1. Resources and Information

Resources and information

Visit Wales Website Visit Wales. Your guide to hotels, holidays and short breaks in Wales. Where to go and what to do? Discover more with Visit Wales. http://www.visitwales.co.uk/

The Black Mountain Centre, Brynaman Brynaman Community Centre is one of 5 Information Points for the Brecon Beacons National Park and is a good place to visit for information on places to visit and things to do in the area. It also has the Black Mountain Restaurant and Bistro serving very good food with an emphasis on local Welsh produce. Combine your visit to collect information with a lunch at the centre and review your information requirements over a leisurely meal. Check their website for opening hours. http://www.brynaman.org.uk/

2. See and Do

Links and ideas for some of the things to see and visit in the area

	Dinefwr Park and Castle 12th-century Welsh castle, historic house and 18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park * Home to more than 100 fallow deer and a small herd of White Park Cattle * Number of scenic walks, including a wooded boardwalk * Country house with some rooms dressed in 1912 style, exhibition rooms, tea-room and NT shop http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-dinefwrpark/
	The National Showcaves Centre and Dinosaur Park The National Showcaves Centre for Wales Visit the famous Dan-yr-Ogof cave or Cathedral Cave, take a leisurely guided tour, or do some more strenuous caving. Plan your visit to the attraction and allow time to wander round the dinosaur park and take convincing photos of your family being stalked by dinosaurs.Voted by the British Public as being Britian's finest natural wonder, this makes an exceptionally entertaining and memorable day out, just over half an hour's drive from the cottage. http://www.showcaves.co.uk/
	Dylan Thomas Centre - Swansea The Dylan Thomas Centre is open 10am - 4.30pm seven days a week and celebrates Dylan Thomas, Swansea's world famous poet. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/dtc
	Millennium Coastal Park : One of Britains most popular visitor destinations Millennium Coastal Park occupies approximately 10 miles of coastline on the Burry Estuary, The park attracts over one million visitors a year, which makes it one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, as well as a centre for a host of outdoor pursuits. http://www.millenniumcoastalpark.com/
	National Trust - Dolaucothi Gold Mines This is the only known Roman gold mine in Britain and is the only opportunity to see some of the lost gold mining heritage of Wales. The mine, now owned by the National trust, is set within a beautiful upland estate, where the rare red kite thrives. The entrance to the Dolaucothi Gold Mines is through an exhibition centre that gives all the necessary information about the history of the mine and the things that you can see there. Guided tours are available into two of the underground workings and there is a self guided trail 'The Miners' Trail' around the major features of interest that takes about 45 minutes to walk round. Then you can try your hand at panning for 'gold'. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dolaucothigoldmines
	The Gwili Steam Railway near Carmarthen The Gwili Steam Railway near Carmarthen is the only steam standard gauge railway operating in South West Wales The first train ran at Easter 1978 using one coach pulled by a Peckett 0-4-0 called Merlin, Since then it has developed into one of the principle tourist attractions in Carmarthenshire. It is a living reminder of a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking Carmarthenshire hills. The trip down memory lane starts at Bronwydd Arms Station, and the steam train follows the route, originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line to a delightful halt at Danycoed. http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/
	The Heart of Wales Line The Heart of Wales Line goes through Ammanford, which is a 15 minute drive from the cottage. If you are travelling along this line for the first time, you will be impressed. Seasoned travellers will need no reminding of the rugged beauty, tranquil villages and picturesque Victorian spa towns that are dotted along one of the most scenic lines in the United Kingdom. For 121 miles between Swansea and Shrewsbury, a feast of panoramic views includes the beautiful Loughor estuary near Llanelli, the meandering river Tywi between Llandeilo and Llandovery, red kite in the skies above the Eppynt hills near Llanwrtyd Wells, the Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, and the remote borderlands of the English Marches. The impressive viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklas are 2 of the 7 bridges crossed on a journey that also includes 6 tunnels. http://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/
	The National Wetlands Centre Wales (at Llanelli) The National Wetlands Centre Wales has over 450 acres of lakes, pools and lagoons, home to countless wild species. Families can have hours of fun in the indoor, interactive Millennium Discovery Centre and children can crawl and slide through the unique tunnels of Water Vole City. The Bike Trail: The centre has a fleet of 22 bikes, including toddler trailers and a tandem, which visitors can hop aboard to explore the paths weaving through the Millennium Wetlands, or The Canoe Trail: Pick up a paddleand explore previously inaccessible watery expanses in a canoe. The Canoe Safari is open every day (11am - 4pm) throughout local school holidays and on weekends during term time between Easter and the end of September. The Bike Trail is open every day (10am - 3pm) throughout local school holidays and on weekends during term time between Easter and the end October. http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/120/visit/llanelli/.html

3. What's On

Festivals, Events, Music, Culture and Tradition and general things of interest happening within easy reach of the cottage.

	Last Chance to See Doctor Who's Tardis where the episode "The Waters of Mars" was filmed - 22 Oct to 14 Nov 2009 Doctor Who’s TARDIS has landed in the Great Glasshouse. The world-famous police box is making an unscheduled stop amid the Mediterranean plantings in Lord Foster’s stunning glass dome to promote the forthcoming episode of Doctor Who - entitled The Waters of Mars - in which the Great Glasshouse has a starring role. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity. Every day except Christmas Day. 10am-6pm BST 10am-4.30 BWT Adults £8.00, Concessions £6.50, Children (5-16) £4.00, Family 2A+4Ch £19.50, Under 5s Free, Group admission rates apply for 10 or over. Tel http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/en/351.html
	Edwardian Christmas Weekend - 28, 29 Nov 2009 Dinefwr Park and Castle Join our Edwardian house party and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Newton House. Browse in our gift shop and food and craft fair for some special Christmas purchases or relax and indulge in delicious homecooked seasonal food in our tea room. Take part in our festive craft workshops and pose for an Edwardian portrait as a special souvenir. And, of course, no visit would be complete without the chance to meet Father Christmas! Booking Not Needed. 11am - 5pm National Trust No Additional Charges. Dinefwr Park and Castle Llandeilo Carmarthenshire SA19 6RT Sat Nov 28, 2009 to Sun Nov 29, 2009 01558 824512/823902 http://www.wherecanwego.com/Search/ViewEvent.aspx?e=258822&pc=SA18+1PT&h=Carmarthenshire+Edwardian+Christmas+Weekend
	Elysium - Home Swansea International Fringe Festival 2009 Showcasing artists films from all over the earth. Plus Penny Hallas 'Encounters' and Barrie J Davies 'Blah Blah!' drawings and paintings. Admission Free! Opening night Friday 30th October 2009 @ 7pm til late. Open Thurs Fri Sat 11am - 5pm Elysium Artspace 41 High Street Swansea Swansea SA1 1LT Fri Oct 30, 2009 to Sat Nov 14, 2009 Swansea International Fringe Festival 2009 Showcasing artists films from all over the earth. Plus Penny Hallas 'Encounters' and Barrie J Davies 'Blah Blah!' drawings and paintings. Admission Free! Opening night Friday 30th October 2009 @ 7pm til late. Open Thurs Fri Sat 11am - 5pm Elysium Artspace 41 High Street Swansea Swansea SA1 1LT Fri Oct 30, 2009 to Sat Nov 14, 2009 http://www.elysiumgallery.com/
	Steeleye Span 40th Anniversary World Tour 2009 - 9 Dec 2009 In a world where bands come and go in the blink of an eye, the enduring success of Steeleye Span is one of the great stories in rock music. 2009 will see them celebrate an incredible forty years together, an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact that the band has seldom been more active in its career. Wednesday 9th December, 8pm, £17, £15, -£1 Valley Roots Members The Borough Theatre, Cross Street, Abergavenny Gwent NP7 5HD http://www.wherecanwego.com/Search/ViewEvent.aspx?e=308299&pc=SA18+1PT&h=Gwent+Steeleye+Span+40th+Anniversary+World+Tour+2009
	Waterfront Winterland, Swansea - 15 Nov 2009 - 3rd Jan 2010 Swansea's favourite Christmas attraction, Waterfront Winterland returns to the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum on 15 November - 3 January. You can look forward to real ice skating, Santa's Grotto, Admiral Giant Wheel, festive funfair and traditional food, and entertainment for all the family. Brand new for 2009 is Rocky's Rink - Wales' only children's ice rink! Tickets on sale now Mon- Fri (until 18 Dec) 12 noon - 10pm; Mon - Fri (from 21 Dec) 10am - 10pm; Sat & Sun 10am - 10pm; Christmas Eve 10am - 7pm; Boxing Day 11am - 6pm; New Year's Eve 10am - 6pm Grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA1 3RD http://www.wherecanwego.com/Search/ViewEvent.aspx?e=310577&pc=SA18+1PT&h=West+Glamorgan+Waterfront+Winterland%2c+Swansea
	Christmas craft fair - National Wetlands Centre, Llanelli Visit the centre's Christmas craft fair to shop in a festive atmosphere and choose those special Christmas gifts. There will be a wide range of stalls selling all kinds of jewellery, turned wood items, traditional rag dolls, scarves and shawls, bags, wildlife photography, paintings, embroidery, hand crafted textile gifts, cards and bric a brac and more! Plus, the very first chance for children to see Santa and help him feed the birds. Mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal goodies will be served in our Estuary Cafe. At 2pm on Sunday afternoon, visitors can listen to Loughor Town band who will be playing a selection of Christmas carols and other festive tunes. For more information please call the centre on 01554 741087 http://www.wwt.org.uk/
	Murder, Mystery and Madness by Candlelight - Sunday 22nd Nov 2009 Murder, mystery and madness are inspirations for many composers who sometimes lived mysterious lives. Alwyn Humphreys tells the tales with the Chamber Orchestra of Wales and guest soprano Ros Evans. Enjoy the music with the candlelight adding to the atmosphere. Tickets £11.50 and £9.50 concessions available from 01792 475715 or online. Brangwyn Hall Swansea SA1 4PE Sun Nov 22, 2009 http://www.swansea.gov.uk/
	Steam into Christmas at Gwili Railway - 5 - 24 Dec 2009 Take a steam train trip to see Santa in his grotto and then post a letter to Santa in our specially decorated Travelling Post Office. Ticket prices : Adult -£9.50; Child 1-14 -£7.50; Child 1 -£5.50. (Reduced prices on 5-6th Dec.) Prices include train travel, a quality present for children & festive food & drink for all. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Contact Jeremy John, on 01267-238213, office hours. Weekend 5-6th; Weekend 12-13th; Weekend 19-20th & Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th December. Up to 8 trains daily between 1015am. & 1530pm. Gwili Steam Railway, Bronwydd Arms Station, Bronwydd, Carmarthen, SA33 6HT Carmarthenshire SA33 6HT Sat Dec 5, 2009 to Thu Dec 24, 2009 http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/
	Tribal Culture: comparing early Celtic culture with African culture - 18 Mar 2010 An illustrated talk to Abergavenny Local History Society. All welcome. Join on the night. Only £10 for the winter lecture season and summer visits. Borough Theatre, Market Hall, Cross St, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 5HD Thu Mar 18, 2010 - 7.30pm http://www.abergavennyhistory.co.uk/
	ZOMBIES at Lunchtime - Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 1pm Talk / Film Screening Swansea born film director, Marc Price will discuss his acclaimed Zombie movie Colin, followed by a special screening of the film. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Alexandra Road Swansea SA1 5DZ http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6379
	Gower Walking Festival - 5th - 20th June 2010 The 2010 Gower Walking Festival is scheduled for 5th - 20th June. There will be three or four walks daily, and as well as traditional walks, and old favourites such as the walk to the very tip of the Worm's Head, we hope to have some new and novel ones such as Nordic Walking and Speed Dating. The brochure will be out in early January. The full-colour brochure will contain descriptions of every walk, and a booking form. You will also be able to book on-line. If you wish to receive a brochure when it comes out, or need any more information, please email the Mumbles Tourist Information office: info@mumblestic.co.uk or visit the website: www.mumblestic.co.uk Although not yet finalised, the walks will take place every day and usually start at around 10 am, 2 pm or in the evening. The brochure will tell all! Swansea, Mumbles & Gower http://www.visitmumbles.co.uk/

4. Cycling

The spectacular Welsh scenery provides a wonderful backdrop to cycling in the area, and a bicycle can be the ideal vehicle for hands-on exploration. There are routes for all levels of fitness, from the Millennium Path Cycle route which follows the coast from Llanelli for an easy ride with spectacular coastal views to the Black Mountain Cycle Route which has mountain gradients.

	The Millennium Coastal Path The Millennium Coastal Path is a 22 km pedestrian walkway and cycleway along the south coast of Carmarthenshire, providing a link between Llanelli and Pembrey Country Park. The cycleway forms a section of both the Celtic Trail cycle route (part of NCR 47) and the National Cycle Network NCR 4. The Millennium Coastal Path runs through the Millennium Coastal Park. It is a common mistake made mainly by locals in the Llanelli-Kidwelly area to confuse these names. http://www.routes2ride.org.uk/
	Black Mountain Cycle Route Lothlorien Cottage is in the centre of the Black Mountain Cylcle route, an excellent base from which to explore the route in detail. The route is steep where it crosses the Black Mountain Route Name: Black Mountain Distance : miles (km) 81.65  (131.40) Duration: (hh:mm) 08:00 Difficulty: 7/10 http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Black_Mountain-Cycle-Route-401.html
	Celtic Tri Sunday Cycle Route This is a nearby scenic cycle route. Route Name: Celtic Tri Sunday ride Distance : miles (km) : 31.31  (50.39) Duration(hh:mm) : 03:00 Difficulty: 3/10 Start Location: Halfords at Aberdulais End Location: Halfords at Aberdulias Cycle Steps 1. Steady club ride at 8.30 on Sundays. Some climbs up Skewen and Colbren. No one gets left behind usually takes about 2 hours. http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Celtic_Tri_Sunday_ride-Cycle-Route-400.html
	Cray Reservoir Black Mountain Hilly Cycle Route Cycle route near Lothlorien Cottage. This route involves hill areas and has steep gradients particularly where it crosses the Black Mountain Route Name: Cray Resevoir Black Mountain Hiily Distance : miles (km) 72.55 (116.76) Duration(hh:mm) 07:00 Difficulty 7/10 http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Cray_Resevoir_Black_Mountain_Hiily-Cycle-Route-399.html
	Extended Swansea Circular via Brecon Beacons National Park Cycle Route Circular route from Swansea, taking in a significant amount of mountain climbing. about a 50/50 split for public / quiet roads http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Cray_Resevoir_Black_Mountain_Hiily-Cycle-Route-399.html
	Neath Loop from Clydach Cycle Route Neath loop from Clydach. The only bad hill is at Bryncoch, if you go anticlockwise (i.e. to Swansea and Neath). Find bike rides and cycle routes such as Neath Loop From Clydach Swansea High Street (B4603), Clydach High Street (B4603), Clydach. Read about many more rides in the Swansea area. Talk to other cyclists and leave comments about this cycle route. http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Neath_Loop_From_Clydach-Cycle-Route-2356.html

5. Transport and Travel

Links to sites that may be useful for travellers in this area, including transport

Transport Direct - Britain's free online route planner & journey planner Transport Direct is a free online route/journey planner for public transport and car journeys. Also, get travel information, car parking spots, bus routes, train times and more. Britain's free online route planner for public transport and car journeys. Get impartial information on car routes, maps, car parking, bus routes, train travel, and live travel news. http://www.transportdirect.info/

Traveline Cymru Wales Travel Line: 08712002233 for travel information http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/