Wales

The most delightful Welsh routes start in towns like Tregaron, Llanybydder and Lampeter.  I am always greeted with helpfulness, interest and a deep knowledge of the area's history when I go there, as many folk I meet are descended from drovers.  

I have also made many friends in Wales, amongst whom is Elfyn Davies, of Ffarmers, who sent me this in 2023:
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"I had a chat with Irwel Jones this afternoon, whose grandfather, Daniel Harries, would buy lambs at Devil’s Bridge sheep sale (near Aberystwyth), and walk them down to his farm at Cae Caradog, Ffarmers on one day.  He would then walk them down to The Hope, Llandeilo, another of his farms, where they would have another stay.  From Llandeilo, they would be walked down to Llanedi near Pontarddulais on the Carmarthenshire / Glamorgan border.  Finally, they would be walked down to Gower to be fattened on Gower farms.  The whole journey may have taken up to a couple of weeks.  This photograph (#1) shows Mr Harries crossing Llandeilo Bridge with his flock around the turn of the century before last.  I guess that from Gower the fatstock could be transporrted on the extensive rail network that served South Wales at that time.  His grandson, who was at the meeting on Monday evening, bears a close resemblance to his grandfather!  This Harries is of the same Harries family mentioned as Drovers of Blaenclawdd, Ffarmers...."

Thank you, Elfyn.