Every home has a story and this one, which has just featured on television, is one of depression and drama thwarted by colour, artwork and family spaces to enjoy

Appearing on a television programme where three judges step inside your home and analyse it and compare it to other properties might seem like a daunting proposition but every year people across Wales start on that TV star journey.

The destination is the popular and binge-worthy BBC Cymru Wales series Wales’ Home of the Year. The programme follows the judges, who are not scary at all, are presenter Owain Wyn Evans, architect Glen Thomas and designer Mandy Watkins around some of Wales most enchanting abode in each region to compete in the final to be crowned of Wales’ Home of the Year’

This year’s series began on Thursday, June 11, and the winner of the first episode is Sera and Ian’s colourful and welcoming ex-council house near Aberystwyth – but it’s a house that has become more than a home, through trauma and health issues, it’s become the couple’s sanctuary. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

READ MORE: Time warp house with incredible interiors is like stepping into the past

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Wales’ Home of the Year 2024 winner went on a stag do and came home to find his home on the TV

Sera says: “My husband had a heart attack in the February of the year we inherited the house, so it was left to me to finish everything. But I did get some help in from a really great guy called Darren, one of my friend’s step-dads who really helped me over the finish line.

“He was amazing, he helped so much because we didn’t have a proper working downstairs toilet for Ian, as he couldn’t, at that time, manage the stairs. So he really pulled out the bag for me, including tiling the floors and plumbing, because it’s those things Ian would have normally had done himself.”

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While Darren got to work, Sera constructed the banquette seating in the sociable dining area as well as tacking the garden, which she says had six layers of patio slabs that she had to attack with a hammer drill and filled up six skips.

Even with all this team working hard on finishing the transformation, the day before the TV crew arrived the house was still not ready – Sera was still painting, her supportive friend was frantically cleaning, and there was still tidying to do including an open-shelving glass kitchen cabinet that the judges were so impressed to find.

The house was known to the couple as it was Ian’s family home where he grew up and bursting with childhood memories. When his mother sadly passed away, it wasn’t far to move as the couple were living in rented accommodation across the street to assist with Ian’s aging parents.

When they moved in, the house was a vision in 1980s peach – a colour that made Ian’s mum feel happy and although not to Sera’s taste she is very understanding of that scenario because she says diving into colour has substantially helped her battle depression, but it was her best friend that started the colour wheel spinning.

Sera explains: “So everything in the house before we moved was very dark and very eclectic and at that point my depression was really bad. Even everything I wore was black because my whole outlook on life was very dark. She came into the house and said ‘it’s no wonder you feel like this, you’re living in a flipping cave!’.

“I felt very low at the time and it’s very hard to see beyond that until someone says something, I mean, ha, I was a bit offended at the time but now I’m thankful because I thought about it and she was completely right, so that’s when I started researching colour as a therapy, as well as going for therapy too.

The result is a home where Sera feels cocooned, uplifted and happy. She says: “So you can create a home that makes you feel comfortable with colours that have a positive effect on you, make you feel better and mine was down to a lot of reading up on colour therapy.”

The use of colour, pattern and moments of visual delight inside Sera’s house was what really appealed to the judges and resulted in the couple’s house winning the Mid Wales and Valleys regional heat to go through to the grand final at the end of the series, due to aired on

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From the garden gate this standard ex-council house sings its true colours of being inviting, offering a welcoming ambience, and hugging every single visitor, and that starts even in the front garden where the couple have constructed a very inviting pergola seating area where Sera says friends passing usually pop in and join them at the table.

Sera enjoys thinking about and investigating interior design and says you don’t have to even be any good at it, as long as your home makes you happy.

“Even from a young age, I would move my bedroom around as much as possible, and my parents were like, ‘what you up to now?!’ And I advise anyone to jump into it, you don’t have to make a profession out of it, for me it’s a hobby. I like to move things about. I like to change things up a bit. And I think you can be open to change, things will develop and change over time anyway.”

When the couple moved in they white-washed the whole house to get a feel for the space, light and atmosphere and then the transformation began and went at full throttle.

Sera laughs: “I didn’t do it room by room, I’m not sensible like that, I went full-blown in and, you know, trashed the whole house, but yeah, no, I’m an all or nothing person. I definitely knew I needed to change things, like we put the patio doors in because it was always very dark and I knew I wanted glass doors, I didn’t want the internal doors to feel like a block.”

One of the features pointed out by the judges was the glass fronted cupboard in the kitchen. Sera says when they moved in the kitchen was tiny and had a pantry and ‘pram parking space’ where years ago a baby’s large and bulky pram could be stored.

The cramped areas all went to create a larger space and the result is an uplifting galley kitchen featuring fresh white, natural textures, Sera’s favourite patio doors and her favourite colour; green.

Although the palette is varied inside Sera and Ian’s home it centres around core colours with varying tones and shades throughout peppered with ‘pops’ of colour. Many people begin a room’s scheme, or overall style for a house, by being inspired by an item and for Sera it’s artwork, which you see featured in every space.

Another feature highlighted in the programme was the banquette seating which Sera made herself under the watchful eye and guidance of the still recovering Ian, and it is her favourite area of the house, where she can gather with her family, her sister and her sister’s grandchildren.

The bathroom added to the judge’s comments, especially the bath angled across the corner with a massive banana plant creating a bending and cocooning hood over the water, making the occupant feel like they are bathing in a tropical pond.

Although this sounds fantastically creative Sera reveals the secret – it was the only way to fit in a shower, a toilet and a bath and still be able to open the door! But this inspiring yet modest woman with a talent for interiors has made a stand-out feature from a head-scratching space problem.

She says: “People say, ‘oh it’s wonderful, it’s amazing’ but it’s just a small council house, just like the thousands of council houses across the country. But I’ve learned so much doing this, so I hope I can inspire others to see what a council house can be and can show you don’t need a huge budget, you just need things that uplift you and colours that make you feel happy within your little tiny, weeny little home.”

Episode one is now available to view on BBC iPlayer, along with the four remaining regional heats, with the final due to be broadcast on BBC Cymru Wales on Thursday, July 16.

For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

There’s disruption ahead for drivers travelling on the M4 from Monday as maintenance work is carried out.

It will affect people who use the road in the Rogiet, Llandarcy, Pentyla, Baglan, Taibach, Earlswood, Lon Las, Ynysforgan and Groes areas.

Here, we’ve compiled information published by Traffic Wales detailing all the disruption ahead that you need to be aware of.

Full details here.

The chain has faced possible administration in the tough economic climate

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A plan to restructure discount chain Poundstretcher has been approved in the High Court as owners battled to save the 300-branch retailer from collapse. The plan means the retailer will try to cut rent payments, and 93 per cent of those owed money have agreed the deal.

Poundstretcher CEO Andy Atkinson said: “Our company is in a stronger position to continue investing in our stores, our people and the overall customer experience. Our priority now is exactly what it has always been – ensuring our customers across the UK have access to great products at great value.”

Poundstretcher says no store closures are planned as a result of the restructure. The court was told if the plan were not put into place, the company would have a £9.7million shortfall in its budget by the end of July – placing it at risk of administration and store closures.

Poundstretcher was bought by US investment firm Fortress in 2024. Poundstretcher was established in 1981 and specialises in low-cost everyday essentials.

Unlike pure “pound shops” (like Poundland) where historically everything was a fixed £1 price point, Poundstretcher uses a multi-price model. ^{The company also operates some larger-format stores under the brand name Bargain Buys. After being family-owned for 18 years, Poundstretcher was bought out by the US private equity firm Fortress Investment Group, the same company that owns Majestic Wine.}

They brought in a brand-new leadership team to refresh the product ranges, lower prices, and stabilise the business after tough trading years on the British high street.

Members of the supermarket’s ‘The parent hood’ programme can claim a Big Daddy chocolate bar before Sunday, June 21.

The scheme was launched back in 2024, aiming to provide a network to new parents, from pregnancy to two years old.

Members have access to exclusive treats and helpful advice, as well as weekly parent & baby mornings at M&S Cafes.

In August 2025, the supermarket revealed that 230,000 people and counting had signed up for the loyalty club.

How to M&S ‘The parent hood’ members claim a free Big Daddy bar?

Shoppers who are part of ‘The parent hood‘ will be able to claim a free Big Daddy Bar, usually priced at £8.50.

This is part of a deal to celebrate Father’s Day, and the bar can be claimed up until the day.

Describing the chocolate bar, M&S shares: “Made with smooth milk and rich dark chocolate, with caramel, peanut butter and roasted peanuts, our thick and chunky The Big Daddy bar is a viral sensation for a reason.”

Shoppers can get the regular bar or a pistachio version.

To pick up the bar, simply activate the offer in the Sparks app to be used in-store when scanning your shopping.

Made Without and Plant Kitchen options are also available.

Customers should be aware that the offer is only available to M&S shoppers who were signed up to ‘The parent hood’ before June 6 this year.

Some customers were happy to see the deal, such as in a post shared in the FREEBIES UK + FREE SAMPLES v3′ Facebook page.

A user posted: “For all M&S Sparks members, check your rewards as I just claimed a £8.5 Pistachio Bar FREE for Father’s Day.”

In the replies, one person wrote: “Thank you! Checked mine and just grabbed mine!

“Peanut and pistachio bars and also vegean truffles are included.”

Recommended reading:

Another commented: “Going to go grab this tomorrow.

“What a shame my kids dad doesn’t like pistachio.. looks like I’ll have to eat it for him.”

A third said: “Wow thank you so much! I wouldn’t have known.”

Will you be getting a free Big Daddy bar for Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments.

The King was spotted giving guidance to his grandchildren Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during this weekend’s Trooping the Colour

King Charles was spotted guiding an uncertain Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony this weekend.

It came as the monarch was celebrating his official birthday, marked by the annual Trooping the Colour parade in central London.

Senior royals including the King and Queen, Princess Catherine, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Princess Anne all gathered to witness the iconic flypast above the Palace.

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However, the younger royals appeared somewhat unsure of the correct etiquette while on the balcony. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman revealed the exchanges just as the Red Arrows passed overhead, marking the end of the event, reports the Express.

According to Jeremy, Princess Charlotte was spotted turning around and asking: “Time to wave?” Charles then responded, appearing to address everybody, saying: “Very good. Now we give a wave.”

Reinforcing his instruction, he added: “Wave to everyone. Cheerio. That’s right, thank you very much.”

Louis was then seen turning to his father William and asking: “Is there more?” The second-in-line to the throne echoed his own father’s guidance by replying: “No, that’s it. Go on wave, that’s it.”

This wasn’t the only notable exchange captured by lip readers during today’s Trooping. Jeremy highlighted a conversation between Louis and Kate that appeared to suggest he had been picking up tips from his elder brother Prince George.

Meanwhile, a body language expert suggested the balcony appearance showed the royals were “divided”.

Judi James told the Mirror: “The newly-pared down royal firm we saw on the balcony showed two family ‘teams’ or units: On one side we had the solid, dependable and unproblematic royal ‘rocks’ in the shape of Edward, Sophie, Tim and Anne and on the other side of the balcony the tightly-choreographed, immaculately stylish and elegant Wales’s.

“With no Beatrice or Eugenie, the face of the Firm looked emphatic and undiluted. There was even The Duke of Kent there to symbolise the generation before and maybe show the resilience and stoicism of that generation as he is still working in his nineties.”

One royal who was, unsurprisingly, nowhere to be seen was the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Just hours before the event commenced, he was photographed displaying a mysterious bruised face while still lingering in the vicinity.

His daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were similarly missing from the proceedings, as the King presses ahead with his plans to slim down the monarchy.

Britain has still not recovered from the divisions stoked by the Brexit vote almost 10 years after Jo Cox’s death, the murdered MP’s sister has warned.

Kim Leadbeater issued the warning after scenes of violence across the UK, including in Belfast, where rioters set homes, a bus and cars on fire, with people targeted based on their race.

In an interview with The Independent ahead of the 10th anniversary of Cox’s killing, Ms Leadbeater said: “I think what we saw through Brexit, people were pushed into camps.

“People were made to see people who disagreed with them as their enemies rather than their neighbours – and I don’t think we’ve ever fully recovered from that.”

Ms Leadbeater, now a Labour MP, said she was still “very, very angry” over her sibling’s death, but called on the country to remember Cox’s poignant call that we have “more in common” than divides us.

She said: “We’ve got to keep working hard to understand that you might disagree with somebody about something. But that doesn’t mean that you have to hate them.”

Cox was shot and stabbed in her constituency of Batley and Spen by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair on 16 June 2016 – days before the EU referendum – in a murder that shocked the world.

Campaigning in the Brexit referendum was temporarily suspended. Tributes poured in for the MP, with many highlighting the message she gave during her first speech in parliament when she said: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”

Her sister’s rallying cry does not mean avoiding “passionate, robust political debates”, said Ms Leadbeater, who became an MP in 2021 and represents the same constituency in the House of Commons her sister once held. But it was possible to have them “without treating each other like enemies”. “Because our political opponents are not our enemies,” she said.

She also hit out at those “preying on people’s genuine fears and concerns” in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton and the horrific knife attack in Belfast in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has come under fire for calling for “pure cold rage” in response to Mr Novak’s death. Deputy prime minister David Lammy also condemned US vice president JD Vance after he claimed an “invasion of migrants” in Europe was to blame, despite Mr Nowak’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, being born and raised in Britain.

Ms Leadbeater said everyone with a public role, including politicians, had a duty to behave responsibly. She added: “I think, at times, we’re not seeing that done very well – whether that’s by some people in this country or some people in other countries.”

She added: “Particularly when you have got families who have expressly said, ‘please don’t use what’s happened to our family as a way of dividing people, because that isn’t what we want to see’.” Both Mr Nowak’s and Mr Ogilvie’s families have called for calm in the face of the violent protests.

That was “exactly what we did” after her sister was killed, she said.

“It would be very easy for me to have used the anger that I felt – and believe me, I am very, very angry about what’s happened to my life – to sow division,” she added.

“I think we have to show a different way, and sadly, as I say, from some quarters – from people who’ve got a huge reach and a big audience – we’re not always seeing responsible behaviour.”

She said she had a policy that “I don’t name anybody when I talk about these things. I don’t think that’s necessarily helpful. Some people want you to give them oxygen, and that isn’t what I want to do.”

But she added: “I think it’s fair to say there are definitely some people and some individuals who know exactly what they’re doing and are intentionally sowing division. But what they’re doing as part of that is preying on people’s genuine fears and concerns.”

Ms Leadbeater also expressed fears that the violence seen in Belfast and Southampton could spread this summer.

“We’ve all got to think about what we want this summer to look like. And I want this summer to be full of the World Cup, barbecues, people going out and having a wonderful time,” she said.

“I do not want this summer to be full of people being burned out of their homes and masked people running down the streets, setting fire to things and attacking the police. I would strongly encourage everybody to choose the former rather than the latter.”

The Jo Cox Foundation is holding the Great Get Together weekend over 19-21 June, which it says will be a powerful way to remember her message, 10 years on.

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Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance, starring Brenda Blethyn, has reportedly been renewed for a second series

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The show garnered an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with audiences describing it as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

Following its ‘unexpected but brilliant’ conclusion, Vera star Brenda Blethyn’s ‘captivating’ drama has reportedly secured a second series.

Channel 4’s A Woman of Substance represents a television interpretation of the bestselling novel, regularly cited amongst the “best-selling books of all time”.

Starring Brenda, 80, alongside Outlander’s Jessica Reynolds, the pair embody older and younger versions of the resolute Emma Harte.

The eight-part Channel 4 production traces Emma’s journey from destitute Yorkshire housemaid in the 1900s, seeking retribution after betrayal, before establishing a global commercial empire, reports the Mirror.

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Following the show’s ‘unexpected but brilliant’ finale, audiences swiftly called for a second series, and it appears their wishes may be granted.

TV Zone has reported that production for series two is scheduled to commence in November, with transmission on the channel expected in 2027. Channel 4 has yet to verify this information. Channel 4 has been contacted for comment.

A Woman of Substance attracted glowing reviews following its debut, achieving a remarkable 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

One viewer commented: “This show was absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t stop watching it, so I managed to catch all eight episodes this Sunday. While I doubt there will be a second season, I genuinely hope there will be!

“The casting is impeccable, and the storyline is captivating. It’s a unique blend of Dynasty, Downton Abbey, and Game of Thrones. The family dynamics are truly intriguing and ruthless!”, adding: “I’m so glad I spent eight hours of my life watching this show, and I hope there will be more to come.”

Another viewer wrote: “Absolutely loved it! As a fan of the books, this series stayed so true to the actual book as it could and it has definitely delivered!”.

A different show watcher said: “Finally a straight forward enjoyable story. Please make series two! Great acting and storyline. A good distraction from the world right now. I want to know what happens next do not leave us waiting too long. Who is the father of the other children and what will happen with Paula? I need to know lol … I might need to get the book.”

While another viewer added: “I really enjoyed this series. Especially as there isn’t much on tv at the moment. I haven’t read any of Barbara Bradford Taylor books. This series was well acted, and I thoroughly enjoyed the acting. The ending was so unexpected but brilliant. Would be good to have a series 2 to see what the older Emma Hart did next after such a shock ending Need more of her books to be on the tv.”

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmett Carolan, Donal McKenny; Daire Nally; Conall McKeever, Dara McDonnell, Craig Lennon; SEAN CALLAGHAN, James Maguire; Paul Mathews, Sam Mulroy, Conor Grimes; Kieran McArdle, Ciaran Downey, RYAN BURNS.

Subs: Tiernan Markey, Ciaran Byrne, Tommy Durnin, Leonard Gray, Conor Mac Criosta, Tadhg McDonnell, Cormac McKeown, Sean Reynolds, Anthony Williams.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane, Aaron McKay, Gareth Murphy; Joe McElroy, Tiernan Kelly, Greg McCabe; Jarly Óg Burns, ROSS McQUILLAN; Cian McConville, Darragh McMullan, Tomás McCormack; Conor Turbitt, Jason Duffy, Oisin Conty.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Paddy Burns, Aidan Forker, Barry McCambridge, Andrew Murnan, Ryan Duffy, Daniel Magee, Oisin O’Neill, Callum O’Neill, Rory Grugan, Aaron O’Neill, Ciaran Mackin, Eoin Duffy, Ruairi McDonald, Fionn Downey.

Here, you can walk forested trails, explore nearby waterfalls and picnic spots and enjoy an unexpected bonus – a hotel bar with a magnificent view of the lake.

Summer is almost here, so it’s time to start planning some lovely lakeside walks and woodland strolls. We’re spoiled for choice here in Wales, with long-distance trails, coastal treks, and shorter loop trails through shady forests.

One of my favourite walks is around the tree-lined shores of Lake Vyrnwy. Here, you can walk forested trails, explore nearby waterfalls and picnic spots and enjoy an unexpected bonus – a hotel bar with a magnificent view of the lake.

Storm damage has blocked part of the roads and hiking routes (repairs are still ongoing), but there are still trails you can stomp along, and bird hides you can use for birdwatching. Look out for chaffinches, marsh tits, great spotted woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, greenfinches, house sparrows, blue tits, and robins.

In this hugely underrated area, you’ll also find the Lake Vrnwy Hotel, where you can enjoy a drink on the expansive outdoor terrace.

Located in a 24,000-acre estate on a forested hillside overlooking a dramatic, mountain-ringed lake, this swish hotel commands one of the most impressive views of Lake Vyrnwy reservoir and has been wowing visitors since 1890.

The origin story of this lake is intertwined with that of the Lake Vrnwy Hotel because neither would be here without a very thirsty Liverpool. In the 1800s, the port city of Liverpool was booming but had a wildly insufficient water supply to keep residents hydrated and industry flourishing.

So, in true British fashion, they scouted for aqua and found it right here in the verdant Vyrnwy Valley. With over 400 streams and a perfect rocky base, it was declared the ideal spot to drown an entire Welsh village and build what became Britain’s first large masonry dam. Cheers for that.

Llanwddyn was relocated uphill, the valley flooded, and by 1889, water began its 68-mile journey east to keep Liverpudlian kettles boiling.

At the time, it was the world’s second-largest civil engineering project, and the vast reservoir remains Severn Trent’s most ambitious.

The Liverpool Corporation built the hotel in 1890 to impress visiting dignitaries and businessmen, who marvelled at this outstanding engineering feat. Demand soon exploded.

And you can see why, it’s a total stunner, with views over the lake that still astonish. Royalty even popped by to have a nose. In 1910, 20 years after the hotel’s completion, the then Prince of Wales, later King George V, arrived to officially open the dam and visit the hotel.

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Since then, the hotel has been extended and spruced up with new bedrooms, a conference and banqueting suite, and the Tavern bar. The Bisiker family now owns it, which has been run by Anthony Rosser since 2000.

If you are staying at the hotel, there are walks right on your doorstep. Cross the masonry dam, built in the 1880s and the first of its kind in the world, and you’ll find a visitor hub, RSBP bird hide, cafe, bike hire, and boathouse offering watersports, kayaks, and SUP rentals.

This area is a great starting point for a hike, as you can pick up supplies for the cafe and read the information boards to get the inside scoop.

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There’s plenty to discover around here. Around 300 streams, waterfalls, and rivers flow into the lake, which is named after the mountains or hillsides from which they originate. One of the best-known treks is an easy hike to the secluded Rhiwargor Waterfall.

Popular with locals, these impressive falls lie at the northern tip of Lake Vyrnwy, within the RSPB reserve. Although often overlooked in favour of the towering 80m Pistyll Rhaeadr, they offer an equally striking spectacle.

Pistyll Rhiwargor, with its total drop of 100m, is listed as the seventh-highest in Wales and is sustained by the tributary waters of Afon Eiddew, originating from the Berwyn mountains above Llyn Tegid in Y Bala, before eventually joining the reserves of Llyn Vyrnwy.

The picturesque waterfall is part of RSPB Cymru’s Llyn Vyrnwy Nature Reserve. You’ll find convenient free parking less than a mile off the B4393, offering picnic tables and typically ample room for cars, especially if you visit on a weekday. You can read more about the Rhiwargor Waterfall hike here.

For a longer hike, you can take in the entire reservoir loop when all the paths are open (it’s always worth checking first, as storm damage has blocked some).

The reservoir covers an area equivalent to around 600 football pitches and has a circumference of just under 12 miles.

A road goes all the way around it, making it ideal for keen bikers. An annual half-marathon is held here every September, too.

The Lake Vyrnwy Tourism website is a brilliant resource for information on walking trails. The All Trails app also features several hiking routes in and around the lake.

The trails

Several trails in the area vary in length and difficulty and are colour-coded. The yellow trail is a short but sweet one-mile loop that follows the riverbank, weaving through lush sessile oak woodland.

There’s a bit of a climb and a steeper descent towards the end, but nothing too wild.

The Red Trail is a 5.5-mile loop through forest tracks and wide clearings if you want something a bit longer. You’ll stroll beneath conifer and birch trees, with a steady uphill to start and a sharp drop as you return to the road.

For a different perspective of the lake, the 1.5-mile orange trail will lead you up and around its edges, offering a cracking view of the water and the iconic straining tower. It’s the perfect spot for a cheeky photo op for your socials.

The blue trail stretches for 3 miles and is ideal if you’re up for more of a challenge. Expect two decent climbs and a steep descent, but it’s all worth it when trekking through the shady woodland.

The purple trail is a gentle 5-mile loop that is easy on the legs. With lovely forest tracks and peaceful roads, it’s a perfect choice for a gentle amble through scenic settings.

The grandiose Lake Vrnwy Hotel is an excellent choice for a post-hike pint, with epic lake views from the restaurant and bar terrace.

It’s ideally positioned for panoramic views across the water and alpine-looking landscape, and is a proper sun trap in balmy weather.

Hungry? The Tower Restaurant is the hotel’s main dining option, serving afternoon tea and classic British cuisine with a Welsh twist.

Typical plates include Welsh beef fillet, truffle mashed potatoes, pan-fried seabass fillets with roast Mediterranean vegetables, and roast duck two ways.

The former England captain, who revealed his own MND diagnosis last year, is riding from Newcastle to Twickenham over seven days as part of the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge.

He is being joined by family, friends and a group of high‑profile rugby names as the team makes its way south.

Lewis Moody at the start at Kingston Park on day one of the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge (Image: Owen Humphreys)

Riders gathered early this morning in Newcastle before beginning the day’s stage to Ripon, North Yorkshire, where they will start on their way to Worksop tomorrow.

The challenge will finish at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, June 20, where the group will deliver the match ball ahead of the Gallagher PREM Rugby Final.

The 500‑mile ride is raising money for vital MND research and forms part of Moody’s support for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established by the late Scotland international Doddie Weir. Weir’s wife Kathy and son Hamish are joining the challenge, riding alongside Moody’s own family.

Lewis Moody, second right, with wife Annie Moody, right, Kathy Weir, left, and Hamish Weir at the start at Kingston Park on day one of the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge (Image: Owen Humphreys)

The wider line‑up includes a number of rugby greats who will join different stages of the route, including Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Jason Robinson, Phil Vickery, Martin Corry and Tom Croft.

Several former teammates and friends of Moody are completing the full route, among them fellow MND campaigner Kenny Logan, former Ireland international Geordan Murphy and adventurer Alan Chambers.

The ride will pass through clubs and communities connected to Moody’s rugby career, including Leicester Tigers, Bath Rugby and Bracknell RFC.

Lewis Moody, centre, with participants at the start at Kingston Park on day one of the Lewis Moody XV Cycle Challenge (Image: Owen Humphreys)

One of the most significant moments will come on Tuesday when Moody returns to Oakham School, where he boarded as a teenager before going on to win the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

Moody has described the challenge as a show of unity within the rugby community and a way of continuing the work started by Weir.

He said the involvement of the Weir family was “incredibly powerful” and that the ride aimed to demonstrate continued determination to push forward research into MND.

The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has committed more than £23.5m to MND research since its creation in 2017.