Monument

A longer walk today, exploring some of the idiosyncratic literary heritage of the surrounds. 

This monument was erected by local dignitary John Myddleton to commemorate the visit in 1774 of noted C18 writer Dr Samuel Johnson to his estate at Gwaenynog. A nearby ruin of a cottage (extra) goes by the name of Dr Johnson’s cottage. It is in a pleasant spot by the banks of the River Ystrad, although the ambience is somewhat spoiled by the never ending barrage of signs from the shooting estate warning you not to stray from the path.

Gwaenynog is also associated with Beatrix Potter, with the kitchen garden of the mansion reputedly the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden. The right of way just takes you around the boundary of the buildings though so you can’t really glimpse much.

Elsewhere there were some cute Badger Sheep with lambs, and for butterflies I had: Orange-tip, Speckled Wood, Peacock and Green-veined White.