This was the day that we had to set off towards RAF Fairford for RIAT and we visited the remains of two Welsh lead mines. We had had a successful day on the Bwlch in the Mach Loop the day before.
Day 4: Friday 15th July 2022
After a late breakfast we left the Red Lion in Dinas Mawddwy and headed for our first photo stop.
Minera Lead Mine
After parking it was only a short walk to the remains of the Minera Lead Mine. This mine sits alongside the Clywedog Valley Trail and is listed in my North Wales Guidebook on page 246.
The area around the Engine House was littered with the remains of the machinery.
The shaft down to the mine below was to our side as we explored around.
Unfortunately the visitor centre was closed. So instead we walked up and down the track at the side of the site – more exercise!
Bryntail Lead Mine
We then headed back North to reach the next stop Bryntail lead mine. The added attraction of this place was the nearby dam.
This mine had no buildings left standing but from all the helpful notices we could visualise where everything would have been. Reading about the working conditions, the use of women and children to smash the ore and that this lead after all was shocking even after all this time. This is now such a peaceful spot (well almost, see below) with a fast flowing river nearby; it is hard to envisage what it must have been like as a working mine and lead processing site.
As we explored other visitors opened their bags and soon we had a drone above and scooting over to the dam.
Llyn Clywedog Reservoir
Being so close to Llyn Clywedog next stop was one of the viewing points above the reservoir.
In the layby above the view point was a group of motor cyclists and like us they were on their way to RAF Fairford and RIAT the next day!
Then it was time to head off to Junction 5 on the M5 and the Premiere Inn there.
Worcester Junction 5
We had chosen this hotel as it was near enough to Fairford that we wouldn’t have to be up quite so early (!) in the morning to get to RIAT. It was only as we parked did I realise that this was one of the hotels that I’d stayed at before I retired. From the car park the Worcester Warriors stadium is nearby just as I remembered.
Opposite the hotel is the Three Pears Beefeater restaurant. After dropping our overnight bags we headed over there for a meal. We were sat in a quiet part of the restaurant and enjoyed a great meal and had long chats with our server, the manager!
Three Pears Beefeater Restaurant Worcester on TripAdvisor
A friendly and great place to eat
The restaurant is a short walk away from the Premier Inn where we had booked our table (very easy!)
After a friendly greeting we were shown to a quiet table where we could sit and chat while enjoying our meal.
I think our server was the manager and no-one could have been more friendly and helpful.
Overall, the service was friendly and efficient from everyone and best of all the food was excellent!
Review of Premier Inn Worcester (M5,Jct6) Hotel on TripAdvisor
Great night’s sleep
The hotel is very easy to find off the M5 junction with lots of car parking (remember to register your car though). Very friendly and efficient check-in plus we were able to book our evening meal at the same time.The hotel does not have A/C and we were warned up front. My room was cool as the curtains were drawn and the window open. Plus there was a large fan.
I had a good night’s sleep (in the quiet large room) despite the heatwave!
The room was expensive at £81 per night – so do check pricing.
I was awake early as the light streamed into my room..
Next day we were at RIAT at RAF Fairford (Saturday 16th July 2022)