Walk, talk and tea in Eglwysfach.
Come and visit this grade II* listed church set in the Dyfi valley, mid Wales, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The church sits at the edge of the Ynyshir, RSPB Nature Reserve. It is adjacent to the A487, the main road connecting the university, seaside town of Aberystwyth with the historic town of Machynlleth
Visitors will have a talk on the history of the church and its links with the renowned poet RS Thomas (Vicar from 1954-1967). The tour will include a walk (weather permitting) on parts of the reserve or coastal footpath which inspired much of the work of RS Thomas during this period.
This will be followed by tea and cake in the Gothic setting of the 1833 church which was dramatically redecorated by Thomas and his wife, the artist Elsi Eldridge. They painted the pews black and adding dramatic wrought iron chandeliers made by Alan Knight.
The entrance to the churchyard is via the original lych gate dating from 1433 with the biers intact on each side. The churchyard is also the site of a Holy Well which has recently been renovated. The churchyard is a mass of wild flowers from April to July.
Come and explore and find a pirate’s gravestone and those of the Jeffreys of Glandovey Castle.
This tour is exclusive to ExploreChurches.
Additional details
This tour is organised and managed by Alison Swanson.
It's great for beginners.
Visitors will be met at the church at 2pm, and the tour (with tea and cake) lasts 2 hours.
It is best suited for those over 5 years old. Walking boots and waterproof clothing advised.
Facilities & refreshments
Toilets are in the church.
Afternoon tea will be served in the church. Please give 48 hours notice of any specific dietary requirements.
There is free parking outside the church. There is also room for a coach or minibus to drop off passengers. The nearest coach park is at the Cadw car and coach park, Dyfi Furnace, SY20 8PH.
Accessibility
Two walks are available depending on ability. Please have a chat with us at the time of booking. Walking boots and waterproof clothing advised.
The walk is uneven in places, which means that some areas of the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It's similarly not suitable for pushchairs. Please contact us for details.
