Author: Adrian

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 5th September 2020

Thank you both for a wonderful stay at Elan Retreat. The cottage is lovely, clean and comfortable with everything you could need. A nice touch is to have a few basics on arrival like milk, tea, coffee, biscuits etc.

We have not been to visit Mid Wales before but we have had a fabulous time exploring Elan Valley, Aberystwyth.

Our dog Ralphy has also had a great time exploring Wales. We would definitely recommend Wye View to our friends. A great choice for all!

Thank you once again!

Louise, Iain, Elanor & Ralphy – cockerpoo!

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 2nd September 2020

Wow!! From the moment we arrived – met by our lovely host Adrian who gave us such a warm welcome and helpful info on places to visit, he also brought us some freshly laid eggs – when we opened the door to our cottage we were so impressed by the cleanliness and all the lovely extras – such thoughtful gestures . We really enjoyed the bara brith cake and have bought some to take home.

Thankyou Grace and Adrian for making our stay so special – you are both such lovely people.

We have been so luck with the weather which enhanced the stunning scenery of this beautiful part of the country. We visited many fantastic places with unforgettable views – so many pictures taken!

So sorry to be leaving, will miss the beautiful views from the window and watching so many different birds feeding from the feeders.

So peaceful and relaxing. Hopefully will be back again someday.

Many thanks yet again.

Eric and Pauline X.

We loved the Elan Valley and did a couple of lovely walks and Hafren forest was also stunning.

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 22nd August 2020

We all fell in love with the cottage, well-equipped and absolutely spotless.

Enjoyed The Devil’s Bridge and Gilfach nature reserve – the dog trotted up the hills and steps like a mountain goat!

Our favourite day out was the Aberdyfi beach; a real unspoilt gem and we even had some sunshine whilst watching a storm at sea.

Good meal at the Crown Inn Rhayader and also a tasty takeaway from Mirchi (but huge portions!)

Had a windy kayaking tour at Elan Valley, hard work but well worth it to get so close to the dam.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wye View.

Rebecca, Neil, Isabella & Noah (and Nettles the dog)

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 25th July 2020

Firstly I must comment on the incredible effort Grace & Adrian must have put into make Severn completely prepared following relaxation of Covid-10 restrictions. Absolutely clean and impeccably well organised. All credit to them!

It has been an amazing week with the typical range of “Mid-Wales” weather variations.,

We would love to return, mostly because it’s a lovely “home” for the week – but also I am one day determined to prise the ball from Ryan’s mouth – you’ll meet Ryan – a charming dog.

Advice: Get up early, put the kettle on (it takes a while!!), enjoy a well kept pint of ale at the Lamb & Flag, Rhayader and appreciate the local beauty.

Thanks Grace & Adrian.

Dave & Janet.

News

What’s Open, What’s Not

Updated Thursday 20th August 2020.

We are seeing a gradual re-opening of tourist destinations and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales. This is a short list of what we know to be open, and what is still closed at the moment. Please tell us of any changes, and please call ahead or check social media before travelling, because opening times may change at short notice.

Please remember that here in Wales the 2m social distancing rule remains in force and we ask you pay extra special attention to respecting others when out enjoying these activities, including in the car park areas where it is so easy to forget!

To find out more about the rules in Wales:  https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance

Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol Railway will not be reopening this summer. It should be re-opening in 2021.

Website.

The Elan Valley

The valley is open for visitors, and parts of the visitor centre have reopened:

  • The Visitor Centre cafe is now open for indoor seated table service.
  • The playground has re-opened.
  • There is a new Grab and Go section in the gift shop with snacks and drinks. 
  • The main toilets remain closed, but Temporary toilets are available at the Visitor Centre and at Claerwen Dam and Craig Goch Dam.
  • There is a a catering trailer ‘Y Gegin’ at the visitor centre, currently cash only.
  • Bike hire available for advanced bookings only. Call 01597 810 880.

The car parks are now all open, but you must book your car parking ticket here: https://eola.co/w/939/activities/car-park-charge You will need to print out your receipt and display in your vehicle: we can print our guests’ tickets at the farmhouse.

The dam open day dates have been changed, for more information see our post.

Website.

Penbont House Tearooms

The tearooms have reopened, with all seating outdoors on the picnic benches, but under a gazebo. The menu is limited, and afternoon teas are pre-ordered and takeaway only.

Website.

Great Oak Cafe

Great vegetarian cooking! Open 10am to 2pm, outside seating at rear.

Facebook page.

Aisha’s Cafe and Restaurant

A new restaurant in Llanidloes, serving Moroccan cuisine and tapas. Lunch time 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Saturday and evening opening Thursday / Friday Saturday. Order for takeaway or outside seating.

Facebook page.

Powis Castle

The castle, garden, courtyard and cafes at Powis Castle are now open daily. The Clive museum remains closed. You will need to book your visit in advance. Check What’s On for the latest information and to book. You may be turned away if you arrive without a booking. We can help our guests with printing their ticket.

Website.

Hafren Forest

The car park, trails, picnic area and toilets have reopened.

Website.

Hafod Estate

The car park and the walks are now open again.

Website.

Gilfach Nature Reserve

Open but with the following restrictions:

  • The Byre and the toilets are closed.
  • The bird hide is closed.

Website.

Bwlch Nant Yr Arian

Currently open:

  • car park
  • walking trails
  • running trails
  • mountain bike trails and skills park
  • horse riding trail and corral
  • orienteering trails
  • picnic area
  • play area
  • bike wash

Still closed:

  • visitor centre building and external decking area
  • café (but there is a limited takeaway service 11am-4pm)
  • toilets (temporary toilets are available in the meantime)
  • bird hides
  • red kite feeding at 3pm (they will not be feeding the red kites at a specific time each day to help prevent large crowds of visitors)

Website.

Centre for Alternative Technology

Now open for pre-booked visits.

Website

News

We’re Good To Go

The easing of the Covid-19 restrictions in Wales has progressed at a slower, more cautious rate than in England, but the Welsh Government has told us to prepare to re-open self catering accommodation from Saturday the 11th of July, subject to a final decision on Thursday the 9th of July.

We have been working hard to make sure that we are ready to reopen. Here are some of the steps we have taken:

  • Carried out a risk assessment based on specific guidance for self catering accommodation.
  • Adopted new cleaning protocols for deep cleaning between each let, including correct use of disinfecting products approved to EN14476, safe disposal of waste, and a minimum gap of 24 hours between lettings.
  • Provided additional cleaning materials and hand sanitiser in each cottage.
  • Moved to a contactless arrival and departure system.
  • Updated our welcome guide and local information for guests.

We have applied for and been awarded the ‘We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard and consumer mark to reassure our guests that we adhere to Government and public health guidance.

We have also committed to Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol – a rigorous set of cleaning standards developed by Airbnb with leading health and hospitality experts for the times of COVID-19 and beyond.

We are now taking bookings for all of our cottages for arrivals from Saturday the 11th of July 2020.



News

Covid-19 Statement

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 came into force from 4.00p.m. on Thursday, 26 March. They require us as a holiday accommodation provider to close until permitted to reopen by Welsh Ministers.

The closure or “lockdown” has been extended twice and currently runs up to and including the 3rd of July 2020. Welsh Ministers may decide to extend it further. Note that the regulations are not the same as those in force in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We have contacted our guests booked to stay with us during the closure period offering them alternative dates later this year or in 2021. We will continue to review the situation, and our forward bookings, as the situation changes.

Guests booked through our agents will be contacted by the agency concerned and offered alternative dates. Guests booked through Airbnb will have their bookings automatically cancelled by Airbnb.

If you are affected, and would like to discuss your booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by telephone on 01686 440205, by email to bookings@wyeview.com or by using our contact form.

News

Statement from Wye View concerning non-essential travel

We have reviewed relevant guidance from the UK government, Visit Wales and Powys County Council, and sought advice from our booking agencies and our insurers to determine our response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last night, the UK government published a document Guidance and advice to avoid non-essential travel in the UK for people planning to visit holiday premises during the pandemic, stating that “Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays.”

In line with policy announcements from other members of our industry we have stopped taking new bookings for the period to Thursday 4th June 2020 and we are asking that any guest with a booking in one of our cottages due to arrive between now and Thursday 30th April 2020 defers their booking and moves it to a date later this year or to some time in 2021.

These dates may, of necessity, be extended, in which case we will make a further announcement.

We will contact all booked guests individually to discuss this decision in the next few days.

For Wye View Limited,

Adrian & Grace Ince.

News

New Year, New Website

Happy new year to all of our guests!

We started the new year with a new website; a fresher look and feel, plus a new booking system which shows you the full price of your stay when you make a booking enquiry.

We always want our guests to get best value for their stay, so we have introduced short break pricing for stays of three or more nights – starting any day of the week. Remember that if you book direct with us here at Wye View there are NO BOOKING FEES!

We would welcome any comments or suggestions for the website – leave a comment or drop us an email.

Grace & Adrian.

News

Wye View Receives Four Stars Again!

On the tenth of December our cottages were inspected by Visit Wales for our grading renewal – a little earlier than expected, but the Quality Advisers try to fit their visits into the quieter periods before Christmas and Easter.

We had just finished some changes – all cottages now have cooker hoods and brand new gas hobs in the kitchens, and we have updated the satellite TV receivers too.

We are delighted to report that once again we have achieved a four star self-catering award for all four of the cottages! We have also been re-awarded the “Walkers Welcome” and “Cyclists Welcome” certificates.

Visit Wales Four Star Self Catering Accommodation

Visit Wales assess the quality of every aspect of the business on a scale of 1 to 5; these scores are totalled and a score for the whole business is calculated. The Quality Adviser also checks for consistency in key areas of the business, to ensure that excellence in one area alone doesn’t give an artificially high grading. Finally, they check that all of the facilities and services required to meet the grading level are present; that’s everything from the quality of the mattress to the number of teaspoons!

Sometimes we are asked by guests why we aren’t awarded five stars – after all, we get a lot of five star reviews. Visit Wales do score us fives on quality, cleanliness, etc. but five star cottages are expected to be bigger, and have full sized bathrooms – so unless we undertake some significant building work, we can only achieve a four star award!

We are looking forward to another year of hosting our lovely guests here at Wye View.

Grace & Adrian.

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 14th October 2019

Perfect few days in this beautiful, cosy perfectly equipped cottage. A lovely warm helpful welcome from Grace. Thanks for the delicious eggs. Views are beautiful.

We will be recommending to our family & friends and will be returning very soon.

Loved every minute. Enzo loved his treats, thank you.

We highly recommend the Mirchi Indian in Rhayader. We collected a takeaway, excellent food.

Thank you X 🙂

Louise, Darren & Enzo.

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 14th September 2019

Thank you Grace & Adrian.

We had a very enjoyable stay in Elan Cottage again, as we have stayed here several times.

This being our 40th Wedding Anniversary was a very special stay, revisiting places like Elan Valley, Gilfach nature reserve and Corris Craft. Loved to see the chickens outside the kitchen window, and they lay fantastic eggs which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Elaine & Phil (+Breeze & Wilfred).

Guest Comments for Wye Cottage

Wye 26th August 2019

Thank you for a lovely few days away! The cottage is well equipped and we had great information about what to do and where to go. Having the travel cot and highchair were such a great help so we didn’t have to travel with them 🙂

The bed is VERY comfortable!

The cottage is set in lovely surroundings. We visited Aberystwyth, Elan Valley, Llandrindod Wells, Gilfach Nature Reserve and Rhayader.

Thanks again – Diolch.

Rob, Becca & Millie.

We will definitely be back again!

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 17th August 2019

Thank you Grace – what a perfect place to stay! Your attention to detail left us wanting for nothing. We used this lovely cottage to explore the Elan Valley + will certainly recommend Elan Cottage to our friends and family. The level of quality was spot on, lovely comfortable beds, nice linen, carpets + towels. Kitchen has everything needed for a 3 night stay.

We really enjoyed the Vale of Rheidol train to Aberystwyth – spectacular views through the stunning countryside. This was matched by the scenery and views through the Elan Valley and the 5 reservoirs / dams – another MUST SEE for all.

Ate at the Triangle Inn twice for dinner and LOST ARK cafe for lunch – both highly recommended. All in all a perfect 3 days despite all the rain in Mid August.

Will be back!

Keith & Val.

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 9th August 2019

We had a great stay in the cottage. Grace gave us a lovely welcome and information about the area. We had a great walk at Elan Valley, with a nice lunch at the tearoom. The kite feeding at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian was impressive, the birds stayed for a long time after the feeding. Grace suggested Hafod for a nice walk and great views and it was fabulous!

Thanks for everything.

Wil, Sjaak, Jan & Gianne.

Guest Comments for Hafren Cottage

Hafren 8th August 2019

My two teenage sons and I have just completed a four night stay in Hafren Cottage. It was really lovely and cosy, and it was spotlessly clean. The shower had good pressure and was lovely and hot. The beds were really comfy and all three of us agreed that the duvets were super snuggly (in fact I invested in some as soon as we got home!)

The cottage had everything we needed in a really beautiful location. The added bonus of sheep in the field next to us, and seeing a chicken or two peering in at us through our cottages window, made for some fabulous photo opportunities!

Thank you Grace and Adrian for having us and being so accommodating.

Lisa

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 13th July 2019

What a lovely area to stay, cottage is just what you need, equipped with all you could possibly want. We have visited the Elan Valley, walked to the dams, found a lovely tea room just reopened at Easter.

The information centre at Elan Valley was very good, the people very helpful.

Managed to avoid cooking all week there are lots of places to eat and the local takeaways as well that Grace has left details of.

What more can I say, lovely place and lovely people.

Thank you.

Nick & Tina.

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 10th May 2019

The attention to detail, numerous generous surprise extras and warm welcome received by Grace and Adrian after a long journey have made this by far the best holiday cottage we have stayed in. From start to finish nothing was too much trouble and we will certainly be recommending it.

We will be leaving with very happy memories including being here on the coldest Bank Holiday recorded in May. Woke to discover snow on high ground on Sunday!!

Many thanks again Grace and Adrian for all your kindness.

Joyce, Chris and Meg.

Guest Comments for Hafren Cottage

Hafren 5th May 2019

I stayed in this beautiful cottage for two weeks during my elective placement as a third year student midwife. Grace has been extremely generous and accommodating throughout my stay and has made me feel so welcome. The cottage is lovely and in the most beautiful location.

The cottage has everything I needed for a comfortable and cosy two week stay. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would love to return here for a holiday someday!

Thank you Grace & Adrian XXX

Amy.

Guest Comments for Hafren Cottage

Hafren 14th April 2019

We have really enjoyed our week here. The cottage is lovely, so clean and with everything we needed to make our stay very comfortable.

We loved Hafren forest, did the 7 mile walk. Aberystwyth was lovely too, we ended up there twice as the weather was lovely, albeit cold!

Kids enjoyed The Silver Mountain Experience. Powis Castle (National Trust) was also a great day out. So much to do in the area.

Fiona & family.

Guest Comments for Wye Cottage

Wye – 12th April 2019

A perfect stop-gap on our way to Snowdonia. My wife and I both went to university in Aberystwyth and met there 20 years ago. Have travelled this road 100 times but it is the first time we have stayed here to appreciate its beauty fully.

Elan Valley is a must – water like mirrors. And our 5 year old son loved playing in the stream.

David, Rachael and Ioan.

Ioan’s picture of Wye Cottage and the stream outside.
News

Natural Mid Wales Map

We have always described ourselves as being in the heart of the beautiful Mid Wales countryside, and the new Natural Mid Wales map shows just how much wildlife we are surrounded by!

Natural Mid Wales Map
Natural Mid Wales Map

The nearest nature reserve – Gilfach RWT – is just down the road from us, and you really can see salmon leaping in late autumn. There is usually a pair of Red Kites soaring high above the cottages, and a combination of leaving the grass long and regular winter feeding means that we have a many wild birds in our grounds.

You can download and print a bigger version of the map, and of course there is a copy in the welcome folder of each cottage.

Guest Comments for Elan Cottage

Elan 4th January 2019

Great base for exploring Mid Wales and the coast. The walk by Llyn Clywedog (as per leaflet in folder) was lovely – about the right length for our 7 + 10 year olds.

Elan Valley visitor centre was a warm haven in between nature trails. Aberdovey beach was busy on New Year’s Day. It was bright and relatively warm, even mild enough for ice cream.

Elan is cosy and well equipped – thank you for your hospitality.

Gill, Jimmy, Anna, Zeb.

Old Swan Cafe in Rhayader really good for food and cakes. Nice curry at Raj Mahal. Glengower Hotel at the North End of Aberystwyth was great. We only went in because we were so cold but good food & beer. Druid Inn at Goginan on the way to Aber is a good pub. 43 years in the Good Beer Guide!

Here, the kitchen is the best equipped of any self-catering place I’ve stayed in.

Enjoy!

Jimmy.

Super stay in Elan cottage comfy beds and great places to explore. The Triangle in Rhayader does the best hot chocolates. We also went to Rhayader swimming pool which was great fun and walking around the dams it was a bit chilly but still amazing views.

My favourite place we went to was Aberdovey beach where we had ice creams even though it was cold.

From Anna.

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 28th December 2018

We received a lovely welcome from our hosts even though we arrived a little early. The cottage was scrupulously clean with little extras like towels, shower gel and cleaning products. We had a lovely welcome pack with our favourite choccies and Strudel our dog had a bag of surprises too. We were given excellent information on the area which are highly recommended to future guests. We both slept like logs in the really comfy bed and the whole ambience of Severn Cottage was delightful. 3 cheers to two excellent hosts, and a big woof from Strudel. X.

Anita & Steve.

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 20th October 2018

Thank you, Grace &Adrian for a great stay here at Wye View. We pretty much think the same as most of your other guests who have left reviews in this book. The cottage is a good base to stay to explore so many lovely places here in the Wye Valley and beyond. This really was a home from home and the week just went too fast!

Pete & I managed to recharge our batteries and Dotty our Jack Russell had lots of lovely walks. 

Julie, Pete & Dotty.

Guest Comments for Severn Cottage

Severn 20th October 2018

Thank you, Grace & Adrian for a great stay here at Wye View, we pretty much think the same as most of your other guests who have left a review in this book. The cottage is a good base to stay to explore so many places here in the Wye Valley and beyond. This really was a home from home and the week just went too fast! Pete & I managed to recharge our batteries and Dotty our Jack Russell had lots of lovely walks. 

Julie, Pete & Dotty.

Guest Comments for Hafren Cottage

Hafren 29th September 2018

We had a lovely week. Very cosy & comfortable cottage and clean & well equipped. We were so lucky with the weather and did some fantastic walks with amazing views & scenery. Plynlimon, coast path between Borth & Wallog (saw dolphins and choughs!), and wonderfully peaceful but strenuous walk around the “green desert” near the Elan reservoirs. Red kite feeding centre was well worth the visit too – spectacular.

Thanks – we hope to return again soon!

Mark & Lucy.

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  • Cilgwrgan Fach
    Llangurig
    Llanidloes
    SY18 6RX
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