd.com Follow us on Facebook: Tynrhyd, Twitter: @tynrhyd Instagram: Tynrhyd-Luxury-Lets I wonder..do you know of any other devilish myths or interesting names of places you’d like to share?
