Wye - Ye Olde Ferrie Inn - Day 5 Hay

 Day 5 (Fri 25)

Sitting at breakfast this morning, there was a small, bright blue bird on the rails around the decking next to the river.  I tried to get a picture, but my camera app on my phone chose this moment to crash - 3 times.  It then flew across the river quite fast.  At least we have seen one.

World's First Book Town

Our destination today is Hay-on-Wye, the self proclaimed "World's first book town".  It's a long, very pretty drive through winding country lanes, labelled as 'A' roads.  We were particularly lucky to be in the car while the heavy rain fell. The area is very rural, so there is plenty of mud on the roads, and too much of it finds its way on to the car, which will need a wash when we get back.

Hay has some interesting sculptures.  The light and the tree in the background made getting a picture of the dragon quite difficult.  It is beautifully carved. I'm not so sure about the bear, which is made in at least 2 parts; it certainly makes a noticeable land mark. 

To the left of the bear in the picture, behind Jo, is an old cinema, which is now a bookshop. There are aisles and aisles of them on two floors.  I could easily spend hours in here, and did.  I bought a few books and a couple of LPs from the local record shop.

We had lunch in a tiny cafe in an alley way - a bowl of home-made soup and a bread roll - which was plenty for us, as we are still eating far too much.  It was lovely.

We also visited the castle, which has some lovely views of the area from a viewing platform. It also has some history of Hay-on-Wye.

"In 1977, Richard Booth declared himself "king" of Hay-on-Wye in order to save the Welsh border town from economic ruin. Now, the famed spot is celebrating his legacy."

(from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220815-the-uks-eccentric-book-loving-kingdom)

There was a weaving exhibition in the castle, which was very interesting.  The ladies were quite happy talking to my wife, but less interested in talking to me.  We left the castle and bought a locally produced ice-cream, which we ate under the old town hall.  Then went for a walk along the river.  Here there is much more information about the river and riverbanks.  This is one of a few similar plaques.

We had spoken to an angler on the river the other day and couldn't remember the fish he was after, looking at this, I think it was Barbel and Chub.  We walked back past a waterfall, and through the town for the long drive back to the inn.

We discussed where to eat on the way and decided to try The Old Court Hotel.  It is on the road into Symonds Yat, we've past it several times.  They were quite busy, but fitted us in a little alcove.  We had a nice meal and returned to the inn.