Once again, a full entry gathered in beautiful sunshine at the event’s superb start and finish venue of Welshpool Livestock Sales for the 14th running of…..
Kidderminster Motor Car Club’s Hills & Valley Scenic Tour.
After the usual signing on preliminaries and a choice of bacon/sausage baps/pastries/drinks we set off with a gentle drive through Welshpool town centre before heading north through the village of Guilsfield. Continuing north through picturesque countryside we crossed the narrow packhorse bridge over the River Vyrnwy in the village of Llansantfraid-ym Mechain before enjoying the lovely views as we descended into the Afon Tanat valley at Llangedwyn. The route then headed west to the foot of the Berwyn Mountains and on through the pretty Cwm Hirnant Valley with its extensive forestry. We were treated to our first stunning view over Lake Vyrnwy as we approached the morning rest halt at the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel where complimentary tea/coffee/juice/biscuits were provided on the Wayfarer Suite Terrace overlooking the reservoir, truly spectacular in the glorious sunshine with not a cloud in sight!
Duly refreshed, we were reluctant to leave but then headed north on the second section, which began with a delightful drive along the reservoir water’s edge before we tackled the demanding climb through the Hirnant Pass with its stunning scenery, a real driver’s road. Approaching the market town of Bala, the route turned west and provided us with some beautiful views over Llyn Tegid. Heading south, the road clung to the steep hillside on the climb up Cwm Cynllwyd valley with its fantastic views on the way to the summit at the Bwlch y Groes viewpoint. After a brief stop to take in the breathtaking Welsh mountain scenery, we were faced with negotiating the awesome steep descent which brought us to the village of Dinas Mawddwy and on to the picnic lunch halt set in the delightful surroundings of Meirion Mill, where a bit of retail therapy was enjoyed checking its extensive range of clothing, soft furnishings and homeware. Refreshments at the Coffee Shop were available for those without picnic lunches.
After lunch the beautiful Welsh scenery continued as we headed south, crossing the Afon Dyfi no less than three times before we turned east through the hamlets of Abercegir and Tal-ywern, nestling in the Nant Gwydol valley with its extensive wooded slopes.
A gentle climb brought us to the summit of the Bwlch Glynmynydd Pass with glorious views provided down the valley towards Bont Dolgadfan. More stunning scenery was enjoyed from the winding road across high open moorland before we arrived at our afternoon rest halt at Llanerfyl Village Hall.
A warm welcome and the delights of tea and delicious, homemade cakes greeted us, courtesy of Elen and the ladies of the village hall committee.
We delayed our departure from the hall so as to thoroughly enjoy the ‘refreshments’ in the afternoon sunshine in delightful surroundings, but we had to be on our way! The fourth section of the Tour began by skirting the dramatic Dyfnant Forest before we headed back to Welshpool via easy driving, relaxed, open roads through the picturesque countryside in the hills to the west of the town with their lovely views. A final bit of navigation through the outskirts brought us back to the Welshpool Livestock Sales for a wonderful multi choice hot buffet and dessert with time to relax and catch up on the exploits of fellow Tour participants. Everyone was in agreement that they had experienced a really enjoyable event – ‘one of the best tours ever!’ We then headed home, tired, but clutching our commemorative souvenirs and with big grins on our faces, having had another terrific day.
The road book was first class, with its easy to follow directions, spot on tulip diagrams and mileages and including the lovely snippets of information about features along the route. This 130 mile tour had everything, with easy driving roads taking in numerous hills and valleys with stunning Welsh mountain scenery and memorable views, all assembled around the most enjoyable and interesting rest halts.
We had a brilliant day and the car never missed a beat.
Here’s looking forward to the 15th Hills & Valleys Scenic Tour
we’ll definitely be back in 2026.
Bill Pardoe and Sue Sanders
Car 63 – Porsche Boxster
(Photographs courtesy of Phill Bramhill – madrallylad)
