Wales

I have just returned from a few days in Wales where I was celebrating a friend's 75th birthday. There were 40 friends and family staying in three converted barns and farmhouse.

This is the main farmhouse where I was staying along with other friends from the long-distance walking group. It had 7 ensuite bedrooms plus a couple of lounges and a large kitchen etc.

One of the converted barns that housed the majority of the other guests.

This was the other converted barn which also had bedrooms as well as a games room and large dining area which could seat up to 50 people.

It was an amazing place in the middle of the beautiful Welsh countryside. Everyone contributed to the food and drink but one night we had caterers in and on the Sunday a few people got together and treated us to a BBQ. Although because of the rain it had to be cooked in the ovens but it was still delicious.

I managed to go out walking each of the days I was there. It has been a number of years since I have been walking in the Welsh hills and it was a real pleasure.

Lots of sheep in the fields but these looked a little different from the more common black faced sheep.

One evening a casino was set up in the house which was great fun. We all received £150 of 'monopoly money' to exchange for chips to either play roulette or pontoon. The observant amongst you may recognise Paul and Jim as two of my companions on the long distance walks.. I hadn't realised they had hidden talents as croupiers.

All in all it was a great four days to meet new people, enjoy the fresh air and help to celebrate a dear friend's birthday.