BUILTH WELLS
This ancient town, the Bullæum of the Romans, is the centre of trade for the neighbouring districts, and derives much importance from its wells—saline, sulphurous, and chalybeate. The population is less than 2,000, but probably a regiment might be raised locally all bearing the surname of Price or Powell.
The Castle, or rather the site of it, is near the town, close to the Wye Bridge. It possesses a double fosse, a rampart of earth, and a keep, which, judging from the foundation, must have been of great size. It was besieged and captured by Llewelyn in 1260.
The scene of Llewelyn's death in 1282 lies near the Radnor road at Cefn-y-Bedd, a few miles from the town. The Prince was refused a refuge in Builth (hence 'The Traitors of Builth'), and, reversing his horse's shoes, fled in the deep snow for safety, but was overtaken and slain.
The church of Builth is a modern erection, and the town is uninteresting.
The road from Builth to Talgarth passes through Erwood, at some five miles' distance, and Garth Hill, crowned by an earthwork, lies to the left; it is also the place where the English troops in quest of Llewelyn forded the river in 1282. Two miles away to the left are the celebrated Falls of Craig-pwl-du, a fall of 40 feet into a weird ravine. The neighbourhood is full of interest to the antiquary and the geologist. About three miles beyond Erwood the castle and woods of Llangoed are passed, and Boughrood Castle appears on the left. Lyswen is reputed to have been an early residence of the Welsh Princes. The general character of the road between Builth and Talgarth may be stated as not wildly grand, but an exquisite combination of river scenery with eminently beautiful surroundings, where the ruggedness of the rocks is softened by a covering of verdure, and foliage in subtle gradations of beauty appears on every hand. It is probably one of the most splendid roads for scenery of this character in the Principality.
THE WYE, SYMOND'S YAT, NEAR MONMOUTH, HEREFORDSHIRE.
At this point the view embraces some of the finest river scenery in Britain.
TALGARTH