When the words "no signal" appear on a mobile phone screen it can prompt horror and frustration in a world where everyone is always contactable. But when this happens in the peaceful and quaint village of Pontsticill there's a sense of gratitude that nobody can distract you from the view.
Located on the northern outskirts of Merthyr Tydfil with the Brecon Beacons in plain sight the community is cwtched between vast mountains which appear to go on for miles. Even while visiting on a miserable grey Monday afternoon the scenery still manages to resemble a beautiful mosaic with its various greens, oranges, and browns dotted as far as the eye can see.
Many of the houses are terraced and built in traditional grey stone, which adds to the rural feel of the village. And with no local shop, no mains gas supply, and no sign of phone signal returning for the remainder of this visit it truly felt like stepping back in time (in a good way). That’s despite the fact that Merthyr town centre is around a 15-minute drive away.
