Despite the weather this popular event was sold out. Torrential rain and river flooding made us all glad we were at The Gliffaes Hotel. An indoor venue with all the stories inside.

Warm coffee on arrival with one question on everyone’s minds… “we aren’t strolling even around the grounds in this weather, are we?”

“Definitely not compulsory,” was the reply.

The Gliffaes (dewy field) hotel, just outside of Crickhowell on the edge of the Brecon Beacons is stunningly situated on a hill with the river Usk below and beautiful views of the mountains. It’s a famous fishing hotel that doesn’t mind walking boots or wellies and has warm fires in the winter and a sunny conservatory in the summer with glorious views. The grounds have an amazing selection of old trees and it has been in the same family now for over 70 years.

It has also had some colourful owners in the past. I researched the history of the hotel and found several fascinating characters.

We started with a story before the hotel was built when there was just the original cottage on the grounds. William Henry West, an iron master, told us of the turbulent times in which he lived, with the Merthyr Riots and the iron workers fighting for a wage that prevented starvation.

Not imagining that anyone would want to walk in this weather, I was taken aback when over half the group said yes, they wanted to stroll around the grounds! So off we set with James, the current owner of the hotel, leading the walk whilst the more sensible stayed in the warm, relaxing with a magazine or a drink.

The photos speak for themselves. The River Usk was flooding, producing waves and turbulence in its wake, but we did stroll around the back of the original cottage and some even sat or stood in the hollow Oak tree.

The dipping pool, the croquet lawn and a beautiful faery mushroom ring were also much admired, not to mention some tall and colourful trees.

Returning not too wet but invigorated, we joined everyone else and began the story of the Rev William Henry West. He inherited the land and cottage from his father and built the now hotel as a house with some Italianate features. We discovered The Reverend was not so reverent after all and left his widow penniless after squandering 3 fortunes! He even tried to charm another woman in the audience on Saturday but alas was only after her money.

A much-needed lunch was provided, but before dessert, our 3rd Owner, Sir Shirley Phillip Harris Salt allowed his wife Lady Charlotte to visit and tell of the tragedy that struck the family here. This was an emotional and touching story, of a woman trapped in the past by her grief. The good news was the audience found the apple crumble dessert with a delicious hint of orange custard very comforting.

So there you have it. We travelled along history, covering a range of emotions and experiences, only to arrive very much in the present and the challenge of getting home in some flooded areas.

A big thank you to James and the Gliffaes hotel for being such great hosts. Visit the hotel if you can, call in for a walk or a drink or a meal and enjoy its ambiance and beautiful setting, whatever the weather… and watch out for us as we have been invited back in the future!

Read what some people had to say about this day:

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a Storytelling Stroll and Lunch arranged by Jan Little at Gliffaes Country Hotel. The whole performance was clearly well researched and extremely well presented. Having lived in the area for many years, it was particularly interesting to discover some local history presented in such a personal style that Jan Little has, thus bringing the whole subject to life. Indeed, I have found myself reflecting upon the stories since the event.
Mr. A. Hile, Powys
Jan was totally absorbing and the messages resounding loud and clear… really wonderful.
Heather Light, Aberdare
I really loved Saturday, such a storytelling talent and the hotel and surroundings were beautiful.
Catherine Jones, Cwmbran
My husband and I had a real treat on Saturday enjoying Jan's wonderful ability to tell a story. The venue was the Gliffaes Hotel which is in a delightful rural setting. Jan gave us a whole new understanding of the place as she told stories from 3 very different characters who lived there over the last 200 years. Not only is she a great story teller but she also weaves in history and at the end provides some thought-provoking insights from the lives of her characters. We wholeheartedly recommend!
Mary and Huw Morgan

Strolls 'n' Stories Blog

Colourful Characters from the Gliffaes