Brecon Beacons - July 2013

A trip to the beautiful Brecon Beacons.

Here are a few photos...

 



First thing's first...a paddle in the river.



Hello pony!



Old train carriage.



The Vale of Ewyas in The Black Mountains



Ancient walls and buildings.





A little later after some fine ales at the Half Moon Hotel.





 



Llanthony Priory



These are the picturesque ruins of Llanthony Priory. The Priory was first established around 1100. There is more history here: http://www.castlewales.com/llantho.html





Arches





Tower. Thanks to Phil for this pic.



Some clever swift parents have found a safe place to raise their youngsters in a sheltered archway among the ruins.





This is such a beautiful location... you can walk among the ruins, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons and guess what?...There's a pub too!



The bar is situated in 12th century vaults.



A friendly sparrow...very keen on pine nuts.



Misty morning view from the tent.

On the way back a little detour to Abergavenny Market.



Abergavenny Market



Wrestlers!



Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. 13th July 2013.

On the hottest day of the year so far I went to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. (that's not me, by the way.)

I've never been to the festival before for one reason or another. As you come into the festival you can walk through the encampment where the battle re-enactors are preparing for the main event. This is a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471.

You can find out more here: http://www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org/aboutus.htm

Here are a few photos...

Archers Practicing

Encampment

This is Europe's biggest event of this kind and I get the impression that a lot of the people involved may travel throughout the summer. I imagine the encampment gets lively once the battle is over and the punters have gone.

On the way through to the main festival site there are many stalls with wonderful handcrafted items...

Kegs

Hawks keeping cool

Tall Knight

Band

Preparing for battle

Must be hot in those costumes!

The first archery rounds

It got too hot for me..and I had to go and get some refreshments. I can't imagine how hot they got on the battlefield in those costumes. I have to admire their efforts and commitment.

This is a friendly, inviting and uncynical free event and I'll definitely go again.