Pete’s Eats, the famous climbers’ cafe in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), reopened this summer after almost three years of being shuttered. The newly minted version is a swish affair, with a copper-topped bar, distressed wood panels, local craft beers, tacos and a handsome crew of young locals in branded T-shirts. A lot of money has clearly been spent on the refurb, and it seems to be at the forefront of a new wave of developments in the historic village of Llanberis.
When Pete Norton and his wife Victoria opened a cafe here in 1978, they envisioned a refuge for climbers, hillwalkers and anyone else who was hungry after a day out on the hills of Eryri. Rain-lashed visitors stumbling in from a long hike could look forward to pint mugs of tea poured from a metal teapot the size of a rhino’s skull, huge plates of steaming chilli and vegetable curry on brown rice, an all-day breakfast or mountainous chip butties.
The walls were adorned with black-and-white photos of local crags featuring the UK’s wildest climbers of the day: Andy Pollitt on Lord of the Flies at Dinas Cromlech; Al Harris looking louche on the precipitous cliffs of A Dream of White Horses on Gogarth; John Redhead on the Rainbow Slab in the Dinorwic slate quarries.
In the 1980s, Llanberis Pass drew the best climbers from all over the world, and Pete’s Eats was the greasy-spoon temple that welcomed them all. I misspent much of my youth huddled in the window seats next to the jukebox, which rattled out the Kinks’ Sunny Afternoon in counterpoint to the rain hammering at the windows. Every so often wild-eyed, sinewy figures would stumble through the door in a cloud of chalk dust and request the Route Book – the mythical ledger of new climbs where local rock stars would map out and christen their latest conquests.
Llanberis sits on the banks of Llyn Padarn and at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in north Wales. Photograph: Alan Novelli/Alamy
Pete’s Eats came under new ownership in 2018, struggled after the Covid 19 lockdowns and closed for renovations in September 2022. It showed no sign of reopening – a sad sight in a village where it occupies a central position.
But in 2024, local entrepreneur Nick Pritchard stepped in to save Pete’s. “We had to do something. I love Llanberis and I’ve watched it struggle year by year because visitors bypassed the village as there was so little on offer in terms of food and drink,” he says. The cafe reopened in July.
While you can still buy the pints of tea that were a trademark of the original Pete’s Eats, the menu also now features cosmopolitan cafe fare such as smashed avocado and eggs benedict alongside the full Welsh breakfast. The staff bring a lot of energy to the place, and you get the feeling there’s a palpable will to make this a success, to make it their own. It’s setting a standard just by existing, especially at a time when local pubs, including the ones left in the village, are still recovering from the aftershock of lockdown.
The post office has long since closed as has the much-loved Morris Bros bakery. The Padarn Hotel bar was the night-time mirror of Pete’s Eats – when the cafe switched off its lights of an evening everyone meandered down the high street and into the Pad. On a Friday and Saturday night you could barely move. The Pad is still popular with tourists, but the riotous Saturday nights have now switched to the village-owned social club Yr Ddraig, a hugely successful bar and venue that regularly hosts live Welsh-language bands, drag acts and Elvis impersonators.
Fuel for hikers and climbers at the new Pete’s Eats. Photograph: Ceri Belshaw
The turning point for villages like Llanberis came when holidaymakers who once flocked to Greece, Spain or the Canary Islands began to lean into the idea of a post-Covid staycation. Soon, the usual array of hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts were joined by a phalanx of Instagram explorers seeking out mythical backdrops to boost their posts. Almost overnight, social media sent local tourism into hyperspace.
Eryri is one of the most Instagram-friendly national parks due to the incredible diversity in a relatively small region. It’s also one of the most filmic: Willow (1988) and Clash of the Titans (2010) were partly filmed here. Then there was the 2019 TV series The Witcher, and for two months this year whole sections of Dinorwig quarry were sealed off when an HBO crew set up camp to film the third season of House of the Dragon.
Dinorwig quarry has been a world heritage site since 2021, a testament to the men who worked and often died there extracting 500-million-year-old slate. There are dedicated viewing points, but the fences that were erected to keep people away from the treacherous holes and pathways have been cut.
Visitors flock here to try to find a secret waterfall, a primordial cascade surrounded by ferns that’s pure Tolkien. Last Easter thousands of people swarmed here, with Wales Online blasting that “TikTok over-tourism leaves Gwynedd village besieged”.
Dinorwic slate quarry is one of the sites that make up the Unesco Slate Landscape of north-west Wales. Photograph: Peter Martin Rhind/Alamy
Slate may not sound like something that will get your teenage kids’ pulses racing, but the National Slate Museum in Llanberis is an atmospheric place where you can almost feel the ghosts of quarrymen move around you, and an ongoing £21m renovation of the attraction will probably further boost tourism to the village.
In keeping with Llanberis’s adrenaline-fuelled heritage, newer events such as the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, which started in 2018, have also helped boost visitor numbers. While the finishing touches were being added to Pete’s Eats in mid-June, the village hosted thousands of runners from across the globe competing in four mind-bogglingly hard mountain races that range in distance from 25K to 100 miles. The tagline for the race is “Beautiful beyond belief, savage beyond reason”.
Then in mid-July, the annual Ras Yr Wyddfa celebrated its 50th iteration. The race to the summit of the mountain follows the Llanberis Path and back down again. It’s one of the busiest paths on the mountain and runners have to weave through hikers, dogs on extendable leads and selfie-taking groups of charity walkers in matching T-shirts. You win this race by ignoring the laws of physics and placing your faith in the mountain gods by sprinting downhill as fast as you can on ankle-shattering gradients that absolutely want to kill you.
The new look Pete’s Eats
Like Pete’s, Ras Yr Wyddfa has become an institution. Managed and organised by local businesses and a team of dedicated volunteers, it attracts hundreds of athletes from around the world.
The young team in Pete’s Eats has had a busy summer. When I mention to one of the staff that the place was so different back in the day, they nod wryly. “Lots of people have been telling us that. They can’t understand why we don’t have the same menu as before. But most people love it, and nowadays you can get a chilled glass of pinot grigio if you don’t fancy a pint of tea.”
They’re right, the cafe has adapted, and the village is the better for it. Much as I loved the spit and sawdust of the old Pete’s, the climbers have changed, the tourists have changed, and I’m reliably informed by my daughter that kids don’t eat chip butties any more.
The village boasts harming harbour, stunning coastal walks and an ancient church dating back to 440 AD
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer and Catrin Williams
14:04, 28 Nov 2025
The village is the most northerly in Wales
It’s almost December and the weather is pretty chilly, but it doesn’t mean we have to hibernate. There are so many stunning places in the UK that are perfect for a wintery trip, even when it’s cold outside.
One of these places is Cemaes in Wales, which journalist Catrin Williams recently visited. It’s the most northerly village in the country, and Catrin described it as the ‘perfect day out’. With a dramatic coastal walk and plenty of great shops and eateries, it’s not hard to see why.
Cemaes, originally a humble fishing village, has evolved into a bustling port over the centuries. Ships were constructed in the safety of the harbour, and locally quarried limestone, marble, bricks, corn, and ochre were shipped far and wide, according to North Wales Live.
Catrin said: “Walking along the harbour, it’s easy to imagine the buzz of trade that must have once filled the air.
“The high street is full of charm, it is lined with pretty and colourful houses. Small shops sell everything from handcrafted decorations to local crafts, and the cafes are equally inviting.”
Catrin stopped by Caffi Bane and got to a hot chocolate, the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly winter morning.
On the same street, the Stag Pub is a true local gem, buzzing with a friendly atmosphere and contributing to the village’s sense of community. There’s also a fish and chip shop that seemed to be very popular.
Catrin continued: “The beach is another highlight. Here, I discovered St Patrick’s Bell, part of a series of Time and Tide bells scattered around the coast of Great Britain.
“These bells ring with the high tide and serve as a thoughtful reminder of rising sea levels. I watched as the tide rolled in over Traeth Mawr, the beach with its stunning harbour view, it is a place that somehow feels both peaceful and alive with history.”
From the shore, Catrin walked along a section of the Anglesey Coastal Path, which forms part of the larger Wales Coast Path. The route offers breathtaking views of the sea on one side and rugged cliffs on the other, creating a picturesque landscape.
According to Catrin, the highlight of her visit was at the end of the walk: Llanbadrig Church, also known as St. Patrick’s Church. This is considered one of the oldest churches in Wales, with its roots tracing back to 440 AD, while the current structure is believed to have been built in the 12th century.
Local folklore tells the tale of a young St. Patrick who was shipwrecked on Ynys Badrig in the 5th century. Miraculously surviving the ordeal, he founded the church as an act of gratitude to God.
Raving about the village, Catrin said: “All in all, my day in Cemaes Bay was a perfect blend of history and beautiful scenery. Even in the quieter months of winter, there’s a warmth to the village that makes it feel welcoming.
“From the colourful streets and cosy cafes to the dramatic coastline and centuries-old church, it’s a place that is definitely worth a visit.”
Wales captain Jac Morgan will miss the start of the 2026 Six Nations after dislocating his shoulder in the autumn series opener against Argentina at the start of November.
The 25-year-old flanker has undergone surgery, with Ospreys head coach Mark Jones saying Morgan now faces “four to five months” on the sidelines.
Wales kick-off their campaign away to England on 7 February before home matches against France on 15 February and Scotland a week later.
If his rehabilitation goes well, Morgan could potentially have a chance of returning for the final two games against Ireland on 6 March and Italy on 14 March.
“He’s had his operation, it’s all gone really well and he’s on the road to recovery,” said Jones. “He’s in that race now to get back as soon as he can.
“It will be four to five months based on what we’ve heard, but obviously those things can change, we’re just working off that at the moment.”
Margam Country Park in Wales transforms into a magical winter wonderland in December, with a miniature fairy village, elf workshop and Santa feeding the deer
08:00, 27 Nov 2025Updated 08:17, 27 Nov 2025
The gothic castle was built in 1830(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A magical fairy village is hidden in the picturesque Margam Country Park, a sweeping gothic estate nestled in the old coal lands of Wales.
The park, near Port Talbot, is surrounded by stunning purple rhododendrons during the summer months and transforms into a winter wonderland in December with its enchanting miniature fairy village. This Welsh estate boasts a grand gothic country house, nestled within a vast expanse of land. The 19th-century mansion was crafted by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830, using sandstone sourced from the nearby Pyle quarry, according to Margam Country Park. The impressive staircase hall and octagonal tower offer panoramic views over the park, which offers a plethora of activities for the whole family, particularly during the festive season, reports Wales Online.
The Elf workshop provides children with a unique glimpse into Santa’s workshop, where they can participate in craft activities under the guidance of the head elf. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy a festive winter walk in the gardens and watch Santa feed the deer. The fairy village consists of charming storybook-like buildings, including miniature houses all themed around fairytales, a willow cathedral, and a giant chess and draughts board. The fairy village is encircled by beautiful, award-winning Grade I listed gardens, complete with their own orangery. The Orangery is home to several large Tulip Trees, a Cork Oak and a very large cut-leaved Beech.
Margam Country Park, recognised for having the 2020 tree of the year – a historic fern-leaved beech with an impressive canopy surrounding the remains of one of the country’s first Cistercian abbeys, is also home to around 500 deer and other thriving wildlife hubs.
The park, built on former coal lands, witnessed extensive deforestation as allied forces scrambled for timber during the war. Now, the grass and scrubland is home to foxes, badgers, hares, grey squirrels, voles, moles and shrews, while woodland birds like the nuthatch, jay, blue tit, stonechat and reed bunting also inhabit the park.
Just two miles south of Port Talbot, Margram is easily accessible via the M4 motorway at Junction 38. Most attractions within the park open at 10am and close at 3.30pm, with fishing hours starting from 9.15am and Charlottes Pantry Café opening from 10.30am.
Car parking charges apply and can be paid using the on-site pay and display machines or with MiPermit, costing £8.50 per car, with an option to purchase an annual season parking ticket. Disabled parking is available at the rear of the estate, with additional disabled parking in the Orangery car park.
A charming town that’s perfect for a weekend break, with independent shops, great places to eat and drink, and stunning hikes on its doorstep
One UK town is the ideal place for a shopping staycation this Christmas(Image: Love Treorchy)
As the festive season approaches, you might be meticulously planning your shopping trips. However, your local high street may not fit the bill.
If you fancy a change of scenery this December, a staycation in one Welsh town could offer the perfect blend of exploration and independent boutiques. One destination that might not have sprung to mind is tucked away deep within Rhondda, South Wales.
Treorchy and its bustling high street are ideal for a relaxed Saturday morning stroll, perusing the many independent shops, with the rest of the day free for dining, drinking or, weather permitting, a post-lunch ramble around the nearby hills and waterfalls.
Shops
The true allure of Treorchy lies in its quaint independent shops, where you’ll discover gifts and stocking fillers galore. At the top of Bute Street, there’s the florist, Lili Wen, where – alongside beautiful bouquets and wreaths – you’ll find homely yet chic housewares and trinkets, reports the Express.
For those who relish rummaging through trinkets and gifts, Wonder Stuff is a must-visit. This delightful gift shop has been trading for over two decades, selling adorable stationery, mugs, cards, and food and drink gifts.
Just a few doors down, Green Valley may seem like a simple fruit and veg shop – and it is – but it also stocks sustainable gifts, a variety of hot sauces, Christmas items, treats and, intriguingly, cosy Nordic socks.
Beyond The Lion pub, two unique shopping experiences await. Sparkilicious is a haven of chic gifts and homeware, puzzles, games and toys.
Just across the road, Celtic Dragon Retro presents a different kind of treasure chest, brimming with retro game consoles and games, collectable toys and comics. You’ll discover everything from Pokémon and WWE, Star Wars, Marvel and DC to Disney.
They even offer gaming tables for a breather during your shopping spree! Treorchy’s high street also features an array of clothing shops, baby stores, drapers and jewellery shops worth a visit.
Places to eat and drink
Treorchy is teeming with coffee shops and snack spots, such as Hot Gossip, which is currently offering a large festive drinks menu.
The Cwm Farm Shop serves up a hearty breakfast, Sunday roast, homemade pies and pasties, and daily specials. Their cawl is particularly commendable, and many of the dishes use locally-sourced meat from the nearby farm owned by the same family.
For dinner, the Pencelli Hotel offers a full menu of pub classics, tapas items, curries and flatbreads. Alternatively, you can enjoy a pub meal or pizza at the Cardiff Arms Bistro, with dishes like beef short rib, grilled monkfish and prawn curry.
Christmas attractions
Treorchy is one of many towns in Rhondda Cynon Taf that hosts a Christmas celebration. This year, the parade will commence on Saturday, November 29.
Treorchy Library is set to spread some festive cheer with Santa Saturdays every weekend in December, where kids can meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Plus, late-night shopping will kick off on 3rd December and continue every Wednesday throughout the month.
For those who fancy a bit of an adventure, the upper Rhondda offers stunning views and invigorating hikes. Just take a drive up to the Bwlch hilltop for a breathtaking view over Treorchy and Cwmparc, or head to the top of the valley to the Rhigos viewpoint for a glimpse of Bannau Brycheiniog on a clear day.
One hike that’s a must for walkers is the Blwch mountain circular, a 13km stretch from Treorchy up to the viewpoint. And if you’re visiting from out of town, The Pencelli and Cardiff Arms Bistro both offer cosy accommodation options.
The 13 Welsh players based in England and France initially named in Tandy’s autumn squad are not available for Wales this weekend.
Lock Adam Beard is based in France, while there are 12 players who ply their trade in England with Rhys Carre, Olly Cracknell, Archie Griffin, Nicky Smith, Dafydd Jenkins, Freddie Thomas, Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Nick Tompkins and Louis Rees-Zammit unavailable.
In contrast, Wales have a long-term deal with their own sides to release players for the national side, so Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets and Dragons names make up the 30-strong squad this weekend.
The Springboks will also have a limited selection because some of their players have returned to English, French and Japanese clubs, while head coach Rassie Erasmus has also released players back to South African sides for URC action.
South Africa will be without world player of the year Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, who have returned to their provincial unions and clubs.
Joe Hawkins has gone from being an international exile in Exeter to helping Wales try to cope without their England-based contingent.
Steve Tandy’s men finish their autumn campaign with a daunting fixture against world champions South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.
A game against the Springboks would be hard enough with a full squad but Wales will be forced into huge changes to the 23 that put in a spirited performance in the 52-26 defeat by New Zealand.
Tandy is without Montpellier’s Adam Beard plus 12 players who have gone back to English clubs because the money-raising encounter has been arranged outside World Rugby’s official Test window.
Hawkins, who won his first cap in two years against the All Blacks after a move to Scarlets allowed him to resume his international career, is confident that the deputies can step up.
“You’ve always got to be ready and a chance can always come earlier sometimes due to injuries,” said the centre or fly-half.
“The boys have been training hard and I’m pretty confident anyone who does come in can do a good job next weekend.”
Fight and character only takes you so far in international rugby circles and New Zealand were undoubtedly a step up in class and quality.
This victory extended the All Blacks winning run against Wales to 34 games, a sequence stretching back to 1953.
Wales might have matched their opponents for 50 minutes but still conceded 50 points at home for the third time this year, after England and Argentina also brought up a half-century at the Principality Stadium.
The All Blacks also scored more than 50 points for the third consecutive match in Cardiff.
There was defiant and dogged home defence in evidence, but New Zealand still secured seven tries, with the boot of Damian McKenzie adding 17 points, while Wales missed 38 tackles.
The match statistics demonstrated that New Zealand dominance. The All Blacks managed 1,362 metres from 167 carries, compared to Wales’ 593 from 77. Tandy’s side made 223 tackles, compared to New Zealand’s 85.
For all of Wales’ endeavour, the All Blacks crossed the gainline repeatedly with powerful wing Caleb Clarke and dynamic number eight Wallace Sititi emphasising how the visitors appeared bigger, faster and stronger.
“Our power game was strong,” said All Blacks coach Robertson.
“We’re ranked one and two in the world in a lot of areas and one of them is our power game.
“We knew it would take a little while to break them down and they’d be in it at 50 or 60 minutes, but fatigue would set in and we could make the most of that.”
Wales have now shipped 127 points in three games this November with world champions South Africa arriving at the Principality Stadium next weekend.
Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, arrives at the Old Bailey
The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison after admitting taking bribes for pro-Russia interviews and speeches.
Nathan Gill, 52, from Llangefni, Anglesey, is thought to have received up to £40,000 to help pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine.
He was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) when he accepted money from Oleg Voloshyn, 44, a man once described by the US government as a “pawn” of Russian secret services.
At the Old Bailey, Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Gill had abused his position and eroded “public confidence in democracy”.
Voloshyn was acting on behalf of a “close friend” of Vladimir Putin – Viktor Medvedchuk, 71, a former oligarch who was the source of the requests and the cash.
The Metropolitan Police said their own investigations are continuing into “whether any other individuals have committed offences”.
Gill is the first politician to be jailed under the Bribery Act.
Reform UK said it was glad justice was served, calling his actions “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused Gill of “undermining our interests as a country” and called on Reform leader Nigel Farage to investigate what other links the party had with Russia.
Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Police’s counter-terrorism team, said Gill was an “extraordinarily willing participant” in the bribery, describing his actions as a “threat to national security”.
He said the case formed part of a “breadth of activity” by Russia, including incidents such as the Salisbury poisonings in 2018 and an arson attack in London in 2024.
In return for money he gave two TV interviews to 112 Ukraine in support of Medvedchuk, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician who faced treason proceedings at the time.
Medvedchuk was arrested by Ukrainian authorities at the start of the 2022 Russian full-scale invasion, and was later swapped with Moscow in a prisoner exchange.
Medvedchuk was connected to two TV channels – 112 and NewsOne – which in 2018 and 2019 were under threat of closure by the Ukrainian authorities.
Gill gave two speeches defending the channels in the European Parliament, both on request from Voloshyn, whose wife was a presenter on 112 Ukraine.
Both channels were eventually taken off air in 2021.
Watch the moment Nathan Gill was sentenced
Voloshyn also tasked Gill with finding other MEPs to speak to 112, and gave him talking points to pass on to them.
The court heard Gill mainly enlisted MEPs from the UK but also some from Germany and France.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told the court there was no evidence they knew of Gill’s financial motivation.
Police have said there was no evidence Gill was paying others.
In texts obtained by police, Voloshyn said he would “request and secure at least 5K” for Gill if he got “three or four” others on board.
Gill responded: “I shall do my best.”
Met Police
Gill was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison at the Old Bailey
Gill also hosted Medvedchuk at the European Parliament’s base in Strasbourg to promote a so-called “peace plan” for the Donbas region – an event that was praised by Vladimir Putin the following day on Russian TV.
Voloshyn asked Gill to arrange for colleagues from the Brexit Party to attend, the court heard.
Prosecution barrister Mark Heywood KC said Voloshyn asked Gill to book a room. Gill told them he could “drag a few in”, promising a “small sack of paper gifts”.
In one set of messages, Voloshyn offered to bring $13,000 USD (£9,936) to him, as well as €4,000 (£3,516) for the peace plan.
PA
Met Police found cash at an address used by Gill
By December 2018, Mr Heywood said messages indicated there was already a “close relationship between the two men”.
In her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said there was “scant personal mitigation”.
“The enlisting of fellow representatives into this activity compounds the wrongdoing, undermining the mutual trust essential to the proper functioning of democratic institutions,” she said.
Police began investigating Gill after tip-offs from their intelligence sources – including the FBI, who found messages to Gill on Voloshyn’s phone when he travelled to the US in 2021.
Officers were on the way to search Gill’s house on Anglesey, north Wales, on 13 September 2021 when they learned he had already left for Manchester Airport, in order to fly to Russia to attend a conference and observe elections.
Gill was stopped and detained at the airport under counter-terrorism laws. His phone was searched and found to contain messages to Voloshyn.
PA
Gill was met by a scrum of media representatives from Wales and across the UK as he arrived at the Old Bailey to be sentenced
Voloshyn used innuendoes to refer to money, on one occasion messaging Gill: “I’ve received all promised Xmas gifts and requested five more postcards for your kind help next week during the debate.”
He provided scripts and instructions, directing Gill to speak up on behalf of 112 Ukraine and NewsOne.
“The budget and project is confirmed by V,” he told Gill on 4 December 2018, referencing Viktor Medvedchuk, adding “V always delivers if he promises”.
His message continued: “V was very excited when I told him of this option. And he really counts on it to happen.”
Police searching Gill’s house found €5,000 and $5,000 in cash. The court heard an application to recover £30,000 from Gill, but police think he could have made up to £40,000.
The earliest offence Gill pleaded guilty to dates to the same day he left UKIP in 2018.
He continued taking bribes after joining Nigel Farage’s new Brexit Party.
Later, he led the party into the 2021 Senedd election after it rebranded as Reform UK.
In mitigation, defence barrister Peter Wright told the court his actions may seem “unfathomable” given the “laudable and noble” features of his political life.
“He recognises, and did by his guilty pleas, the enormity of what he has done and the betrayal of the trust placed in him,” Mr Wright said.
Farage has previously said he had no knowledge of Gill’s “shameful activities” and condemned them “in every possible way”.
Police said there was no link to Farage in their investigation.
Gill also represented North Wales in the Welsh Parliament from 2016 to 2017. Police found no evidence to suggest criminal activity linked to this period.
In addition to the eight charges to which he pleaded guilty, he pleaded not guilty to one charge, of conspiracy to commit bribery.
“Nathan Gill has absolutely been held to account for his activity,” said Cdr Murphy.
“That should send a strong message to any elected official or anyone in an official capacity who is asked to act on behalf of another government and paid money to do so.”
Nathan Gill gives ‘no comment’ interview to police
There were calls from the Liberal Democrats for a wider investigation into Russian influence in British politics from the Liberal Democrats.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey said: “A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary.”
Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts said if the former Reform UK leader in Wales was part of a “broader, coordinated effort to advance Moscow’s agenda within our democratic institutions, then the public deserves to know the full truth”.
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar said: “Reform is a threat to our national security.”
The pursuit of perfection can consume some sportspeople. Logically, they know the goal itself is unattainable, but the endeavour to get there can take them to new heights.
Craig Bellamy is one such person. He doubts whether anyone or anything can be perfect but, on Tuesday night, he saw his Wales team come close as they dismantled North Macedonia 7-1.
The result was one thing, the victory Wales needed to finish second in their World Cup qualifying group and secure home advantage for their play-off semi-final in March.
The performance was another matter altogether, a dizzying mix of expressive, ultra-attacking football played at a rapid pace, combined with a raw physical intensity off the ball which overwhelmed their opponents.
North Macedonia had only conceded three goals in seven qualifiers before coming to Cardiff City Stadium. They doubled that total in the space of 19 first-half minutes, before leaving the Welsh capital humiliated.
“I am not a perfect person, I haven’t come across anyone who is,” said Bellamy .
“But maybe I take a little bit of that back because that was as close to the perfect performance as I have seen. That was incredible.
“The way we were able to use the ball, our timing. We didn’t play with a forward, we had three [number] 10s. But they were in the position where you drag someone out and someone runs, then the wide players were connected with it as well.
“We were just so clean with the ball and that allows you to have good chances. It was one of those days where we are able to take them as well.”
For a time, she said, she was able to “get on with it” but matters reached breaking point during Wales’ pool match against Canada at the 2025 World Cup.
“All I could think about was ‘when is the pain going to stop?’,” said Crabb.
“I was in so much pain that every now and then I was like ‘oh yeah, I’m playing rugby’.
“The way I try to explain it is if you’re in an ice bath all you can think about is that you’re in an ice bath and how cold you are – that’s how I felt with the pain.
“It was really difficult to be in the moment and concentrate on what the next play is, what am I doing in this lineout and trying to be fully present.”
Bellamy has recognised it. Wilson started all six games of the Nations League campaign that will guarantee Wales a play-off place, regardless of tonight’s result. His three goals in three matches not done since Bale in 2016.
This campaign, though, has been stop-start. A broken foot seeing him miss the opening two matches, two subsequent yellow cards ruling him out of Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win in Vaduz.
“It’s been frustrating; those first games came a little too soon for me,” said Wilson, who returned with two goals in Wales’ June games against Liechtenstein and Belgium. “The suspension stopped the momentum a little bit.”
It will be interesting whether the armband takes out any of Wilson’s bite that is not too dissimilar to the fire once displayed by his manager on the pitch.
While there have been acts of petulance – his red card as Wales crashed out of Euro 2020 against Denmark springs to mind – there is an edge to his game that is part of the attraction, part of the reason for success.
“Harry uses his body in that way and if you get too tight to him, you foul him,” Bellamy has said previously, likening him to Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez. “His smartness and how he is able to press, his intensity and what he is able to do, really tells me how good a player he is.”
Wales will hope Wilson shows it again against North Macedonia. From the start, of course.
This forest in Wales has become a popular spot for walkers, with a number of trails to follow and beautiful waterfalls to see – and it’s even free to park
08:00, 17 Nov 2025Updated 08:28, 17 Nov 2025
The forest offers different walks for different capabilities
Nestled in the heart of Wales, a picturesque walking route awaits that offers breathtaking views without the strenuous hike.
Halfren Forest is creating quite a stir among avid walkers who are flocking to the area to experience its beauty firsthand. Located near Llanidloes and named after the River Severn as Afon Hafren, this spot boasts scenic trails complete with an accessible boardwalk.
The river meanders peacefully through the forest, showcasing beautiful waterfalls and cascades. Freshwater fish can be seen swimming along its clear waterways, and a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, inhabit the surrounding trees.
While Natural Resources Wales manages and maintains the forest, it also serves as a commercial timber production site and event venue. It’s a popular location for motorsport events, hosting numerous 4×4 rallies, and even serving as a stage for the Wales Rally GB.
For those keen on walking, there are several routes to choose from, with two particularly popular trails. The Cascades Walk is one such trail, featuring a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the trees and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfalls.
Another option for adventurous explorers is the Source of the Severn Trail, a longer route that takes you through the woodland’s beauty right down to the river’s source. As you follow the stream trickling through the trees, you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way.
One recent visitor to the site raved on TripAdvisor: “Absolutely stunning. Fantastic walks – the perfect day out if you enjoy fresh air and stunning scenery. Would definitely recommend.”
Another enthused: “This whole area has been designed and developed into a variety of walks and walkways with an excellent colour-coded display of each walk with distance, estimated time for each walk and highlights that you will experience on each walk.”
It’s worth noting that this forest walk offers free parking – a rare treat at such destinations. However, it does fill up quickly, so car sharing and avoiding peak times is advised.
One visitor dubbed the forest as “an absolute gem”. They penned: “Hafren Forest provides beautiful trails and scenic views…we took the red Cascades Walk, which takes you along the boardwalk to the cascades. This meets up with the dark blue trail up to Blaen Hafren Falls. This took around an hour and a half.”
However, many reviews highlight issues with the portable toilets in the forest. Many visitors reported them being blocked or unsanitary, with one person claiming they’re “unusable”.
Narberth in Pembrokeshire is home to some of Wales’ best independent stores – and they can all be found on one high street.
Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director
04:55, 17 Nov 2025
This town is full of independent gems and is a pleasure to walk around(Image: Steffan Rhys)
This special little town and its charms are both well-known enough for it to thrive but still well enough off the beaten path to feel like a hidden gem that’s not overwhelmed with tourism.
Not on a main road and often overlooked in favour of nearby seaside resorts, this Pembrokeshire town is packed with independent shops and boutiques, cosy pubs and outstanding restaurants. And there are no chain shops or empty lots to be seen.
While heading west for a short break, I called in to eat at a place called Hwb for the first time and found so much more, including some of Wales’ finest restaurants to pubs, local butchers, antique shops, clothing boutiques, bridal stores and hair salons.
In addition to these, there’s the “Quirky Garage,” which sells an array of knick-knacks, with a particular focus on oversized animal models; there’s an arts centre; a community-run library situated in a quaint old school; a social club where pints are a steal at £3.10; another arts centre; and “The Shop at No47”, self-described as “quite possibly Pembrokeshire’s most perfectly pleasant place to peruse”.
On the high street, I saw a sign on a lamppost announcing an upcoming “hymns and Pimms” night at the local church. The former town hall of Narberth, crowned with a clock tower and a petite steeple, stands solitary on a traffic island at one end of the high street, with stone steps leading up to its entrance.
Today, it houses The Golden Sheaf, a shop selling chic clothes, books, home furnishings and jewellery, but the building itself harks back to the 1830s. It was built on the site of an old tap where townsfolk would gather for their water supply.
Its original clock, until very recently, was wound weekly by a town council member, following the same meticulous instructions from over a century ago.
The area, however, is not all quaint and quirky boutiques. Just beyond the town centre lies the opulent Grove, a breathtakingly exclusive hotel and restaurant offering food, rooms and surroundings that rival anything Wales has to offer.
It’s a bit pricey, with rooms starting at around £250 a night, suites exceeding £500, and a seven-course tasting menu in its flagship restaurant setting you back £145 per person. Even amongst all of Wales’ most picturesque and intriguing towns, Narberth holds its own.
Locals describe it as “an effervescent little place with a robust sense of community” and say those who reside here “live for the lifestyle”. This becomes immediately apparent upon reaching the bustling high street at its core, which teems with people perusing shop windows and popping in and out of stores even during a Tuesday lunchtime.
The sheer amount of activity in the town centre contradicts its modest 3,000 population. Calling it a hidden gem might be stretching things within Wales, where it frequently earns recognition as the finest place to reside, yet it remains relatively unknown throughout the UK.
I cannot state precisely how many independent retailers and enterprises it boasts, but approximately 50 appears a reasonable estimate from wandering about. However, the high street isn’t all that Narberth offers.
The moment you venture beyond the town’s boundaries, you discover yourself within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, amongst the UK’s most spectacular locations and home to breathtaking coastlines, the Preseli hills and other magnificent towns such as Tenby and Saundersfoot, both within easy reach of Narberth (and both considerably more renowned, possibly due to their seaside attractions).
‘It’s not like this by accident’
“When I was growing up here in the 90s, there were a few basic shops on the high street and around 20 grizzled old pubs,” says Beth Alexander, who grew up in the town. Writing on the Visit Wales website, she adds: “But the town had an arts scene bursting forth that brought all sorts of live music and performance to this small Welsh town.
“They say that the arts are a great regenerator, and you can see this played out in Narberth. Today it is an effervescent little place with a robust sense of community, a thriving high street packed with independent shops and cafes, and a full calendar of events.”
Chris Lees-Price, who founded Hwb, has previously told WalesOnline: “The community here likes to protect local businesses by using them, and there’s a real pride in the town because you see how hard people have had to work to make things happen and to make Narberth this way. It’s not by accident.”
It’s a sentiment echoed time and again by residents and business owners throughout the area. Tragically, there aren’t many towns like Narberth remaining, with countless others across Britain having fallen victim to mounting pressures, including the collapse of high street retail and the dominance of chain stores (the sole chain visible in Narberth was a Spar).
The national vacancy rate for high street premises throughout Britain stands at approximately 13.8%. I didn’t spot a single vacant shop in Narberth. The closure of the nearby Oakwood theme park this year, after decades of thrilling schoolchildren with its rides, might have cast a shadow over the town, but it doesn’t seem to have had much of an impact.
It would be a different story if the nearby Bluestone Wales holiday park were to close, but thankfully, there’s no sign of that. Many visitors to Bluestone visit Narberth for a day of shopping and eating.
Where to eat in Narberth
Let’s start with Hwb, which was a delightful surprise. I loved it so much that within days of my first visit, I took two one-hour-long detours to eat there on subsequent family days out.
The independent food and drinks hall is housed in an old Victorian school at one end of the high street. There are four food vendors – selling burgers, Thai food, tacos and Indian street food respectively – and three of the four I’ve tried so far are fantastic.
I sampled an onion bhaji naan wrap that was bigger than my head but still managed to feel light and vibrant instead of heavy and greasy, and a halloumi and pineapple taco that was packed full of flavour. The fries from Top Beef burgers are among the best I’ve had, and my kids raved about them.
There’s also a bar featuring 18 draft beers and cider taps, in scenes more akin to Shoreditch than rural west Wales. Equally impressive is Plum Vanilla Cafe, another cafe-deli hybrid dishing up flavour-packed vegetarian grub like falafel flatbreads, Korean rice bowls featuring battered cauliflower, plus heaps of cakes.
There’s also Top Joe’s delivering “absolutely incredible” pizzas, calzones and antipasti alongside cocktails, plus Stopio, a cycling cafe.
For fine dining, there’s Annwn, which secured a spot among the Good Food Guide’s 20 finest restaurants in the UK in 2022 after just 12 months of trading.
It’s also earned recognition from the Michelin guide, with a 10-course tasting menu priced at £150. Then there’s Fernery at The Grove hotel, offering a seven-course tasting menu for £145.
As you can see, it’s a remarkably impressive array of dining spots for a small town housing just a few thousand residents. You’ll discover far fewer choices in much larger towns.
Activities around Narberth
It’s not just within Narberth itself that you’ll discover plenty to occupy your time. The town sits amid the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside and coastline. World-class beaches lie nearby at Pendine, Tenby and Saundersfoot. The brilliant family destination Folly Farm offers enough entertainment for an entire day, combining multiple play zones with wildlife including lions, giraffes and rhinos. The dramatic and striking castles of Carew and Manorbier are also just a brief drive away.
Japan had double the number of carries and forced Wales to make almost 100 more tackles than the visitors.
The Brave Blossoms were the more impressive team on show, although head coach Eddie Jones avoided a couple of attempts to say that afterwards.
“The only thing anybody ever remembers is the scoreboard,” said Jones. “That tells the story and is all that matters.”
Jones has suffered previous defeats in Cardiff inflicted by superior Welsh sides and has close-up knowledge of the current squad, having played them three times this year.
“Having spoken to a few people, the big thing Wales has to look at is the development system,” said Jones.
“Coaches can only coach the players they have got and Wales for a long period of time had a strong and tough team under Warren Gatland.
“It is obvious the young players have not been developed enough or as quickly as you would like, because now you have a gap in the team.”
Jones believes Wales can return to rugby’s top table.
“There are plenty of good players in Wales,” said Jones.
“Wales is one of the traditional hotbeds of rugby in the world, albeit it’s a small country.
“If they can improve the development pathway and get that right, Wales will get its place back in rugby.”
Cremers will become the youngest coach to lead a Uefa national team in a competitive match since Terry Neill was in charge of Northern Ireland, taking over on a player-manager basis for a Euro 1972 qualifier against the USSR in October 1971 aged 29, five months and five days.
But while Cremers may be relatively young in coaching terms, he is not lacking in the top-level experiences he hopes will see him become a manager in his own right one day.
The Dutchman, who has also worked at Brentford, originally joined Manchester City as a match analyst for the under-23s before his promotion to Guardiola’s set-up as chief analyst in 2018, playing a role in four Premier League title wins
Upon leaving his role as head of analysis and insights at City in 2022, Cremers took up the position as assistant coach under Kompany at Turf Moor – where he was integral in the club’s 2023 promotion into the Premier League as champions with a points total of 101.
And it was at Burnley where Cremers forged a close relationship with Bellamy, who also worked under Kompany.
Indeed, one of Bellamy’s first key decisions following his appointment as Wales head coach in the summer of 2024 was to appoint Cremers to his staff.
When asked in November 2024 what Cremers added to his team, Bellamy replied: “Everything. The year we had at Burnley was down to him.
“We murdered the league, and it was that. It hadn’t been done before.
“Piet really pushed us towards this way. Vinny was always very intelligent about sounding out the best people.
“He brought Piet into our world then and it was just like ‘wow’, he moved so many different areas for us.”
The village of Merthyr Mawr, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, is like stepping into a fairytale, with its thatched cottages, babbling brooks and stunning historical sites
08:00, 14 Nov 2025Updated 08:26, 14 Nov 2025
The Church of St Teilo(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Tucked away in the lush, rolling hills of Vale of Glamorgan, the quaint village of Merthyr Mawr is a real-life fairytale come to life. With its charming thatched cottages and awe-inspiring historical sites, it’s more akin to a Cotswolds hamlet than a location just a quick ten-minute drive from Bridgend.
Despite being home to a mere 300 residents and lacking a high street, this picture-perfect Welsh village has made its mark on the silver screen. Its nearby dunes were used as a filming location for the 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia, according to Discover Britain. A gently babbling brook meanders through ancient woodland, while Shire horses graze in the verdant fields. And the best part? This hidden treasure is often devoid of crowds. The village’s name, Merthyr Mawr, originates from Merthyr Mymor or Myfor, a Welsh Saint believed to have met his end on these very grounds, reports Wales Online.
Archaeological research over the years has traced the village’s roots back thousands of years, even identifying it as a hub of prehistoric activity. Artefacts ranging from Stone Age flints to Bronze Age burial sites have been discovered here. Beyond the dark ages, visitors can marvel at Roman roads that sit alongside Victorian stonework. At the heart of the village lies the Merthyr Mawr Estate. This 19th-century mansion was constructed by landed gentry Sir John Nicholl.
To this day, it remains a private residence with the majority of the village and surrounding property owned by those who live there. This means that properties in the village are highly sought after as they seldom come up for sale and have often been in the family for generations. The best way to explore Merthyr Mawr is on foot – to fully appreciate the unique views and tranquil atmosphere. You can stroll past the village greens and the tennis club towards St Teilo’s Church.
Its graveyard is awash with vibrant flowers in the spring and summer months. During the day, sunlight streams through the intricate stained-glass windows. Believed to be built on the site of a structure that predates the 19th century, the church also houses a small collection of inscribed medieval stones from the 5th century. A ten-minute walk from the church will lead you to Ogmore Castle.
Nestled next to the Ewenny River, you can access its robust stone walls by stepping across ancient stepping stones used by the castle’s princess, who, according to legend, used them to meet her lover on a neighbouring bank of land. This 12th-century keep once protected the Norman-held lands of Glamorgan. Further along, you’ll find Candleston Castle, a later 14th-century manor house, fortified for the de Cantaloupe family.
If you’ve had your fill of culture and fancy some fun, there’s an outdoor sauna tucked away in the woods where you can unwind. This sauna is a traditional Lithuanian spot, meaning it uses a wood-fire to heat its hot tubs. Venture along the coastal path to the Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve and you’ll discover something truly unique – a ‘Sahara Desert’ that featured in Lawrence of Arabia. After your enchanting adventure, if you’re feeling peckish, make your way to Ogmore village. Here, Cobbles Kitchen serves up a mouth-watering roast. To round off your day, pop into the Pelican Inn for a cosy pint by the fireside.
