Venturing Out
In November of 2016, sometimes, you just need to get away with the lads. No itinerary. No responsibilities. Just a few days of scenery, beer, banter and a couple of unnecessarily fast cars. So we planned a long weekend in Wales, stringing together some quality countryside with a few quality pubs. It wasn’t about geocaching this time (for once). Just good company, fresh air, and a definite surplus of alcohol. We kicked things off in Conwy before cutting right through the middle of the country to the Gower Peninsula. It was exactly the kind of weekend that reminds you why maps, mates and proper pubs are always a good combination.
A Place to Stay
Our first stop was the Groes Inn just outside Conwy. Proper old coaching inn feel, with cracking views and a very respectable selection of beers. The rooms were comfortable and well-appointed. Enough for us to relax after the initial drive and settle into the rhythm of the trip. After that, we headed south for two nights at the King’s Head Inn in Llangennith, on the Gower coast. Another textbook pub stay. Low beams, real ale, and the comforting smell of fried breakfasts. It wasn’t as nice as the Groes, but it did the job.
Getting There
Transport for the weekend was something of an upgrade. Two of the team brought their Porsche 911s, which made for a dramatic convoy across the winding roads of Wales. We looked like a slightly disorganised Top Gear special. Less camera crew, more beer breaks. The route from Conwy down through the heart of the country was stunning. And with the weather mostly playing along, it was a joy to drive.
The Activities
We drove a lot and walked a lot. The fresh air was exactly what was needed. And when we weren’t driving or walking, we were drinking or playing pub games with varying levels of skill and sportsmanship. Darts were thrown. Pool balls were missed. Someone may have invented a scoring system that no one else understood. The jukebox was rocking.
Extras
The food was hearty. The beer was plentiful. The company was excellent. No real agenda. Not a lot geocaching. No pressure. Just good laughs, late nights and one or two questionable decisions involving local spirits. One to file under “should do this more often”. And so we did. We’ve done it again every year apart from the one where COVID intervened.
Individual Posts
Here is the slightly fuzzy recollection of our beer-fuelled driving tour of Wales in 2016.
