Autumn 

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Unsurprisingly this is a very popular time of the year with everyone. The days are shorter and cooler, ideal for walking and then coming back to light the fire and put your feet up.

It has been very sunny during autumn over the last few years, which makes the countryside look even more stunning. The hill behind the cottage is a patchwork of colours often shrouded in mist, if you are up early enough!

The wildlife is very busy stocking up for the winter on the autumn fruits. We see less of the squirrels at the bird table as they are out foraging amongst the hazel bushes, but plenty of unusual birds.

The rams are separated from the ewes at this time and can often be seen squaring up to each other in the fields. They are introduced to the ewes around bonfire night because hill farmers need to lamb later (March/April) than in many areas of the country.

Walking, cycling and horse riding around the cottage is great at this time. Always set out with some bags in your pocket-there is a lot to be picked!

There are blackberries, sloes, mushrooms, nuts, bilberries, crab apples….to name but a few fruits of autumn growing around the valley.

This is also time for the local food festivals and cider pressing events.

We are busy on our smallholding collecting in the last of the vegetables, foraging and freezing. Not to mention jams, jellies, cordials, beer and wine…….

Events locally

The Wednesday ramblers group continues with its walks every Wednesday beginning 10am (enquiries to 01547 520266)

The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk runs events all year round and there is now the new nature reserve at Tylcau Hill (10 mile drive, or at least as much to walk up over Beacon Hill from the cottage)

Farmer’s markets in Knighton happen every fortnight on Saturday mornings.

Apple days and cider pressing in Knucklas (3miles) Presteigne ( 10miles)

And Leintwardine (14miles)

Local beer festivals

Book fair and food festival Brampton Bryan (10miles)

(Exact dates of these 5/6 events not yet confirmed, information will be in cottage.)

News of local events in the valley is always available in the cottage.

Events 2012

September 1^st-2^nd Steam Gala, Welshpool and Llanfair railway (26miles) - Tel 01938 552043

September (tba) Welsh Food Festival, Glansevern Hall, Berriew (22 miles) Nr Welshpool

September 7^th-9^th Ludlow Food Festival

October 5^th-8^th  Clun Valley beer festival http://www.cvbf.co.uk/

September 19^th-22^nd International walking festival, Llanwrytydd Wells (1 hour) Walk one day or several.

October 14^th and October 21^st Wildlife tracking and Field Skills – Elan Valley www.elanvalley.org.uk

October 27^th-Nov 4^th Autumn Antics – a family event run by the Elan Valley. Collect your bag from the visitor centre and await instructions! www.elanvalley.org.uk

November 12^th-December 24^th Minerva Craft Fair, Llanidloes (30miles) www.quilt.org.uk 

November 26^th-27^th Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Builth Wells (30miles) www.rwas.co.uk

© Helen J Rickerby 2006-2011

Self catering holiday accommodation in Powys: Rose Cottage, Dutlas, Knighton, Powys. LD7 1YB.