A Woolly, Woolly Day
Today we leave the coast and head east for more "uniquely-Wales" stops along the way to Hafod Hotel. The National Wool Museum of Wales, located in the historic former Cambrian Mills where shirts and shawls, blankets and bedcovers, woolen stockings and socks were made and then sold in the surrounding countryside - and to the rest of the world. Follow the process from fleece to fabric and visit the restored and historic mill buildings and machinery.
A raised walkway gives a unique view of textiles in production at Melin Teifi, the site's commercial woolen mill, while the Textile Gallery displays aspects of the National Flat Textile Collection.
After lunch in the cafe, we can visit with and hear the fascinating story of hard-working Susanne Ullrich who operates Pure Welsh wool farm and enjoy her wonderful little flock that produces beautiful yarn! Wensleydales, Shetlands, Suffolks, Llanwenogs, and Gotlands! Sue always has a big grin on her face when sharing her passion for raising sheep and producing wool for fiber artists, and you’ll leave with the same grin on yours.
Up next is Strata Florida - a unique vibe with unmistakable echoes of greatness among the ruins. The carved west doorway into the abbey offers an epic view down the nave to where the high altar once stood. You can still see some of the incredible decorated tiles that would have covered the floors of the church. Griffins, birds and fleurs-de-lis surround the enigmatic ‘Man with the Mirror’. This 14th-century figure dressed in a doublet and close-fitting hood is reckoned to be a symbol of vanity. Strata Florida, or Ystrad Fflur as local people know it, is the final resting place for generations of medieval Welsh princes. The great poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is said to be buried under a yew in the churchyard. No wonder it’s been called ‘the Westminster Abbey of Wales.
We arrive at the recently renovated, oh-so- boutique Hafod Hotel. The cozy restaurant and lounge area and view down the valley is quite spectacular! British crime show aficionados may recall this location from the show Hinterland.