This year saw the first Hay Harvest from this field, after many years of just having sheep running around, our decision earlier in the year to let it grow and give the land a rest has meant that in June our grass was quite long so decided to let Gareth cut it for his silage and a few bales for ourselves. Over the course of a week two tractors came to cut the hay wizzing around the field to produce rows of cut grass as photo above and first two photos below, then a day or so later it was turned and spread before channeling back into rows to make it ready for the baler (3&4), baler in action late one evening (5) resulting in 62 bales by about 10pm (6), then a day or so later wrapping them (7) which was fascinating to watch, see video…
We have managed to make some time in our schedule and decided to try out one of the lovely beaches around here that guests rave about in Cardigan Bay. We parked in the free car park at the top of the village, which proved to be a wise decision and would recommend approaching via the B4334 as yes it is narrow in places, but way better than the other way. Then walked down to the beach front where there is a choice of cafe and pubs but to a more discreet level than that found at New Quay and the beach is exceptional, plus very explorable and it is possible to walk around a rocky outcrop to the second beach at low tide. Although you can also get to it via some steep steps from the main beach beside the cafe, over the top and down some even steeper steps the other side, it has got a handrail so not too bad.
It is also possible to make a number of circular walking routes starting from Llangrannog, we chose to venture north to Ynys Lochtyn which is a stretch of land that reaches out into the sea, that gave us a taster of some glorious views that can be enjoyed on the Cardigan Bay coastline.
The other weekend during the sunny weather we constructed a fire pit down by the river and got the chain saw out on the trunk from a fallen tree to make seating and a table, all a bit last minute as we wanted to make best use of the weather before it returned to normal. We were joined by some of our guests to enjoy a few beers and discuss life, universe and everything kind of stuff whilst listening to the waters running by us. Later the same evening with the fire still going, two late arriving guests quietly enjoyed an evening on the river bank after a hard days work.
The idea, for when the warmer weather returns properly is to offer our guests the chance to enjoy this tranquil spot either by themselves or when we have events/parties on site. Logs would be available on site to purchase.
We have recently been exploring a bit more and having taken on a bit of dog walking we decided to try somewhere very local called Long Wood, which has a number of circular routes of various lengths and some fantastic views, old hill fort and other stuff all set up by the Longwood Community Trust. Well worth the explore from the starting point either in Lampeter or near Langybi.
As part of the works to get the drainage working better from the water wheel pit, we had a contractor come in with his 7 ton JCB to restore the tail race to its original depth and width. So now there is actually a slight drop from the end of the culvert pipe as opposed to 2 foot of silt and it is running clear and free, whereas the water just used to sit there and back up in heavy rain. As can be seen from the accumulated muck sat by the side, there was a fair bit of accumulated soil/silt that had either been washed down or fell in over the years, especially as it looks like it hasn’t been done properly for a good many years.
What is amazing to watch though is the speed and skill in how Gareth dug it out and carefully levelled out the top bank from previous hand digging attempts at keeping the tail race clear.
We have re-seeded the sides and banks with appropiate grass seed from GSS Direct to stabilise the ground as quickly as we can. Who were a great find on the internet as will be a future place to go for meadow grasses etc…
After deciding we needed a break and the weather was favourable we had the idea of ‘doing’ Llynne Brianne but with the road closed due to tree felling so we detoured to Cwm Rhaeadr, which translates as ‘Valley of the waterfall’ a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) forest site. Although there are a number of walks and a mountain bike trail available, we decided on the waterfall trail following the blue marker posts on well made paths through the forest. Deciding to take the clockwise route following the crystal clear stream/river via some beautiful picnic spots, up to the falls which you can scramble up beside as far as you dare, might be a bit hairy in full flow and quite slippery as it was. After turning back and continuing round we noticed another offshoot that seemed to offer some more views of the waterfall so we decided to follow this for a bit and I suspect that for the adventurous could make a round trip if you went all the way up the falls and back this way? Great views all the same, but possibly better if you get a very early start to catch the sun right. Then followed the return route back to the car.
