The London Welshman

IN LOVELY WALES. XI.- THE VALE OF TEIFY. (b.)—LLANDYSSUL TO TREGARON. The Vale of Teify with its varied beauty can fitly be described in two sections-the upper and the lower vale. Nature has so divided it, and the rugged rocks and narrow ravine at Llandyssul form a boundary that is worthy of a visit. Here the waters of the upper valley rush through the well worn hollow with swift rapidity, and what appears as a broad and majestic river some miles up the valley is here but a narrow gullett that can be crossed over with ease by the pedestrian on a summer's day. Below Llandyssul the broad valley stretches forth its vast area, and the river widens and becomes slower and slower until it is lost in the quiet swell of Cardigan Bay. Above this narrow defile the upper reaches of the Teify opens on a lovely panorama of meadows and wooded hills that form a scene hardly excelled in any part of our island. Not content with this natural division modern commercialism has added to it by dividing the railway communication near this spot. When the ordinary tourist lands at Pencader he is offered the choice of continuing on the Great Western service and so proceed to Llan- dyssul and Newcastle-the lower vale; or attempt a journey in the famous M. and M. Railway up to the upper regions of the river. The Manchester and Milford Railway, which is locallv termed as the M.' and M., forms a connecting link between the Northern and Southern parts of the Principality, and has had a curious though chequered career. Origin- ally intended to connect the Lancashire Cotton- opolis with the Pembroke Harbour it failed to reach neither and had to be satisfied with Uniting the Great Western service to that of the Cambrian-a distance of nearly forty Miles. Until recently its equipment has not been of the most up to date, and many a story is related locally as to the excessive speed of four miles per hour performed by its engines. Nowadays, however, all this is changed and the express services of the past two summers has Materially reduced the distance between the ^?oks of Ceredigion and the Metropolis. The hills around Llandyssul are eminently suitable for invalids: the high locality and pure air affording every encouragement to restored health. A few miles up the valley at Llany- byther is situate the new Sanatorium for West Wales. A four mile climb up the hills from the bridge at this last village would be a cure in itself to many a worn and fagged out constitu- tion that has been confined to the foul air and close compartments of our modern business establishment, while a few weeks' rest on Allty- mynydd, whereon the Sanatorium is established, ought to perform wonders towards stamping out the dread malady of consumption that is so prevalent among country folks in London and other large towns. The famous collegiate town of Lampeter stands in the centre of the upper vale of Teify Photo] LAMPETER FROM THE STATION. [T. W. Jones. and is now of some importance in the county. With its central position and travelling facilities it has been made the county town for modern government. Here, the assize is held, and the County Council meet to transact its many duties. It. is here also that the College for the training of Welsh clergymen is established, and for over half a century" Lampeter- men" have made themselves famous in church life wherever the Welsh language is spoken. The town is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Teify, and has every modern convenience for the visitor; some excellent drives and cycle runs may be had here and the roads along the valley are all that can be desired. Some eight miles distant to the east lies the seat of Sir James Hills-Johnes, at Dolaucothi, where Lord Roberts recently spent a few days. Around this mansion are some rugged scenes, including the famous wild Hell's Pool of Cotthi; and near by the romantic cave of Twm Shon Catti, the wild way of Wales. On taking a journey westward some dozen miles we are landed at Aberayron on the quiet shores of Cardigan Bay, undisturbed by any foreign element among the visitors, save a casual from the Glamorganshire mines and a rustic farmer from up the hills. Around Lampeter is abun- dant food for the archaeologist and historical student, and it is pleasing to note that an important local history is about to be pub- lished by Mr. Eyre Evans, of Aberystwyth, dealing with the many facts known to the historians of the locality. Some twelve miles distant lies the old fashioned town of Tregaron, made famous in modern history as being the birthplace of Henry Richard, the Apostle of Peace. On the square stands a fine monument to the memory of so noble a son of Gwyllt Walia, and the villagers are very proud of its presence. In the church- yard close by may be seen the tomb of Ebenezer Richard, his father, on whose tablet is stated the many virtues of the eminent divine. Local history is well preserved here, in the old church register, which dates back to 1650, and is still kept in a splendid state of preservation. The peat bogs of Caron are famed in the district, and though many attempts have been made* to de- velop an industry in this direction the soil is as undisturbed as in the davs of Dafydd ap Gwilym. Some miles above Tre- garon may be seen the ruins of old Strata Florida Abbey, where, according to local tra- dition, lie the remains of the greatest poet of our language-Dafydd ap Gwilym, Ger mur Ystrad Flfur a'i phlas." Though some writers claim that distinction to Talley Abbey, in Carmarthenshire. A short ride from Tregaron will bring the visitor to the hamlet of Llanddewi-brefi, made famous through the traditions associated with St. David. It was here the old Saint preached the gospel in the early Christian era, and was honoured by special mark of divine favour. Some splendid views of the Vale of Teify can be obtained from the Gomerian Press, Llan- dyssul, and Messrs. D. R. Evans & Co., Lampeter, to whose kindness we are indebted for the sketch in this number.