The Irish Mail on Sunday

PARADISE FOR SURFERS AND DYLAN

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START in Cardiff and head west on the M4 for an easy 72-km drive to The Mumbles, the headlands looking back across the waters of Swansea Bay.

Tour the ruins of Oystermout­h Castle, then go bowling on the Victorian-era Mumbles Pier. Stay at Pitton Cross Caravan Park.

Relax on day two, driving just 24km past Three Cliffs Bay and other glorious beaches on the Gower Peninsula. It’s a surfing paradise here, and the golf courses are great too. Stay near the flamingoes and butterflie­s of the Llanelli Wetland Centre at the adults-only Llwynifan Farm Caravan Park.

Drive 72km to Dylan Thomas territory in Laugharne by the River Taf. Find the poet’s writing shed and old boathouse home, then raise a glass or two, as he often did, in the bar of 250-year-old Brown’s Hotel. Stay at Antshill Caravan Park.

Take a 105-km drive through stunning Brecon Beacons to Brecon – start early to allow time for mountain walks and a picnic. Stay at the Caravan Club’s Brecon Beacons site.

Book-lovers will enjoy Hay-onWye, just a 40-km drive away. More than a dozen bookshops complement its hugely popular annual literary festival, which fell foul of lockdown restrictio­ns this year. Rent a boat on the river, then try a bookshop cafe for afternoon tea. Stay at Hollybush Inn and Campsite.

Food takes centre stage after a 40-km drive to Abergavenn­y and its artisan bakers, cosy cafes and gastropubs. Stay at Wern Ddu Farm Campsite.

Drive 40km to Caerphilly for delicious cheese and a vast 13th Century castle with a leaning tower that makes Pisa’s look straight. Stay at Pen Y Fan Leisure Park.

 ??  ?? MEDIEVAL MIGHT: The imposing 13th Century Caerphilly Castle
MEDIEVAL MIGHT: The imposing 13th Century Caerphilly Castle

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