Nanteos Mansion.

There was a glimmer of sun this morning but for the most part the slightest of mists gave a clammy feel to the air.

Today's walk began at Coed Penglanowen, then around Nanteos mansion before heading to Coed Tamsin where we had a long break admiring Felicia's amazing garden. 

Afterwards Bob took us on a shortcut back to the mansion which involved climbing over two very rickety stiles. Not only were the stiles in imminent danger of collapse but so too were the fences on either side. With my long legs I was able to step over without putting any weight on the stiles but the others who needed to climb on the wooden planks required people holding up each side of the fence.

 

The Nant Paith runs through the nature reserve with muddy trails on either side. Apart from the trees that had been brought down last year by the storms there has been a lot of clearing of the invasive rhododendrons. 

Celandines were everywhere shining in the thin sun and here and there the first wood anemones were opening their delicate white flowers.

White blossom on blackthorn trees in the distance.

The lodge house.

When we last walked around Nanteos Mansion just over a year ago it was still being run as a country house hotel but shortly afterwards it closed and was put up for sale. It is still on the market at a bit over a million pounds. This is the only information I can find on-line but I believe it is being offered for sale outside of Wales. 

The crumbling stable block reminds me of the stable block at Arlington Court near our old home in Devon.

At Coed Tamsin all 15 of us sat around a large garden table enjoying tea and biscuits with whatever packed lunches we had with us. There were even ice-creams. I'm currently doing my best not to eat sugary foods so I stuck to coffee and oat cakes. Afterwards we had a walk around the garden but more of that tomorrow ...... .