FRIENDS OF WALES 1996 TOUR

In 1996 seven couples asked to go on a tour of England and Wales. We spent 25 days in September. Six of those days were spent in England, seven on the Llangollen Canal in Narrow boats, and the balance touring "special" places in Wales. Through contacts in both England and Wales, we were able to have a low cost but very unique tour. Sue and I led the expedition. I had had an office in Windsor and have relatives in Wales that we visit as often as possible. (Rhondda)

We were able to do the tourist bit in London by taking the Queen's Train from Windsor to Slough and then the train into Paddington. Many extras were had due to contacts in Windsor and Eaton. We moved on to Bath for one night and two days (Where we received a very special diner). From there to Cardiff where we stayed just outside town in the Valley.

Up to Hay-on-Wye (for lunch), and then to Oswestry and just outside Llangollen where we stayed at a Pheasant hunting lodge. (Thanks Hugh Jordan) On to Trevor and the narrow boats. A fantastic week on the Llangollen canal with the last night at Llangollen. A perforance of the Fontcysylite Choir highlighted by a full night of singing with them in the Hand Hotel pub capped the night.

Up the coast and over to Caernarfon with stops along the way, including visiting Llanfair (You know, the one with the longest name) on Anglesey. Down to Portmeirion and then Machynlleth for the night. We went to Cardigan the next day and stayed at the 900 year old coach house where we had a private special to order diner in the old kitchen.

Through Fishguard (with a pub stop) on to St. David's. A tour with a Welsh overtone made for a wonderful time there. We drove onto Pembroke, Tenby, and settled in at Saundersfoot where a relative lives. A special bithday "sponge" (cake) was made for one member and we had a custom Welsh lamb diner.

Some of us went to the Rhondda to visit the relatives and some went back to London for the trip home.

All in all, a wonderful trip. We averaged $75 a night per couple for lodgings and breakfast. We rented two vans, one a 12 passenger, one a 9 passenger at Gatwick.
Each member received a 3 inch thick book prior to departure which listed the routes, sites, etc.

The rules of the trip? One... to have fun first! Two, to minimize the costs! Three, to NOT have people problems and predetermined times to do things! We had something for everyone and had NO PROBLEMS.

Time to go again.....????

More Photos of Tour

Dale Horn
HORNCYMRU@aol.com