Watermill Weekend

 I've only just discovered that it is National Mill Weekend this weekend, when many historic mills throughout the country will be open to the public.

There are several watermills not far from Hay.  

They include the Court of Noke mill near Staunton on Arrow, where the water wheel still turns.

Clodock Mill near Longtown was a corn mill.  It's near Clodock Church, and the entrance is by the bridge over the River Monnow.  There is also a turbine nearby, generating electricity.

Fair Oak Farm near Bacton has a 17th century horse drawn cider mill.  It has been fully restored, and is again being used to produce cider - the only commercial horse driven cider mill in the country.  Here, there is the chance to sample the Fair Oak cider, and meet Featherstone, the apprentice mill horse.

Olchon House Farm Mill is another one near Longtown, originally used for grinding animal feed and working farm machinery.  It has been recently restored.

Pontynys Mill is not far from the Crown Inn in Longtown, and is a corn mill currently undergoing restoration.

Mordiford Mill is another corn mill undergoing restoration.

Rowlestone Mill will be turning a Victorian apple scratter - an alternative to a horse driven cider mill.

The Corn Mill at Michaelchurch Escley was working from the medieval period up until 1942.

The Waterworks Museum in Hereford will also be open, with a wide range of steam powered mills, pumps and engines.

Finally for Herefordshire, the Clover Mill Spa Retreat will be open at Cradley, another corn mill.

In Powys, Talgarth Mill will be open, which is always worth a visit (and the cafe is very good!), and also Pontysgawrhyd Mill near Meifod, on the River Vymwy near Welshpool.

(Information from the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings website and Hereford Times)