Leaving at 09:45, we basically followed the outward journey in reverse… except for reasons known only to the Highways Agency, the M48 was closed. All traffic was routed via the M49 to the M4. Traffic jams from Danté’s Inferno. This resulted in the [alleged] carefully planned rendezvous of coaches at Magor for interchanges falling to pieces. 

This impacted the next interchange at Cardiff West, arriving at 15:55. Our driver, Matthew, not the best communicator in normal circumstances failed to mention until we’d pulled up in the coach park that, although our coach had started in Llantrisant, it wasn’t going to finish there. We, and many other baffled passengers, were left wondering if we’d understood correctly. We had. Like lost sheep we assembled at the kerbside.

The domino effect from Magor left us standing around for about 20 minutes waiting for our transfer coach to arrive. However, as no coaches left until 16:30, maybe this was “normal”. Unpleasant but “normal”.

Despite all of this, we were home not long after 17:30… Kettle on!

Review.

This was a super break. Excellent hotel, probably improved by our (pre-booked, paid-for) room upgrade. Scenic location. Good food with lots of choice, well organised service and attentive staff. Excursions all within a 60 minute drive and returning before 17:00. Laid-back and relaxing destinations.

Not so good: An uncommunicative (if friendly) driver - minimal information withheld until the last minute. Crazy chaotic interchange arrangements - No explanation of what was happening (or why).

Would we recommend or repeat this tour? Certainly (and hope for a better driver!).