Mid Wales remains untouched. It is an expansive and peaceful region, stretching across Wales from Cardigan Bay to the English border, a place to reflect and relax and discover the fascinating secrets of Paradwys Cymru, the paradise of Wales. Here are the significant moments in Welsh history, the politics and the murder, the ruined mansions and abbeys, and the forgotten battlefields. This book will take you there. You will visit places along the border, where Wales and England mix across Offa’s Dyke and then reach out into the heart of Wales where the Welsh language rules. From the Victorian splendour of Llandrindod Wells to the serenity of Soar y Mynydd, from the beauty of Lake Vyrnwy to the wilderness of the Hafod Estate, these are the places which help to define Wales and make it such a special and endlessly fascinating country.

Geoff Brookes was born in 1951 in Sheffield and graduated from Leicester University in 1972. After completing teacher training in Birmingham and working for a number of years in Leicester, he moved to Swansea in 1981 when appointed Head of English in Dillwyn Llewelyn Comprehensive School. Geoff retired from his post in summer 2011, and after a period of time as a consultant working in the local authority he is now an author. He received a nomination as Columnist of the Year (Business Media category) in the PPA Awards 2011 for his work with the TES.