
The food of the gods of cheese and bread
I was reminded by Margaret Squires' letter (8 April) of being asked by the doctor who was present at the delivery of my son, in a Bristol hospital, if he could take the placenta home to put on his roses. I said that he could. I hope his roses did well.Muriel AdamsCaerleon, Gwent
Amazing to see an editorial on the Pennine Way (9 April) that doesn't mention Alfred Wainwright, who first walked it in 1938 (trespassing along the way), who funded pints at the terminus for those completing the trek, and who published the best guide to the route.Phil ConstableDarlington
Your editorial mentions a number of authors who have written about walking. One book on the Pennine Way that I really found helpful was I Belong Here by Anita Sethi, in which she explores how walking the route has therapeutic value for mental wellbeing.Ahmet BulutogluLondon
While Andrew Vincent provided a cogent argument that the mining of authors' work is nothing new (Letters, 6 April), I'm pretty sure I've read it somewhere before.Pete BibbySheffield
Do you have a photograph you'd like to share with Guardian readers? If so, please click here to upload it. A selection will be published in our Readers' best photographs galleries and in the print edition on Saturdays.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
I visited hidden resort in UK seaside town and had the most relaxing 48 hours of my life
There's no option but to totally relax and unwind at this very special location How often in life do you really feel totally relaxed, your mind at peace and body at rest, with nothing pulling you back into everyday life? The answer is probably not very often, so what I'm about to share with you might help. I came across a very special place recently and, after an all-too-brief first visit, I returned a year later with the family for 48 hours switched off from the world, with no interruptions (other than the odd spa treatment). The Dylan Coastal Resort is a secluded hamlet of lodges nestled into the hillside in the well-known Welsh seaside town of Laugharne, just above Dylan Thomas' famous boathouse and looking out over the Taf estuary with Gower peninsula and Worm's Head on the horizon. That view is a living piece of artwork that changes hourly, from sunrise to sunset, from blazing sunshine to stormy skies, from high tide to low. This mesmerising panoramic view is the first thing that greets you when you arrive at this hidden gem, tucked away at the end of a small lane. Instantly, the location and its soundtrack of birdsong takes stress levels down and the luxury lodges welcome you with contemporary and spacious interiors and outdoor areas that include a terrace and hot tub — all with that enchanting view as a close neighbour. Then there's Milk Wood House, where the spa facilities are waiting to transport you to cloud nine or higher. The facilities within this building are reason enough to stay, whether it's the gym with arguably the most stunning view in Wales or the spa area where you're provided with a dressing gown, towel and slippers, making it easy to dip into one of the pools and then unwind at one of the seating areas relaxing in your dressing gown. The infinity pool is housed within an impressive double-height space, with a massive wall of glass windows on one side perfectly showcasing the breathtaking view. Warm enough for leisurely swimming and cool enough for more vigorous lengths, the pool was constantly inviting. Adjacent to the pool is a substantial sauna and a separate herbal steam room both featuring a glass wall so your connection with the stunning view remains uninterrupted. There's even a tepidarium, featuring heated 'beds' made out of concrete and topped with metallic mosaic tiles — something I had never encountered before and am now very much a fan of. However, my favourite spot at Milk Wood House was perhaps the infinity hydrotherapy pool. It's situated outdoors but tucked under the first floor, offering the combined advantage of fresh estuary breezes and birdsong but with protection from any Welsh rain that might disrupt your relaxation. This pool is warmer than its larger counterpart and it was instantly wonderful to feel immersed in the heat on an underwater sloping 'bed' made out of metal pipes (it sounds uncomfortable but actually provided an angle to lay back and see the view as we floated in the hot water). On a timer the pool erupted into bubbles as the metal pipes turned the still water into a giant hot tub. I came back to visit time and time again. A trip up to the cosy mezzanine seating area offers some tranquillity away from others and I admit I 'lost' a few hours drifting off into dream land on the mezzanine level. I just had to book a pamper treatment. I indulged in a facial as this poor, weather-beaten, city-polluted face hadn't seen much love recently but Lily, the wonderful therapist, was there to put that right. The room was as relaxing as I had hoped for: wonderfully scented, atmospheric with dim lights and soft, relaxing music that was on the verge of sending me to sleep. The resort has also extended the treatments on offer, dedicating a whole lodge near Milk Wood House to popular offerings such as manicures and pedicures as well as holistic treatments. Of course, the site has a location that can easily tempt you to use it as a base and leave it to explore the glorious surrounding landscape and access to local areas around Laugharne, from stunning beaches to visit such as the famous seven-mile Pendine Sands, but we were here to spend 48 hours at the resort and totally unwind. The resort is unusual in that it offers a number of ways to engage with the facilities and the very welcoming staff. If you're local you can become a member to use the facilities, or anyone can enjoy a meal in the restaurant. Residents of the resort who have hired a lodge for a week, fortnight or weekend can use the facilities for free although any treatments are extra. But there is also the opportunity to buy one of your own lodges to use exclusively for yourself, family and friends or to also rent out as an income generator to holiday-makers when it is not in use. Personally I think it's a fantastic idea as you get a holiday home that doesn't take housing stock away from the local community, plus the benefit of having use of the resort's facilities. The lodges are well equipped - better than my home - with a hot tub, alfresco dining and sofas on the terrace with an estuary view. Beats the view out of my window of the neighbour's pants on the washing line! Milk Wood House has a bar and restaurant offering a delicious menu from breakfast through to evening meal, including a children's option, but the luxury kitchen also had all we needed to create our own feast, including a coffee machine, and there were televisions in all bedrooms and large screen in the lounge. How much it costs to buy or stay at Dylan Coastal Resort There's a choice of lodges too, starting from £345,000 for The Sonnet residence up to The Solace at £650,000. But if buying is not an option, staying might well be, with weekends, especially out of season, especially popular with families and groups of friends in a three-bed lodge sharing the cost. For exact prices and available dates to stay or for more information about buying a lodge call reception of Milk Wood House on 01994 427332.

Leader Live
6 hours ago
- Leader Live
TfW commits to sustainable travel at Eisteddfod in Wrexham
Following last year's success in Pontypridd, TfW has worked in collaboration with Wrexham County Borough Council and the Eisteddfod organisers to establish transport arrangements that prioritise green travel options. The Eisteddfod, a celebration of Welsh language and culture, will be held in Isycoed, Wrexham, from Saturday, August 2, to Saturday, August 9, 2025. Wrexham General station is the closest to the Maes, and to cater for the increased number of passengers, TfW and Avanti West Coast will run extra services throughout the week. Shuttle buses will provide free transportation for onward journeys to the Maes, operating frequently between Wrexham General railway station, Wrexham bus station, and the Maes from 8am until midnight daily. The TrawsCymru T3 bus route, running from Barmouth to Wrexham, will also make the Eisteddfod Maes an additional designated stop. TfW is working with Cycling UK and Wrexham Council to identify safe routes for visitors arriving by bike or on foot. READ MORE: The Long Pull named finalist as the Leader searches for 'Best Pub 2025' Gethin George, TfW programme manager, said: "As a key transport partner, we're proud to continue our commitment to provide sustainable travel options for the Eisteddfod. "We saw fantastic engagement last year, and we've built on that success to make it even easier for visitors to choose green travel options to reach the Maes in Wrexham. "We've worked closely with our partners to ensure seamless connections and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Eisteddfod in August." TfW encourages passengers to plan ahead and check for the latest travel information on their website. Rail tickets can be purchased online, via TfW's website, their mobile app, or at ticket machines and offices.


Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Fish and chip capital' that's perfect for tourists named top place to visit
If you're looking for a quintessential British seaside town that also offers mouth watering fish and chips then look no further than this Welsh coastal gem steeped in history There are few things better than tucking into a fresh tasty fish and chips on a warm night – and where better than a town known for its delicious take on the dish? The Welsh coast is famous for its rugged coastline, remote landscape and friendly charm, making it a popular spot for British staycations. However, not all resorts are created equally. While some focus on food and culture and others on arcades and amusements, this town manages to incorporate them all. Nestled in by the sea in Conwy, Llandudno offers the quintessential British seaside experience – with a Welsh flavour. Its pier is one of the longest in the UK and dates back to the 19th century. Aside from the stunning views, one of Llandudno's most popular draws includes its arcade, which features penny classics as well as more modern games – perfect to keep children entertained. If you're something of a history buff, you'll also be delighted to discover the ancient tunnels known as the Great Orm Mines, which date back 3500 years ago. In fact, in 2005, it was awarded the title of 'The Largest Prehistoric Copper Mines in the World' by the Guinness World Records Team. They're well-worth a visit. According to a TripAdvisor viewer: "A remarkable view into these 4000 year old mines. Take your time and follow the self-guided tour – don't just look ahead, especially when underground in the mines. Pause and look up, down and back the way you came. They added: "The sheer extent of this ancient industry powered only by human muscle is eye opening and very well presented." If you want to travel there, you can always get the Great Orme tram: the only cable-hauled tramway on a public road in Great Britain. It takes visitors all the way to the base of the Great Orme headland. Of course, if you're more of a beach-goer, there's always West Shore Beach. The curving expansive sand gives way to the breathtaking ruggedness of the Irish Sea and offers a chance to sit back and relax. It's a hotspot for adventure-seekers too, as the beach is in a great location for kite surfing and even wing foiling. For those who prefer a slower pace, it also opens up onto many gorgeous coastal paths. Of course, with all the exploring to be done, you'll likely want to fill up on some delicious British classics. As reported by The Guardian, Llandudno has been named the fish and chips capital of North Wales. Chish N Fips is one of the top rate fish and chips restaurants and is known for its fresh cod and mushy peas. According to one TripAdvisor reviewer: "My wife and I are fish and chip foodies. We are expert at knowing when the oil is clean, the cod is cod and fresh and the chips are from quality potatoes."