Today is our last day in Wales. It has been much cooler and wetter here but have still managed some walks through the Brecon Beacons national park. Beautiful rural region with lots of small villages built in the valleys between low rolling hills. The driving along very narrow lanes with thick hedges on either side has been a cause of anxiety at moments when you meet another car coming the other way - then there is a brief stand off while one driver eventually reverses back to some tiny opening in the hedge so the other car can pass - lots of fun! Went down the Big Pit which is now a historical tour of a previous coal mine - quite a humbling experience to view what hardship this people endured to get this coal out of the ground. Children as young as 4 and 5 years old were even employed to open the wooden doors down in the mine. Of interest, was the women and children had a higher mortality rate than the men! However, have also managed a pub walk, which are very popular walks around here. You go for a steep saunter over the hill with beautiful views and have a quick 'snifter' at the pub and make your way back again to the car (hopefully!)

Off to the cotswolds tomorrow for a night then London for our final stop.

Hi to everyone at home.