Monks from Abbey-Cwm-Hir near Llandrindod Wells in Powys are believed to have stocked a 16-acre mountain lake at Llyngwyn, near Builth Wells with wild carp in the 12th century.
With carp seen as deity rather than dinner (as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall would say), the idea of popping one on the barbecue is considered unthinkable by modern anglers – not least because a mature specimen can cost between £1,000 to £2,000.
But in ancient times, the monks kept ponds with carp in them to eat on Fridays when meat was forbidden and the sea was too far away for them to get fresh fish each day.
Although he would starve rather than eat his precious carp, Andrew Griffiths is keeping the Welsh tradition of carp pools alive at Springrock Fishery and Caravan Park which is a popular Wales Cottage Holidays property, at Llandegley, Llandrindod Wells.
“I built my own carp pool, which stretches to about two and a half acres on my land in January 2007,” he says.
“It took two years for the pool to become established, followed by two years of difficult trading – trying to keep predators at bay.
“This led to us having to install electric fencing which set us back £10,000.
“But now we have roughly 300 carp and feed them four tonne of feed per year. They breed at a colossal rate.
“I’m carrying on the tradition that was originally started by the monks – I’m no fisherman but I’m a business man and angling is big business, particularly for carp.”
With over four million people fishing per year, angling is probably the nation’s favourite outdoor participation sport and Andrew says business is good, with lots of returners thanks to great accommodation at Lovers’ Lodge which has a hot tub and Cwtch, which is a glamping pod with countryside views.
Ginnie James of Newtown-based Wales Cottage Holidays which has 550 properties across Wales, said: “This beautiful lodge, featuring a decked area with private hot tub, is ideal for a couple wanting a romantic getaway.
“There is access to 10 acres for walking and coarse fishing, plus attractions including, Abbey Cwm Hir hall and gardens, the Red Kite Feeding Station at Rhayader and the Elan Valley.
“The Radnorshire hills and their dark sky status are ideal for walking and star gazing.
“Cwtch is situated on site at Springrock Fishery, where stocked lakes are available for coarse fishing; if you wish to fish, please book in advance to ensure a peg is available.
“It is a purpose built wooden ‘tent’, with a small decked space to the front, overlooking open countryside. The one-room accommodation includes a double bed, oil-filled electric radiator, wall-mounted Freeview TV and a small worktop with some kitchen facilities, plus shared showers and toilets.”
Andrew says more women, disabled people and youngsters are now joining the band of angling tourists hoping to achieve their ‘personal best’ on their next catch.
“We welcome everyone and anyone,” he says, “hardened fishermen who sleep in tents at the water’s edge, mix with families who prefer to dip into a luxurious hot tub and stay in a glamping pod.
“We have facilities for disabled anglers and youngsters in Guides or Scouts.
“But we make sure that they all have the correct equipment to catch and land the fish, so that they don’t get damaged.
“We certainly can’t risk anyone dropping the carp as that would kill it.
“They have a swim bladder that fills with air and then releases it, like divers.
“If that gets damaged they end up swimming sideways and drown.
“Each angler needs to have a special unhooking mattress to land the fish on for catch and release.
“Anglers usually unhook the fish, hold it for a picture, keeping it wet and put it back into the lake as quickly as possible.
“Most of our guests are prepared to drive for two to three hours to get to us and we have lots of bookings from Devon, Cornwall and Scotland.
“The heaviest carp we have had pulled out of the lake weighed 24lb 12oz, which was a fair size.”
The joy of carp is that, unlike most other farmed fish – which depend on a diet of meal made from wild fish (which further depletes fish stocks) – carp are omnivorous and devour almost anything from the lake base.
Andrew says, “Basically, they’re the aquatic equivalent of the household hoover – they sit at the bottom of the lake sucking up almost everything and filtering it through their gills.
“They digest blood worms and set bait known as boilies – which can be chocolate or coconut flavoured or fluorescent to attract them.
“Carps are inquisitive and like to sniff out new scents, taste new flavours and seek out new colours.”
Lovers’ Lodge
www.walescottageholidays.co.uk/mid-wales-the-brecon-beacons/llandrindod-wells-cottages/wak290-lovers-lodge
Cwtch
www.walescottageholidays.co.uk/mid-wales-the-brecon-beacons/llandrindod-wells-cottages/wak291-cwtch
To book accommodation, visit: www.walescottageholidays.co.uk
Call:01686 628200
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