guide to rural wales - south powys
DESCRIPTION
At one time the southern part of the county of Powys was best known for its four spa towns, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Llangammarch Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells. Today, the lure of sulphurous waters has lost much of its appeal but all four of them retain a charm and elegance that seems to be an intrinsic characteristic of spa towns everywhere. Surrounding these elegant towns is a varied countryside ranging from the bulky Cambrian Mountains in the west to fertile farmland in the east. Close to Rhayader are the spectacular reservoirs and dams that make up the scenic Elan Valley. Built at the end of the 19th century to supply water to the West Midlands, the reservoirs are a great feat of Victorian engineering, and the surrounding hills are home to one of Britain’s rarest and most beautiful birds – the red kite. Travel Publishing has made available Free of Charge digital editions of its popular series of Guide Books. These are available with working hyperlinks and for free download for personal use from http://www.findsomewhere.co.uk/PDF/PDF.htmTRANSCRIPT
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F stories and anecdotes G famous people H art and craft I entertainment and sport J walks
A historic building B museum and heritage C historic site D scenic attraction E flora and fauna
Looking for somewhere to stay, eat, drink or shop? www.findsomewhere.co.uk
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LOCATOR MAP
ADVERTISERS AND PLACES OF INTEREST
POWYS
MERTHYRBLAENAU GWENT
C E R E D I G I O N
Pontrilas
Willersley
Weobley
Pembridge
Peterchurch
Whitney-on-Wye
EwyasHarold
Clun
Aston-on-Clun
Llanvetherine
Three Cocks
Talgarth
LlangamarchWells
Llanfihangel-nant-Melan
Bwlch
Erwood
Llangynidr
Newbridge on Wye
Beulah
Llangors
GlasburyPumsaint
Llangadog
Sennybridge
Crugybar
Llanwrda
BrynamanAbercraf
Glyn-Neath
Walton
Dolfor
Whitton
CwmystwythYsbytyYstwyth
Devil'sBridge
Pontrhydfendigaid
Ponterwyd
Llanbister
Pant-y-dwr
ElanVillage
New Radnor
LydburyNorth
Newcastle
BlaenDyryn
Pwllgloyw
LlanwrtydWells
Pentre-llwyn-llwyd
Alltmawr
Lower Chapel
UpperChapel
Cynghordy
Crai
Trecastle
Twynllanan
Lledrod
Newchurch
LlanbadarnFynydd
Tylwch
BleddfaAdforton
NewInvention
HoptonHeath
Titley
Turnastone
Crossgates
Nantmel
Llandinam
PantMawr
Myddfai
Cilycwm
Maerdy
Libanus
Defynnog
Glyntawe
Acton
Llanthony
Ystalyfera
Pontardawe
Hirwaun
New Tredegar
Kington
Ebbw Vale
Tredegar
Brecon
Hay-on-Wye
Tregaron
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Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen
Llandovery
Blaenavon
Crickhowell
Brynmawr
BuilthWells
Presteigne
Knighton
LlandrindodWells
Llandeilo
Llangurig
Llanidloes
Rhayader
Abergavenny
MerthyrTydfil
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1096 87
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Accommodation, Food and Drink2| Tower House Gallery, Knighton pg 8
3| The Knighton Hotel, Knighton pg 9
4| Bryn Heulog Guest House, Llanfairwaterdine pg 10
5| Radnorshire Arms Hotel, Presteigne pg 11
6| Swan At Hay, Hay on Wye pg 13
7| Old Black Lion, Hay on Wye pg 14
10| The Granary Cafe Restaurant, Hay on Wye pg 17
11| Holly Bush Inn and Campsite, Llanigon pg 18
12| River Cafe and B&B at Glasbury, Glasbury on Wye pg 18
13| Pilgrims Tea Rooms, Brecon pg 24
14| Alltybrain Farm Cottages, Llandefaelog Fach,
nr Brecon pg 25
15| Pwllgloyw Arms, Pwllgloyw, nr Brecon pg 25
17| The Courtroom Café, Crickhowell pg 29
19| Hall Farm Barn, Llangenny, nr Crickhowell pg 33
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At one time the southern part of the county
of Powys was best known for its four spa
towns, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells,
Llangammarch Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells.
Today, the lure of sulphurous waters has lost
much of its appeal but all four of them
retain a charm and elegance that seems to be
an intrinsic characteristic of spa towns
everywhere. Surrounding these elegant towns
is a varied countryside ranging from the
bulky Cambrian Mountains in the west to
fertile farmland in the east. Close to
Rhayader are the spectacular reservoirs and
dams that make up the scenic Elan Valley.
Built at the end of the 19th century to supply
water to the West Midlands, the reservoirs are
a great feat of Victorian engineering, and the
surrounding hills are home to one of
Britain’s rarest and most beautiful birds – the
red kite.
Further south lies the Brecon Beacons
National Park, which takes its name from the
distinctively shaped sandstone mountains of
the Brecon Beacons. Two other ranges lie
South Powys & Brecon Beacons
within the park’s 519 square miles. To the
east of the Brecon Beacons rise the
interlocking peaks of the Black Mountains,
which stretch to the English border; to the
west is Black Mountain, which, though its
name is singular, refers to an unpopulated
range of barren, smooth-humped peaks. One
of the area’s most impressive natural features
lies underground – the largest complex of
underground caverns in northern Europe can
be explored just outside Craig-y-Nos.
Perhaps because the population here has
always been sparse, there are few buildings of
special note. A major exception is Brecon
Cathedral, “half church of God and half
castle against the Welsh”. Museums of
particular interest include the National Cycle
Collection in Llandrindod Wells, and
bookworms will surely find irresistible a visit
to Hay-on-Wye, the ‘second-hand book capital
of the world’. Equally, aficionados of
eccentric sports will be drawn to Llanwrtyd
Wells in August for the annual World Bog
Snorkelling Championship.
Activities
1| Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival,
Llandrindod Wells pg 4
12| River Cafe and B&B at Glasbury, Glasbury on Wye pg 18
Antiques and Restoration
16| Trecastle Antiques and Salvage Centre, Trecastle pg 28
Arts and Crafts
2| Tower House Gallery, Knighton pg 8
8| The Hay Makers, Hay on Wye pg 15
9| Number Two, Hay on Wye pg 16
16| Trecastle Antiques and Salvage Centre, Trecastle pg 28
Fashions
9| Number Two, Hay on Wye pg 16
Gifts9| Number Two, Hay on Wye pg 16
Home and Garden
9| Number Two, Hay on Wye pg 16
16| Trecastle Antiques and Salvage Centre, Trecastle pg 28
Jewellery
9| Number Two, Hay on Wye pg 16
Places of Interest
1| Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival,
Llandrindod Wells pg 4
12| River Cafe and B&B at Glasbury, Glasbury on Wye pg 18
Specialist Food and Drink Shops
8| Welsh Venison Centre, Bwlch, nr Crickhowell pg 31
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Llandrindod Wells
A Old Parish Church of Llandrindod
E Bailey Einion E Abercamlo Bog
I Victorian Festival D Radnor Forest
A Parish Church of the Holy Trinity
B Radnorshire Museum
B National Cycle Collection C Castell Collen
C Heart of Wales Line D Rock Park
The most elegant of the spa towns of mid-
Wales, Llandrindod Wells is still a popular
place that has retained much of its Victorian
and Edwardian character and architecture. It
was only a scattering of cottages and two
churches until 1749 when the first hotel was
built here. It had several hundred rooms and
its facilities included hairdressers, milliners
and glovers. There was a billiards room and
large function rooms for balls and assemblies.
And visitors could also sample the spa
waters, which had been known about since
Roman times.
But it was not until the coming of the
Central Wales Railway in 1866, along with the
Victorians’ enthusiasm for taking the waters
that Llandrindod Wells really developed into a
spa town. At the peak of the town’s prosperity
some 80,000 visitors a year came to take the
Llandrindod Wells
Victorian Festival
Victorian Festival Office, Wadham House,Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells,Powys LD1 5DGTel: 01597 823441e-mail : [email protected]: www.vicfest.co.uk
Each year Llandrindod Wells hosts a Victorian
festival. Held in the last full week of August
before the Bank Holiday, this popular festival is going from strength to strength and has
now become one of the premier Victorian festivals in Britain today. As Llandrindod was a
thriving spa resort in the Victorian era it is natural to base the festival on the Victorian
theme. The town’s unspoilt architecture provides a perfect backdrop to the celebrations and,
on Temple Gardens, there is an ideal venue for the many different types of street
entertainment provided free for the visitors and townsfolk throughout the day.
The aim of the festival is to provide a family fun festival and to cater for all ages and
tastes, whilst keeping to a Victorian theme. Attracting some 40,000 visitors to a town that
has a population of only 5,000 is no mean feat, but the apparent ease with which it is done
is largely due to the transformation achieved in the town’s reversion to the Victorian era.
The effect of horses and carriages, Victorian window displays and the townspeople and
some visitors sporting a whole range of appropriate costumes creates an atmosphere, the
effect of which is nothing short of miraculous.
At the end of the nine days, the proceedings are closed in the grandest of manners with
the moving torchlight procession and fireworks display over the lake - a spectacle not to be
missed.
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waters in an attempt to obtain relief from
ailments ranging from gout, rheumatism and
anaemia to diabetes, dyspepsia and liver
trouble. Special baths and heat and massage
treatments were also available.
The most famous of the individual spas in
Llandrindod during its heyday, Rock Park is a
typically well laid out Victorian park where
visitors coming to the town would take a walk
between their treatments. With particularly
fine tree planting and shrubbery, the park is
still a very pleasant place.
Today’s visitors can find out more about
the town’s history at the Radnorshire
Museum in Temple Street where there is a
display of Victorian artefacts, a large
collection of photographs and exhibits on
social history. There’s also a collection of
relics excavated from Castell Collen, a
Roman fort to the northwest of the town
that was occupied from the 1st century
through to the early 4th century and whose
earthworks are clearly detectable today.
Located in the Automobile Palace, a
distinctive Art Deco brick garage topped by
rows of white lions, is the National Cycle
Collection, an exhibition that covers almost
200 years of cycling history through an
amazing collection of more than 200 bicycles
and tricycles. Some date back as far as 1818,
and the collection spans every development
from the hobby horse and bone-shaker to the
high-tech machines of today. Also here are
old photographs and posters, historic
replicas, the Dunlop tyre story and displays
on cycling stars.
Each year in the last full week of August,
Llandrindod Wells hosts a Victorian Festival,
swelling the population of the town from its
resident 5000 to more than 40,000. Horses
and carriages, Victorian window displays,
townspeople and visitors in period garb, all
contribute to the jollity, which culminates in a
torchlight procession and a fireworks display
over the lake. And the Royal Welsh Show, the
largest agricultural show in the UK, is held in
July each year at Llanelwedd, six miles south
of Llandrindod Wells,
There are still two Anglican churches
serving Llandrindod Wells. The Old Parish
Church of Llandrindod (“The Church of
the Holy Trinity”), just outside the town, is
13th-century, though its roof was later
removed to encourage people to attend the
new church in the town. It was rebuilt in 1894.
The Parish Church of the Holy Trinity
within the town was built in 1871, and is a
much larger and grander affair.
Just outside Llandrindod Wells, off the A44
Rhayader road, there is free access to
Abercamlo Bog, 12 acres of wet pasture that
are home to water-loving plants, breeding
birds such as the whinchat and reed bunting,
and butterflies. Not far away, at Ithon gorge, is
Bailey Einion, woodland home to lady fern,
golden saxifrage, pied flycatchers,
woodpeckers and cardinal beetles.
Wales is famous for its amazing little
narrow-gauge railways, but it also has some
full-size trains, too. One of the most popular
tourist lines is the Heart of Wales Line that
runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea, ‘one line
that visits two viaducts, three castles, four spa
towns, five counties, six tunnels and seven
bridges’. Dolau, six miles to the northeast of
Llandrindod Wells, is the best starting point
on the line to walk to the top of Radnor
Forest, the highest point in the old county
of Radnorshire. Llanbister Road and
Llangunllo are nearby request halts ideally
placed for discovering the remoter scenic
delights of the area.
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Around Llandrindod
Wells
ABBEY-CWM-HIR
6 miles N of Llandrindod Wells off the A483
A Cwmhir Abbey A The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir
Standing rather forlornly in the lonely
Clywedog Valley are the scant remains of
Cwmhir Abbey, founded in 1143 by the
Cistercians who had grandiose plans to build
one of the largest churches in Britain. They
planned a nave more than 242ft long – only
the cathedrals of Durham, Winchester and
York have a longer nave. Unfortunately, an
attack by Henry III in 1231 forced them to
abandon their plans. There is a memorial stone
on the altar to Llywelyn the Last that marks,
many believe, the grave of his headless body –
the head had been despatched to London.
Overlooking the abbey ruins is The Hall at
Abbey-Cwm-Hir, which has been described as
one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic
Revival architecture in Wales. It was built in
1834 and doubled in size in 1869. Paul and
Victoria Humpherston bought the house in
1997 and spent the next 9 years restoring it to
its original splendour, a process recorded in
several TV documentaries. They now personally
conduct visitors around the 52 public rooms
where features such as marble fireplaces, rococo
ceilings, gothic windows, Victorian bell pulls,
stained glass ceilings and Minton Hollins tiled
floors are all still in place. The formal rooms,
the entrance hall, billiards, library, drawing and
dining rooms are particularly noteworthy. There
are various collections on display, amongst them
clocks, phonographs, vintage signs and
packaging, china and vehicles. Outside, the 12
acres of landscaped grounds include 4 terraces,
a walled garden, lake and waterfall.
RHAYADER
6½ miles NW of Llandrindod Wells on the A44
A Rhayader Castle E Gigrin Farm
E Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve F Rebecca Riots
H Welsh Royal Crystal J Wye Valley Walk
Often referred to as the Gateway to the
Lakeland of Wales, Rhayader lies within a loop
of the River Wye at the entrance to the
magnificent Elan Valley, with its impressive
collection of dams and reservoirs. This town,
whose name means ‘Waterfall of the Wye’,
dates back to the 5th century, though the
waterfall all but disappeared with the
construction of a bridge over the river in 1780.
The older part of the town contains a wide
variety of architectural styles ranging from the
17th century Old Swan pub and Ye Olde
Corner Shoppe, through dignified Georgian
buildings and grand Victorian public buildings
such as the Old Police Station and Courthouse.
Throughout the year the town holds regular
markets for sheep, cattle and ponies, and the
May Fair is still held as it was when it doubled
as a hiring fair for farm workers.
Little except some defensive ditches remains
of Rhayader Castle, built here by Rhys ap
Gryffydd in about 1177. More recently,
Rhayader was the scene of some of the
Rebecca Riots protesting against toll gates
The men, who dressed up as women to disguise
Cwmhir Abbey, Abbey-Cwm-Hir
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themselves, earning themselves the nickname
Rebecca’s Daughters, destroyed turnpikes in
protest at the high toll charges. Many tall stories
have grown up around these riots. Some of
them concern Rebecca herself who is said to
have appeared as an old blind woman at the toll
gate and said, “My children, something is in my
way. ” The first gate to be destroyed was at Yr
Efail Wen, where ‘Rebecca’ proved to be a huge
man called Thomas Rees. Many toll gates were
demolished by the protesters until, in 1844, the
remainder were removed legally. Welsh Royal
Crystal is the only manufacturer of hand-
crafted lead crystal tableware and gift items in
Wales. Located just to the east of the town, the
factory takes visitors on a guided tour to watch
the craftsmen at work producing a wide range
of items from stemware to large bowls, with
exclusive Celtic designs that incorporate ancient
Celtic motifs. Glass-blowing demonstrations
take place on certain days and there’s a well-
stocked shop selling Welsh Crystal products at
bargain prices.
Rhayader is at one end of the beautiful
Wye Valley Walk, which follows the river
valley, criss-crossing the border, through
Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye to Hereford,
Monmouth and Chepstow.
Mid-Wales was home to the last remaining
native Red Kites and thanks to the work of
various conservation bodies today it has the
greatest density and diversity of birds of prey
in southern Britain. Described as “the best
place to see and photograph these striking
birds” Gigrin Farm, on the outskirts of
Rhayader, has regular feeding sessions and also
operates a rehabilitation centre for injured birds.
ELAN VILLAGE
8 miles W of Llandrindod Wells off the B4518
E Elan Valley E Caben Coch
The village is close to the beautiful reservoirs
of the Elan Valley – a string of five dammed
lakes that are together around nine miles long
and were constructed between 1892 and 1903.
Created to supply millions of gallons of water
to Birmingham and the West Midlands, the
first of the dams was opened in 1904 by
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and the
final dam, the Claerwen Dam, was finished in
1952. Dubbed the Lakeland of Wales, the five
man-made lakes are surrounded by
magnificent scenery and have become a
popular area for walkers, cyclists and
birdwatchers. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre,
as well as incorporating a tourist information
office, also has an exhibition telling the story
of the building of the reservoirs and lots of
information about the red kite.
Percy Bysshe Shelley visited his cousin
Thomas Grove at Cwm Elan after being
expelled from Oxford for writing a treatise
supporting atheism. Soon after this visit he
eloped with the schoolgirl Harriet Westbrook
and married her in Scotland. They returned
to Wales and for a brief spell in 1812 stayed
at a house called Nantgwyllt. Like Thomas
Grove’s house, it is now submerged under
the waters of Caben Coch reservoir, but
when the water level is low the walls of the
garden can still be seen.
Elan Village itself is comparatively modern
having been built at the time the dams were
constructed. With its wide streets and sturdy
stone-built houses it is unique in Wales.
ST HARMON
8 miles NW of Llandrindod Wells on the B4518
A Parish Church of St Harmon
E Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve
The Parish Church of St Harmon is
believed to be the last church in Radnorshire
where services were conducted in Welsh; the
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supports an abundance of birds and animals
within a comparatively small area. At the heart
of the farm is a Welsh longhouse, a traditional
building developed over many centuries from
a wooden cruck-framed medieval hall. In an
18th century stone barn opposite there are
exhibitions on both the longhouse and the
surrounding wildlife.
Knighton
A Spaceguard Centre B Offa’s Dyke Centre
C Pinners Hole E Kinsley Wood
J Glyndwr’s Way
Situated in the Teme Valley on the border of
Powys and Shropshire, half in Wales and half
in England, Knighton lies on the path of
Offa’s Dyke. The Welsh name for the town is
Tref-y-Clawdd, which means ‘town of the
last such service was held in 1865. It is also
notable for being the church where the diarist
Francis Kilvert was vicar in 1876 and 1877.
The church was built in 1821 and is a simple
affair with a very short chancel. Kilvert was
curate to his father in Wiltshire before taking
up a post at Clyro in 1865, where he started
his famous diaries. They are detailed, vivid and
very personal accounts of life in the remote
Welsh countryside in mid-Victorian times.
Back to England, then a year here, then back
to Bredwardine in Herefordshire, where he
married. He died five weeks later of
peritonitis, aged only 39.
Occupying a beautiful location where the
Marteg River flows into the River Wye
Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve has a wide
variety of habitats, ranging from high
moorland to enclosed meadow; from oak
woodland to rocky upland river. This diversity
TOWER HOUSE GALLERY
29 High Street, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1ATTel: 01547 529530e-mail: [email protected]: www.thegalleryknighton.co.uk
Situated by the clock tower in the picturesque border
town of Knighton, Tower House Gallery provides an
exhibition venue for the work of the artists and crafts
people of the Welsh Marches. The gallery displays
work in a variety of media – from oils, acrylics and
watercolours to ceramics, textiles and wood.
They also stock a comprehensive range of materials
- from artist and student quality paints, pastels, pencils
and papers to fair-trade buttons, jewellery and textiles.
The stock of glass, crystal and semi precious beads
positively entices you to browse through the cabinets.
Drop in for homemade cakes, breads and soup or try
the range of leaf teas and freshly-ground coffee. Sit
and enjoy the scenery and try out a new hobby! This is
not an experience to be rushed!
Summer Opening: 9.30 to 6.00 Tuesday to
Saturday and 11.00 to 4.00 on Sundays. Winter
Opening 9.30 to 5.00 Tuesday to Saturday.
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THE KNIGHTON HOTEL
Broad Street, Knighton, Powys, Shropshire LD7 1BLTel: 01547 520530 Fax: 01547 520529e-mail: [email protected] website: www.theknighton.com
The Knighton Hotel is now under new management and has recently
been refurbished to an exceptional standard, where every aspect will
impress the most discerning visitor from arrival to reluctant
departure. Its impressive Georgian frontage gives the first taste of
elegance, opening its doors to reveal a handsome freestanding
cantilever hardwood staircase, the only one of its kind in the area.
Many say its worth a visit just to see this feat of architecture; a real
work of craftsmanship. Through the archway, sixteen superior
bedrooms greet guests over two floors with executive suites also
available. All rooms are decadently luxurious and decorated in a
traditional, yet sleek style. Each bedrooms comes with its own en
suite, many equipped with gorgeous free standing baths. Many
rooms offer picturesque views across the surrounding area, stretching the eye out over towards
the hills and the famous Offa’s Dyke.
The hotel also boasts a large function room, a popular choice for weddings and parties to make
any special occasion extra special. The hotel’s restaurant, King’s Offa is open daily between 12-
3pm and 6-8:30pm to both residents and non-residents, as is the bar which offers a separate
games room complete with pool tables and darts boards. Guests can enjoy a range of bar snacks or
some fine a la carte dining, with starters like steamed mussels or melon medley cocktail, and mains
like braised lambs liver in red wine gravy, grilled pork steak with a creamy tarragon and mushroom
sauce and roast crown of turkey served with fresh market vegetables. Desserts include Eaton mess
cheesecake and jumbo profiteroles- wonderfully indulgent.
dyke’. Appropriately, it is home to the Offa’s
Dyke Centre, which has copious information
about the long distance footpath that runs
from Prestatyn to Chepstow. Visitors are
greeted by ‘King Offa’ himself and can find
out more about the historic background to the
8th century dyke and the bloodshed caused by
the battles that continued in the borderlands
for hundreds of years.
Knighton and its near neighbour, the border
town of Presteigne, saw many battles between
the Anglo Saxons and the Celts. “It was
customary for the English to cut off the ears
of every Welshman who was found to the east
of the Dyke (Offa’s), and for the Welsh to
hang every Englishman found to the west of
it”, wrote George Borrow in his 19th-century
book, Wild Wales.
Beginning in Knighton, Glyndwr’s Way
follows the route taken by Owain Glyndwr,
one of Wales’ most famous sons, as he fought
the English for Welsh independence in the
1400s. This scenic and important route travels
southwest to Abbey-Cwm-Hir, passing by the
ancient abbey ruins before heading
northwards into the old county of
Montgomeryshire and the market town of
Llanidloes. The 128 miles of the path take in
some of the finest scenery in mid-Wales
before reaching Machynlleth, from where it
heads southeast and finally ends at the border
town of Welshpool.
The Spaceguard Centre is situated within
the former Powys Observatory. It was created
to observe and track comets and asteroids that
might collide with our planet and, for this
purpose, boasts the most powerful telescope
in Wales. It offers guided tours and has a shop
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BRYN HEULOG GUEST HOUSE
“Sunny Hill”, Llanfairwaterdine, nr Knighton, Powys LD7 1TUTel: 01547 528155e-mail: [email protected]: www.bednbreakfast.co.uk
Nestled into a hillside and standing within beautiful gardens is the
Bryn Heulog Guest House. This large and modern guest house has
been awarded 4 stars by the Welsh Tourist Board and offers
comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation. En-suite family,
double, twin and single rooms are available, equipped with televisions
and tea and coffee making facilities. After enjoying a hearty home
cooked breakfast in the dining room, you will be ready for a day of
exploring.
There is plenty to enjoy from this fantastic location on the border
between Shropshire and Wales. A minimum stay of 2-3 nights is
recommended in order to fully experience what the area has to offer.
This includes many walks, such as Offas Dyke, which crosses the
border between England and Wales more than ten times, The Jack
Mytton Way and the Gwyndwr Way. Hay-on-Wye is only a short 45
minutes drive south, with the West Midlands and Cheshire only 90 minutes drive away.
Across the road from Bryn Heulog Guest House, the Waterdine Inn has a reputation for fine
cuisine and offers light meals and a full a la carte menu at lunch and in the evenings. There is
ample parking at Bryn Heulog and guests have their own private access.
selling astronomy-related gifts.
Beside the banks of the River Teme is
Pinners Hole, a natural amphitheatre that is
strengthened on one side by a superb section
of Offa’s Dyke where there is a stone that
commemorates the opening of the footpath.
Across the river lies Kinsley Wood, a sizeable
area of native oak woodland. Sited on a
hillside, trees of different species were planted
to form the letters “ER” to commemorate the
Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953.
Around Knighton
BLEDDFA
5½ miles SW of Knighton on the A488
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene is
medieval in origin, though its unusual wooden
bell turret dates from 1711, when the west
tower collapsed and was never rebuilt. The
foundations of the tower can still be seen.
Inside, the west end is partitioned off, as it was
formerly a schoolroom. The communion rails
and pulpit are 17th century.
PRESTEIGNE
5 miles S of Knighton on the B4362
A The Radnorshire Arms A Duke’s Arms
A Parish Church of St Andrew B Judge’s Lodging
F Mary Morgan
Once the county town of Radnorshire,
Presteigne is a charming and unspoilt place on
the southern bank of the River Lugg. You
only have to cross a small 17th century stone
bridge to find yourself in England. In recent
years it has seen an influx of escapees from
urban stress and now has a smattering of craft
shops, trendy cafes, antique shops and second-
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hand bookshops. A recent Country Life survey
placed this attractive town in the Top 10 best
places to live in Britain. The AA added that
the road from Presteigne to Aberystwyth was
among the top 10 scenic routes, not just in
Britain, but in Europe.
A border town distinguished by its
handsome black and white half-timbered
buildings, Presteigne grew up around a
Norman castle that has long since gone, the
site now being occupied by a pleasant park.
Presteigne’s history is as turbulent as that of
most of the region. It was captured by the
Mercians in the 8th century, besieged by
Llywelyn in 1262, and pillaged by Owain
Glyndwr in the early 15th century. By Tudor
times the town had got its breath back and
had become a peaceful market centre, but it
was its position on a major mail coach route
between London, Cheltenham, Gloucester
and Aberystwyth that brought it prosperity
and importance.
One of the town’s most outstanding
buildings is The Radnorshire Arms, which
dates from 1616. Originally built as a house
for Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Elizabeth
I’s courtiers, this superb timber framed
building became the property of the Bradshaw
family before becoming an inn in 1792. The
best known member of this family was John
Bradshaw, who was Lord President of the
Parliamentary Commission that brought
Charles I to trial. He headed the list of
signatories to the King’s death warrant,
refusing to let him speak in his defence. The
town also claims the oldest inn in Radnorshire,
the Duke’s Arms. Records show that an inn,
which was burnt down by Owain Glyndwr,
stood here in 1401. The rebuilt inn became a
local headquarters for the Roundheads during
THE RADNORSHIRE ARMS HOTEL
High Street, Presteigne, Powys, Hereford ED8 2BETel: 01544 267 406 Fax: 01544 260418e-mail: [email protected]: www.radnorshirearmshotel.com
One of Presteigne’s most striking buildings is the Radnorshire Arms
Hotel, a 17th century half-timbered structure that was originally
built as a house for Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Elizabeth I’s
leading courtiers.
Presteigne is a perfect base to visit Ludlow, Shropshire and the
Radnorshire Hills, including the famous Offa’s Dyke which forms
the border between Wales and England. This family hotel boasts a
three star rating and has eleven en suite rooms and eight spacious
garden rooms, all en suite and fully equipped to the highest
standard with WiFi access. The garden rooms are pet-friendly and
have a room only or bed and breakfast rate.
For the ultimate dining experience, the Oak Room and The Hattons both offer a superb range of
fresh, home-cooked meals; including vegetarian and special diets which make the most of the
exceptional local and seasonal produce. Other amenities include a residents’ lounge, drying room, a
traditional bar and a large landscaped garden with a children’s play area. There is assisted disabled
access to the garden rooms and full access to the bar and restaurants and parking is via two car
parks, one situated at the front and the other at the rear of the hotel. A garage facility is available
by prior booking for cyclists and motorbikes.
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the Civil War and, in later centuries, was an
important coaching inn. The last ever mail
coach to run in Britain left from here
The Parish Church of St Andrew is
possibly the most handsome church in
Radnorshire. It stands in the valley of the
River Lugg and is originally from Saxon times,
though it was rebuilt in about 1200. The nave
and chancel of the present building are from
the 14th and 15th century.
Although the grand neo-classical Judge’s
Lodging only dates from 1829, it is another
fascinating attraction in Presteigne. Designed
by Edward Haycock and built on the site of
the county gaol, this was the judicial centre for
Radnorshire and the home of the Radnorshire
Constabulary. Today, the house, with its
adjoining court, has been furnished as it would
have appeared in 1870, and visitors can
explore the world of the judges, their servants
and the felons. One of the trials held here
concerned 17-year-old Mary Morgan who in
1805 gave birth to an illegitimate child that her
father persuaded her to murder. Her crime
was detected and she was sentenced to death.
Incredibly, her father was a member of the
jury that found her guilty. In the churchyard
of St Andrew’s there are two gravestones
recalling the event: the first, erected at the
time, is nauseatingly sanctimonious about “the
victim of sin and shame”; the second, set up
later by chastened townspeople, is inscribed
“He that is without sin among you, let him
cast the first stone at her”.
The eminent Australian painter Sidney
Nolan retired to Presteigne and the Sidney
Nolan Trust holds regular exhibitions of his
work and that of other artists at his house,
The Rodd, just outside the town. The Trust
also exhibits at the world-renowned Presteigne
Festival of Music and the Arts, which takes
place every year over the August Bank holiday.
OLD RADNOR
8½ miles S of Knighton off the A44
A Parish Church of St Stephen
Situated on a hill, Old Radnor was once
owned by King Harold. The motte by the
church was the site of his castle. The Parish
Church of St Stephen contains interesting
examples of 14th-century building design, as
well as a huge font made from a glacial
boulder, which may have been a prehistoric
altar. The church’s most notable feature is the
superb late 15th century screen, one of the
finest in Wales. Another remarkable piece of
woodwork in the church is the organ case,
which was built in the 16th century and is the
earliest surviving organ case in the British
Isles. Stephen, or Ystyffan, lived in the 6th
century, and was a member of the royal family
that ruled Powys. The church is the only one
in Wales dedicated to that particular saint.
NEW RADNOR
8½ miles SW of Knighton off the A44
A New Radnor Castle A Parish Church of St Mary
Up until the late 19th century, this small town
was the county town of Radnorshire. Courts
were convened here and justice meted out.
The town is overlooked by an 11th-century
motte, all that remains of its once mighty
castle. Like many other strongholds in this
border region, New Radnor Castle suffered
at various hands. It was destroyed by King
John, rebuilt by Henry III, and destroyed again
by Owain Glyndwr in 1401.
The Parish Church of St Mary stands on
a hill overlooking the village, and is totally
unlike the one at Old Radnor, having been
built between 1843 and 1845. However, a
church has stood here for centuries, and the
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present building incorporates fragments of a
medieval screen in its communion rails and
two worn effigies, no doubt from tombs in an
earlier church built in the 14th century.
New Radnor was the start point in 1187 of
a tour of Wales by Archbishop Baldwin, who
was accompanied by the scholar and
churchman Giraldus Cambrensis. They
preached the Third Crusade, and after the
tour, Baldwin, the first archbishop to visit
Wales, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land
where he died. Baldwin was the Bishop of
Worcester before becoming Archbishop of
Canterbury, in which capacity he crowned
Richard I.
Hay-on-Wye
A Hay Motte H Festival of Art and Literature
H Hay-on-Wye Craft Centre A Hay Castle
A Clock Tower A Butter Market
A Cheese Market
This ancient town with its network of narrow
streets is noted for its range of galleries well as
antique, print, craft and gift shops. Above all,
it is famous as the ‘second-hand book capital
of the world’.
The first second-hand bookshop was
opened in the former Fire Station in 1961 by
ex-Guards officer Richard Booth. He went on
THE SWAN AT HAY
Church Street, Hay-on-Wye, Powys HR3 5DQTel: 01497 821188e-mail: [email protected] website:www.swanathay.co.uk
Located in the charming Victorian market town of Hay-on-
Wye, The Swan At Hay is nestled between The Black
Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. With the Wye Valley
just moments away, this magnificent hotel is perfectly
placed for guests to enjoy wonderful walks with
breathtaking scenery.
The Swan is run by the Mackintosh family and
occupies a beautiful Grade 2 listed Georgian coaching inn
bursting with charm and character. The hotel has two
restaurants, The Garden Room and The Bistro, serving
award winning food. The garden is the perfect place to
dine alfresco on warm afternoons and evenings.
The menu features classic British favourites including
a traditional Sunday Lunch with some of the largest
Yorkshire puddings you can find! Dishes are created using
locally sourced ingredients including Welsh Marshes lamb,
Herefordshire beef and fresh produce grown in the Wye
Valley. There are many fine wines to accompany your meal
and you can also sample some Wye Valley real ales.
The guest accommodation is full of charm and character
with many of the rooms enjoying period features and views of
the beautiful garden. All 17 rooms differ in shape and size and
include en-suite facilities. In the morning guests enjoy a
delicious full Welsh breakfast.
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THE OLD BLACK LION
Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, Powys/Hereford HR3 5ADTel: 01497 820841e-mail: [email protected]: www.oldblacklion.co.uk
The Old Black Lion is a 17th Century Inn
full of historic charm and situated in the
heart of Hay-on-Wye close to the original
entrance to the old walled town, once
known as the Lion Gate. Friendly host
Dolan Leighton and her excellent and
efficient staff will warmly welcome you
into the tranquil atmosphere of this four
star inn. The oak timbered bar and comfy
arm chairs are sure to tempt you to enjoy
a drink or two before you unpack your
bags, with an extensive wine list to
choose from as well as a range of local
ales including “The Old Black Lion” brew.
The award winning restaurant
features in the Michelin Guide and has
received many prestigious accolades,
including a well deserved AA rosette.
Also featured on ‘Great Pubs of Wales’
as seen on TV. Diners choose from a
seasonally changing menu with daily
specials including light snacks, lunches
and main meals all imaginatively
produced using the freshest available
ingredients. The best of British produce is
used where possible including locally
reared meat (some organic), locally
sourced fresh seafood and seasonal
vegetables and herbs. The restaurant is
hugely popular so it is advisable to book
a table ahead of your visit.
The guest accommodation comprises
10 individually styled en-suite bedrooms
which enjoy all modern amenities and
comfort and have recently been
sympathetically and tastefully refurbished to a high standard. For a truly decadent experience you
can treat yourself to a stay in the Cromwell Suite, an extra special and luxurious place to unwind.
The suite is sumptuously decorated and even has its own galleried seating area.
Located within some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales, The Old Black Lion is a stylish
and relaxing place from which to explore the many charms and delights of the historic town of
Hay-on-Wye. With ample car parking, your wheels can take a break as you set out on foot to take
in the stunning scenery of the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park to the west and the Black
Mountains to the South.
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to convert the New Plaza Cinema. His
bookshops were so successful that in 1971 he
bought Hay Castle and converted part of that
into a bookshop. There are now more than 30
in all, between them stocking more than a
million books on every imaginable subject.
This bookish environment has not however
been entirely free of controversy. On April
Fools Day 1977, Booth crowned himself
‘King of Hay’ as a protest against what he saw
as the corruption and mean-mindedness of
local and national government. He distributed
peerages and issued passports all of which
helped draw attention to this small riverside
town. The process of establishing Hay as a
premier ‘Booktown’ was advanced further
with the establishment in 1988 of an annual
Festival of Literature and the Arts. The
moving spirits behind the festival were the
Florence family who used the proceeds of aClock Tower, Hay-on-Wye
THE HAY MAKERS
St Johns Place, Hay-on-Wye, Powys HR3 5BNTel: 01497 820556e-mail: [email protected]: www.haymakers.co.uk
The Hay Makers is a welcoming and friendly gallery run by a
co-operative of professional designers and craft makers.
Since opening in the 1980s it has gained a reputation for
showcasing and selling an exciting array of original and high
quality arts and crafts.
There is an eclectic range of work on display including
pottery, woodturning, furniture, tin-glazed majolica ceramics,
stone carving, embroidered jewellery, textiles, hand painted
silk ties and printmaking. With an excellent selection of
greetings cards and gift wrap on sale, this is a great place to
find that perfect present for someone special.
Throughout the year there are changing exhibitions showcasing the work of some of the finest
contemporary British craft makers. There is also a fine selection of jewellery and leatherwork
created by craft makers from Timbuktu and the gallery has raised a considerable amount of money
to help these artists trade their way to a more sustainable future.
Located at the foot of the Black Mountains in the world famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, The
Hay Makers is open daily throughout the year, from 10:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and
11am to 4pm on Sundays.
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NUMBER TWO
3 & 6 Castle Street, Hay-On-Wye, Powys HR3 5DFTel: 01497 821923e-mail: [email protected]: www.number-two.co.uk
In the unique town of Hay-on-Wye an outstanding shopping
experience awaits at Number Two, where style is all about
combining individual personality with lifestyle needs. Sue
Cutting and her daughter Freya Fiddes lead a creative and
passionate team to provide a friendly and personal service.
Every item of stock is carefully selected to include beautiful
and stylish clothing, shoes, accessories, homeware and
gifts. The products are showcased within two fabulous and
inspiring shops, each open seven days a week.
Number Two Collection is situated at 3 Castle Street
and was the founding store, opening in 1997. Offering
stylish and effortlessly chic womenswear and accessories,
this destination boutique stocks beautiful jewellery and
fashionable bags. Current brands on display include Oska,
Elemente Clemente, Flax and Sahara.
Number Two Style is located on the upper ground floor
at 6 Castle Street. It opened in 2003 and was an
immediate success. There is a vast range of stylish
clothing to choose from including clothes from well known
brands like Sandwich, Jackpot, Part Two and Joules,
among many others. There is also a fantastic selection of
shoes from brands including Fly London, Birkenstock and
Dr Martens.
Number Two Home is the most recent addition, having
opened in April 2010. It can be found on the lower ground
floor at number 6 Castle Street. Inside you will find a
plethora of unusual and individual gifts and items for the
home and garden. There is a stunning array of cushions,
throws and decorative objects for the home from brands
such as eco friendly and fair trade Nkuku. For the kitchen
there is recycled glassware and stylish French stoneware
from Jars while for the bathroom and bedroom there is a
selection of truly luxurious bath & body products by
Branche d’ Olive and funky retro printed towels and
bedding by Orla Kiely.
Green fingered shoppers will delight in the Garden and
Hardware area which hosts wooden trugs and storage
baskets, lanterns and a wealth of decorative garden
accessories. There is stunning ironmongery and curtain
poles created by a local blacksmith alongside prismatic
glass pendant lighting.
The children’s area has a range of unique hand crafted
wooden and soft toys as well as brightly coloured organic
baby clothing. The stationery and greetings area has a fantastic selection of original greetings cards
as well as leather bound journals from Nkuku and beautiful printed notepads from Rosehip.
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poker game to finance it. Ever since, the
festival has taken place over ten days in late
May and early June. It draws thousands of
leading authors and avid readers to the town
and was once described by President Bill
Clinton as a “Woodstock of the mind”.
The town itself is a pleasing mix of
buildings ranging from early timber-framed
structures through handsome early 19th
century Classical style buildings to some
Victorian Gothic examples, notably the
elaborate Clock Tower of 1884. Another
memorable building is the Butter Market,
close to the castle. It was built in classical style
in 1833, restored in 1984, and still serves its
original function as a sheltered area for market
traders and farmers. Nearby, in Memorial
Square, is another building in classical style.
The 2-storey Cheese Market was completed
in 1845 and for many years was used for
meetings of the Town Council. Memorial
Square and the adjacent streets provide the
setting for Hay’s colourful Thursday market.
The impressive Hay-on-Wye Craft Centre
offers visitors a change from books as well as
the opportunity to see craftspeople working at
age-old skills such as glass blowing, wood
turning, pottery and even traditional sweets.
Tucked between the Black Mountains and
the River Wye in the northern corner of the
Brecon Beacons National Park, the town grew
up around Hay Motte, which still survives
across the river from the main town centre.
This castle was eventually replaced by Hay
Castle, although this was all but destroyed in
the early 1400s by Owain Glyndwr. However,
a Jacobean manor house was later grafted on
to part of the remaining walls. As noted
THE GRANARY CAFÉ RESTAURANT
Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, Powys HR3 5AETel: 01497 820790
Opposite the town clock in Hay-on-Wye, The Granary Cafe
Restaurant is one of the best-loved eating and meeting places
in town. It was established more than 30 years ago, and the
owners, sisters Caroline Pryce Mason and Jeannette Barker
welcome customers into the traditional inviting surroundings
with an open fire in the main area, hops decorating the
beamed ceiling, a quiet anteroom and a spacious upstairs
room.
On the premises they prepare food at very reasonable
prices, from, usually three soups, interesting salads to
generous main courses and handmade cakes and puddings.
The daily choice of hot dishes might typically include
authentic curries, spicy mediterranean pasta and meat dishes,
fragrant North African tagines, or traditional pies made with
shortcrust pastry and filled with beef, chicken or game. There
are fish cakes, and smoked trout or salmon, all of which are
sourced locally. Apple Strudel, lemon meringue pie,
cheesecakes, pies and crumble are but a few of the puddings,
with merringues, and scones usually available.
The opening hours are 9am-5.30pm, 7 days per week, longer hours including evening meals,
during the Hay Festival, and during the summer holidays.Wifi internet available.
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HOLLY BUSH INN AND CAMPSITE
Llanigon, nr Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR3 5PSTel: 01497 847371e-mail: [email protected]: www.hollybushcamping.co.uk
The vibrant and quirky Hollybush Inn offers 5 beautifully furnished
rooms throughout the year with a choice between 3 en suite double
rooms; some complete with own fireplace, or a family room and 2
twin rooms with a shared bathroom. Guests at the inn and non-
residents can enjoy the lively atmosphere below in the inn’s bar and
restaurant which prides itself on catering for special dietary
requirements such as vegans, vegetarians and more. All meals are
cooked fresh to order with local organic produce so you can really
taste the difference. The bar offers a fine choice of country wines,
real ales and ciders that can be enjoyed within the cosy inn, or
outside in the inn’s spacious beer garden which has access to the
glorious River Wye. Alternately, live music is provided most
weekends from a variety of local performing artists.
The inn also sports its own campsite with options for camping
in fields or wooded areas in either tents, caravans or a range of
fantastic tipis that are available to hire. Guests can enjoy the great
range of outdoor activities the team arrange also which includes kayaking, canoeing, cycling and
hiking, please ring for details.
RIVER CAFÉ & B&B AT GLASBURY
Glasbury Bridge, Glasbury on Wye, Nr Hay on Wye,Powys HR3 5NPTel: 01497 847007 e-mail: [email protected]: www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk
With a stylish café and comfortable B&B rooms, The River Café &
B&B at Glasbury is one of the most popular establishments of its kind
in the area. Once the village’s post office, it sits right on the banks of
the River Wye, at the highest point at which canoes can be launched.
The café itself is licensed and serves great food. It is spacious and
modern, reflecting its high standards of service and its value for
money prices. Everything from fresh crab pasta and sirloin steak with
salad and chips to homemade lasagne and fresh grilled sea bass is
available, with only the finest and freshest of local produce being used
wherever possible.
The four B&B rooms are extremely comfortable, and furnished and decorated to a high standard
while still retaining a simple, uncluttered look. There are three doubles and a twin, and TVs and
tea/coffee making facilities come as standard. All the rooms are fully en-suite. The café and B&B
rooms are open from Wednesday to Sunday all year.
The café owns Wye Valley Canoes, where, in the summer months, you can hire canoes and
kayaks, and all the accompanying equipment, for a few hours or even a few days on the river.
Packed lunches are available.
Whether you’re a canoeist, a walker, a cyclist or a motorist, you will be made more than
welcome at The River Café and B&B.
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above, the castle was bought in 1971 by
secondhand book magnate Richard Booth and
now incorporates his Hay Castle Books.
Around Hay-on-Wye
CLYRO
2 miles NW of Hay on the A438
A Clyro Castle A Parish Church of St Michael
E Cwm Byddog
This beautifully situated village in the Wye
Valley was once a Roman station although
little remains of that. But the remnants of the
motte and bailey of Clyro Castle, built by the
fiendish William de Braose, can still be seen.
The diarist Francis Kilvert was curate in the
village between 1865 and 1872 and in his
journal he describes both life in the village and
the surrounding area in evocative and elegant
prose. He lived at Ashbrook House, which has
been re-named and is now the Kilvert Art
Gallery. The Parish Church of St Michael,
where he was vicar, was founded in the 12th
century. Apart from the tower, it was rebuilt in
about 1853.
Clyro has another minor literary connection.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stayed at the
Baskerville Arms and used the name for his
best-known tale The Hound of the Baskervilles.
A little way north of Clyro, Cwm Byddog
is a 15-acre ancient woodland with pollarded
oaks, bluebells in spring, the remains of a
motte and bailey castle and a variety of birds,
including the blackcap and the garden warbler.
PAINSCASTLE
5 miles NW of Hay on the B4594
A Castell Paen
E Tawny Owl Animal Park and Craft Centre
Sometimes known as Castell Paen, the early
castle here was built in 1130 by Payn
FitzJohnon. A motte that still exists was later
rebuilt in stone and, by the late 12th century,
was in the hands of the notorious William de
Braose. The cruelty of de Braose earned him a
place in Welsh folklore and he was given the
nickname the Ogre of Abergavenny. This was
because he avenged the death of his uncle, the
Earl of Hereford, by inviting several Welsh
princes to Abergavenny Castle for a great
feast. Instead of offering them hospitality, he
had them all butchered. His name has also
been given to several breeds of cattle in Wales,
including the de Braose Maud and
the de Braose David.
In 1198, the castle was attacked
by Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys,
but the English army slaughtered
more than 3000 of Gwenwynwyn’s
men. The prince’s dreams of a
united Wales died along with them.
However, de Braose met his match
for cruelty in King John, who
stripped him of his land. He
escaped in disguise to France, where
he died. After her husband’s death,
William’s wife Maud suggested thatClyro Church, Clyro
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John had also killed his nephew Prince Arthur
and for this accusation both she and her
youngest son were imprisoned in Corfe Castle
with little food to keep them alive. Legend has
it that when, some 11 days later, the dungeon
door was opened, both prisoners were dead.
In an attempt to keep herself alive, Maud had
half eaten the cheeks of her son.
Close to the castle remains is an altogether
more pleasant place to visit, the Tawny Owl
Animal Park and Craft Centre, which lies
in the shelter of beautiful hills. Opened in
1998, the park is named after the wild owls
that live in the broad-leafed woodlands
surrounding the farm. As well as the owls
(which are not caged), visitors can also see a
whole range of farm animals at close
quarters. Along with the animals and the
farm trails, there are also traditional country
crafts on display and for sale.
The Parish Church of St Peter is a simple
building with a 14th century nave and a 15th
century chancel, though there is plenty of
evidence of a substantial restoration in the
19th century. Curiously, the chancel floor is
about three feet lower than that of the nave.
Builth Wells
A Parish Church of St Mary C Castle Mound
C Cefn Carn Cafall H Wayside Arts Centre
I Royal Welsh Show Ground D Groe Park
Another spa town of mid Wales, Builth Wells
lies beside the River Wye, which is spanned at
this point by a six-arched bridge. The discovery
of saline springs in 1830 helped Builth Wells
develop from a small market town into a
fashionable spa that became even more popular
with the arrival of the railways towards the end
of the 19th century. As a result, many of the
town’s original narrow streets are lined with
Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
However, the town’s history dates back
much further than just a couple of hundred
years. It grew up around a Norman castle that
changed hands many times during the
struggles with the English. The inhabitants of
Builth Wells earned the nickname ‘traitors of
Bu-allt’ because of their refusal to shelter
Llywelyn the Last from the English in 1282.
As a result, some 20 years later, Llywelyn
partly destroyed the Norman stronghold. At
the Castle Mound only the earthworks
remain of the town’s 13th-century castle that
was built by Edward I on the site of the earlier
motte and bailey structure. The earthworks
can be reached by a footpath from the town
centre. The Parish Church of St Mary was
founded in Norman time, and has a 14th-
century tower, the rest being Victorian. Above
the south porch is a small room.
Since the 1963 opening of the Royal Welsh
Show Ground at Llanelwedd, on the opposite
bank of the Wye, the annual Royal Welsh
Show, held in July, has gained a reputation as
being the premier agricultural show in the
country. Builth Wells is regarded as the centre
for farming and agriculture in Wales and the
show provides an opportunity for the farming
communities to come together at what is
considered to be one of the finest and most
prestigious events of its kind.
Although spa treatments are no longer
available here, Builth Wells remains a popular
touring centre and base. As well as the many
shops and the weekly market on Mondays,
visitors can also enjoy the wide variety of arts
and cultural events held at the Wayside Arts
Centre, take in a film at a cinema that claims
to be the longest-running permanent cinema
in Wales, or just take a pleasant riverside stroll
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through Groe Park.
On the summit of the nearby mountain,
Cefn Carn Cafall, is a cairn that is said to
have been built by King Arthur. The stone on
top of the cairn bears the imprint of a dog’s
paw that, according to local legend, was left by
King Arthur’s dog, Cafall, while they were out
hunting. Arthur built the cairn, placing the
stone on top, and then named the peak. The
story continues that if the stone is removed it
will always return to this spot.
Around Builth Wells
ERWOOD
7 miles SE of Builth Wells on the A470
H Erwood Station Craft Centre and Gallery
Pronounced “Errod”, the village’s name is
actually a corruption of the Welsh ‘Y Rhyd’
(the ford), a name that harks back to the days
when the shallow crossing of the River Wye
here was used by drovers. The Great Western
Railway station at Erwood, closed in 1962, has
been turned into the Erwood Station Craft
Centre and Gallery. The centre has daily
woodturning demonstrations and each month
stages a new exhibition featuring various
craftspeople from weavers to painters,
potters to sculptors. The centre has a
café, two of whose tables are in a
GWR carriage.
CILMERY
3 miles W of Builth Wells on the A483
C Memorial to Llywelyn the Last
This village on the banks of the River
Irfon has a special resonance for
Welsh nationalists. It was here, in
1282, that Llywelyn the Last while
fleeing after the abortive Battle of
Builth, was killed by the English. According to
legend, the place where Llywelyn fell and died
was covered in broom, which then ceased to
grow on the site - in mourning for the loss of
the last native Prince of Wales. Thirteen trees
have been planted here to represent the 13
counties of Wales. The rough hewn stone
Memorial to Llywelyn the Last describes
him as “ein llyw olaf ” (“our last leader”) while
the English tablet beside the monument calls
him “our prince”. Following his death,
Llywelyn’s head was taken to London and
paraded victoriously through the city’s streets.
His death is still marked by a ceremony every
year on 11 December at the memorial stone.
LLANWRTYD WELLS
13 miles W of Builth Wells on the A483
A Cambrian Woollen Mill D Llyn Brianne
G William Williams
I World Bog Snorkelling Championship
Officially the smallest town in Great Britain,
Llanwrtyd Wells also claims to enjoy the
cleanest air in the country. It owes its fame as
a spa town to the local vicar Theophilus Evans
who, in 1732, was walking outside the town
when he came across a sulphur spring. A
sufferer from scurvy himself, he observed
Cambrian Woollen Mill, Llanwrtyd Wells
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healthy frogs swimming in the water, drank
some of it over several days and was cured of
the affliction.
Surrounded by rugged mountains, rolling
hills and the remote moorland of Mynydd
Epynt, Llanwrtyd Wells no longer attracts
visitors for its sulphurous waters but is still a
popular holiday centre, particularly with those
who enjoy bird watching, fishing, walking -
and an eclectic variety of events and festivals
throughout the year. In January there’s a
Roman Saturnalia (dress code: togas), a ‘Man
versus Horse’ race in May, a Folk Weekend in
spring and a late autumn Beer Festival – the
‘Real Ale Wobble’.
However the most unusual of all the events
held here is undoubtedly the annual World
Bog Snorkelling Championship that takes
place each August. Competitors have to swim
two lengths of a specially dug 180ft peat bog
located a mile from the town. The swimmer’s
head must be submerged, and the use of the
arms is forbidden. The latest variation is bog-
snorkelling on mountain bikes!
In the 18th century, William Williams, the
poet, hymn writer and one of the leaders of the
Methodist revival, lived in the town while
another claim to fame is that the Welsh rugby
folk song, Sosban Fach, was written here in 1895.
It translates into English as ‘little saucepan’.
On the outskirts of the town, on the bank of
the River Irfon, the Cambrian Woollen Mill
recalls the rich history of Wales’ rural past. The
first mill was founded in the 1820s, but its
modern form dates from 1918 when it was
opened by the Royal British Legion for the
benefit of servicemen disabled in World War I.
A tour of the mill allows visitors to see
traditional cloths being woven while in the
factory shop there is a wide choice of
beautifully finished items to buy. There’s also a
gift shop, craft shop and studio, and a
restaurant.
On high ground to the northwest of the
town is Llyn Brianne, the latest of Wales’
man-made lakes, which was opened in 1973.
The dam that holds the water is the highest of
its type in the country – at 300 feet – and the
grand scale of the lake has to be seen to be
believed.
LLANGAMMARCH WELLS
8 miles W of Builth Wells off the A483
G John Perry G Theophilus Evans
Situated where the Rivers Irfon and
Cammarch meet, Llangammarch Wells was the
smallest of the Welsh spas. It was renowned
for its barium chloride carrying waters that
were thought to be useful in the treatment of
heart and rheumatic complaints. The old well
and pumphouse are contained in the grounds
of the Lake Country House Hotel. As well as
being the birthplace in 1559 of John Perry, an
influential religious reformer who was hanged
in London in 1593 for treason, this now sleepy
little town was also the home of the
wonderfully named Theophilus Evans. He
was vicar here, discovered the sulphur spring
at Llanwrtyd Wells, which cured the scurvy he
had suffered for years, and he also wrote a
classical historical interpretation of the area
entitled View of the Primitive Age.
ABERGWESYN
12 miles W of Builth Wells off the B4358
D Abergwesyn Pass
Situated in an isolated spot in the Irfon Valley,
Abergwesyn lies on an old drovers’ route that
twists and climbs through the Abergwesyn
Pass. Known as the roof of Wales, this is a
beautiful pathway that, centuries ago, consisted
of nothing more than dirt tracks along which
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the drovers would shepherd cattle and other
livestock from one market town to the next. A
number of drovers’ routes can still be followed,
some in part by car. Many of the roads are
narrow. In the south, one such route begins at
Llandovery and travels across the Epynt
mountain and crosses the ford at Erwood.
NEWBRIDGE ON WYE
4 miles N of Builth Wells on the A470
A Parish Church of All Saints H Drover’s Statue
The Parish Church of All Saints in this large
village at the foot of the Cambrian Mountains
was built in the decorated style in 1883 for the
Venables family of nearby Llysdinam. The
famous diarist, the Rev Francis Kilvert was
chaplain to the Rev Richard Venables who
lived there. The Drover’s Statue on the village
green is a reminder that the village lies on an
old drove road that ran from Tregaron and on
into England. Droving – the driving of cattle,
mainly to the English lowlands for fattening –
was one of Wales’s main industries until the
Industrial Revolution. Drovers needed licenses
to ply their trade, and had to be married, over
30 and a householder. This didn’t stop them
enjoying themselves in inns where they
stopped overnight. Newbridge on Wye had 13
inns and they usually put on dancing, singing,
boxing and wrestling to entertain the drovers.
Brecon
A Brecon Castle B Heritage Centre
A Brecon Cathedral
C Captain’s Walk B Brecknock Museum
C Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
B South Wales Borderers Museum C Y Gaer
Famous for its ancient cathedral, Georgian
architecture and annual Jazz Festival in August,
the city of Brecon sits on the banks of the
River Usk, at the confluence of the Rivers
Honddu and Tarrell in the heart of the Brecon
Beacons National Park. A major shopping
centre for the area, it hosts a livestock market
every Tuesday and Friday, and a craft market on
the third Saturday of every month.
A walk along the promenade beside the River
Usk leads to the remains of medieval Brecon
Castle. They stand partly in the Bishop’s
Garden and partly in the grounds of the Castle
Hotel. The town grew up around this castle,
which was built in the late 11th century by
Bernard of Newmarch. It was besieged first by
Llywelyn the Last and again during Owain
Glyndwr’s rebellion in the early 15th century. By
the time of the Civil War, Brecon considered its
growing cloth trade so important that it decided
to remain neutral and the townsfolk began
dismantling the castle.
Close by stands Brecon Cathedral, an
impressive and magnificent building that
originated from an 11th century priory
colonised by Benedictine monks from Battle
in Sussex. It was founded by the Norman
knight Bernard of Newmarch who had been
granted the lands by his half brother William
the Conquerer. In the late 1300s the priory
was developed into a fortified building later
described as “half Church of God and half
castle against the Welsh”. Following the
Dissolution of the Monasteries it became
Brecon’s parish church, called the Priory
Church of St John the Evangelist. It was
eventually elevated to a cathedral in 1923 when
the new diocese of Swansea and Brecon was
created. At one time chapels dedicated to
craftsmen filled the aisles, but only that to the
corvisors (shoemakers) remains. An unusual
artefact in the nave of the cathedral is a
cresset stone, a slab of stone in which 30
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‘cups’, 3 inches deep and wide, have been
hollowed out. These would be filled with
tallow and a wick to provide lighting for the
monks’ nocturnal services. Housed in a 16th-
century tithe barn is the cathedral’s imaginative
Heritage Centre.
Some of the town’s old walls survive. One
section, known as Captain’s Walk, recalls the
fact that Napoleonic soldiers were held prisoner
here, with the officers being allowed to exercise
along part of the walls. Found in another of the
town’s old buildings, the elegant and impressive
former Old Shire Hall is the Brecknock
Museum where visitors can see the old assize
court, as well as take in the extensive collection
of artefacts and other items from past
centuries, including the museum’s large
collection of Welsh love spoons.
The town’s second museum is equally
fascinating. The South Wales Borderers
Museum features memorabilia of the
regiment’s famous defence of Rorke’s Drift.
Over 300 years of military history are
recorded here through various displays that
include armoury, uniforms and medals. The
regiment has taken part in every major
campaign and war and has won 29 Victoria
Crosses and over 100 Battle Honours.
However, though its history is long and varied,
it is the regiment’s participation in the Zulu
wars that is best remembered. The regiment’s
bravery was immortalised in the film Zulu
starring Michael Caine. It recalls the heroic
defence of Rorke’s Drift in 1879, when 141
men from the regiment were attacked by 4000
Zulus. Nine VCs were awarded here in a single
day. As well as having the River Usk flowing
through the town, Brecon is also home to the
PILGRIMS
Brecon Cathedral Close, Brecon, Powys LD3 9DPTel: 01874 610610e-mail: [email protected]: www.pilgrims-tearooms.co.uk
Pilgrims award winning tea rooms are situated in the
tranquil walled Close of Brecon Cathedral. The
tearooms retain much of the style of the adjacent
sixteenth century tithe barn, which houses the Cathedral shop
and Heritage Centre Museum (free entry).
The tea rooms are run by Janet Williams who has gained an
impressive reputation for Pilgrims by cooking delicious fresh
meals daily, using local and organic produce whenever possible
and serving it in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
A main menu is available from 12- 2.30p.m. including a
selection of home-made soups and bread, quiches, salads,
sandwiches, jacket potatoes, casseroles, pies and mouth
watering desserts. Traditional Sunday roasts are extremely popular and booking is advisable
Pilgrims is fully licensed serving a selection of wines, local ales, cider and a range of hot and
cold soft drinks. Pilgrims is open daily from 10 until 5pm throughout the year for morning coffee,
lunch and afternoon tea, but closes a little earlier during the winter months. Janet also provides
outside catering for families, bunkhouses and corporate functions. On Fridays and Saturdays extra
bread, welsh cakes, nut-roasts and specialities are baked and can be ordered and collected from
the tearooms.
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Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, a
beautiful Welsh waterway that used to bring
coal and limestone into the town. Work started
on the canal in 1797, and a superb viaduct
carries it across the River Usk just outside the
town. Currently, some 37 miles of the canal
has been restored and there are attractive
walks along the canal towpath. Pleasure
cruises on both motorised and horse-drawn
barges are available and the canal basin in the
town has been reconstructed and is now
proving to be an attraction in its own right.
The first evidence of a settlement in the
area is the remains of the Roman fort Y Gaer,
which lie two miles west of the town. First
built in around AD75, the fort was rebuilt
twice before it was finally abandoned in about
AD290. A garrison for the 2nd Legion and the
Vettonian Spanish cavalry, parts of the fort
were excavated by Sir Mortimer Wheeler in
1924, and sections of the outer wall – in
places 10 feet high – and traces of gates can
be seen.
In the 5th century, the daughter of the local
ruler was sent to Ireland to marry a local
prince. They had a son, whom they named
Brychan, and he was sent back to Wales to live
with his grandfather. It is from him that the
name of the town and the county is derived.
Brychan’s daughter was Tudful and she
eventually became a holy woman who was
killed by Irish invaders in AD480. It is from
her that the town of Merthyr Tydfil, 20 miles
to the south, gets its name, ‘merthyr’ being the
Welsh for martyr. Well-known natives of
Brecon include Dr Hugh Price, founder of
Jesus College, Oxford, and the celebrated
actress Sarah Siddons who was born in 1755 at
PWLLGLOYW ARMS
Pwllgloyw, Nr Brecon, South Powys LD3 9PYTel: 01874 690282The Pwllgloyw Arms is set within a valley amongst beautiful countryside
and is the only pub situated between the historic market towns of Builth
Wells and Brecon. This welcoming family run pub offers a fantastic menu
of home cooked dishes created using local produce where possible. Inside the cosy bar and lounge
has comfortable sofas and the restaurant seats up to 30 people. Outside there is ample car parking
and a garden area with tables and chairs positioned next to a picturesque stream. The en-suite bed
and breakfast accommodation is comfortably furnished and each room is equipped with a television
and tea and coffee making facilities.
ALLTYBRAIN FARM COTTAGES
Alltybrain Farm, Llandefaelog Fach, Nr Brecon, South Powys LD3 9RBTel: 01874 690214 / 07725 106034 e-mail: [email protected]: www.alltybrainfarmcottages.co.uk
Situated four miles from the market town of Brecon, Alltybrain Farm
Cottages offers five star self catering accommodation in a private and
peaceful location. There are two cottages named “Damson” and “Duck” and each sleep two
people. The adjacent hayloft with dormitory style bedroom sleeps up to four people. Guests can
enjoy spectacular views of Pen y Fan and the Brecon Beacons National Park from every window.
This idyllic rural retreat is located within the grounds of a smallholding with its own orchard,
stream and resident ducks and chickens.
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View from Pen y Fan, Libanusthe Shoulder of Mutton Inn in the
High Street. The inn has since been re-
named the ‘Sarah Siddons Inn’ and has
a plaque commemorating the actress.
Around Brecon
LLANFRYNACH
2 miles S of Brecon on the B4458
A Parish Church of St Brynach
Housed in an 18th century warehouse
in this pretty village, the Water Folk
Museum tells the story of life on the canal.
Horse-drawn boat trips start from here, and
sometimes a blacksmith can be seen at work.
The Parish Church of St Brynach is
Victorian, though it has a medieval tower. St
Brynach was Irish and came to Wales in the
6th century to preach and spread Christianity.
On arriving in what is now Pembrokeshire, he
caught the eye of the daughter of a local
chieftain. He resisted her advances and was
then attacked and beaten for doing so.
LIBANUS
4 miles SW of Brecon on the A470
B National Park Visitor Centre
C Twyn y Gaer D Corn Du D Pen y Fan
C Bedd Illtyd D Brecon Beacons National Park
To the northwest of this attractive hamlet on
Mynydd Illtyd common is the National Park
Visitor Centre where visitors can find out
about the Park from displays and presentations,
and also enjoy refreshments in the tea rooms.
There are some interesting remains to be seen
in the area. Twyn y Gaer, a Bronze Age burial
chamber, and Bedd Illtyd, a more modest
ancient monument said to be the grave of St
Illtyd, the founder of the monastery at Llantwit
Major. The Brecon Beacons are a small part of
the National Park and were given to the
National Trust in 1965. This gift included the
sandstone peaks of Pen y Fan (at 2906 feet,
the highest point south of Snowdon) and Corn
Du. This area has become one of the most
popular parts of the UK with walkers. The area
is also important for sub-alpine plants and is
designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
But the very popularity of the Beacons with
walkers has caused great problems, exacerbated
by military manoeuvres and the sheep that have
grazed here since Tudor times. Erosion is the
biggest problem and the National Trust has put
in place an ambitious programme of footpath
and erosion repair.
YSTRADFELLTE
12 miles SW of Brecon off the A4059
A Parish Church of St Mary C Maen Madog
D Fan Llia D Fan Nedd D Porth-yr-Ogof
This village is a recognised hiking centre and
the area of classic limestone countryside
around it is one of the most impressive in the
British Isles. The Parish Church of St Mary is
mainly 16th century, and has a font of the same
date. The narrow road heading north from the
village climbs sharply and squeezes its way
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along a narrow valley between the 2074-feet
high Fan Llia on the east side, and the 2176-
feet high Fan Nedd on the west. The Maen
Madog is a nine-foot high standing stone with
a Latin inscription proclaiming that Dervacius,
son of Justus, lies here.
To the south of Ystradfellte is Porth-yr-
Ogof, a delightful area with a collection of
dramatic waterfalls as the River Mellte
descends through woodland.
YSTRADGYNLAIS
18½ miles SW of Brecon on the B4599
F Y Garn Goch
Situated at the top end of the Tawe Valley,
which stretches down to the city of Swansea,
and close to the boundary of the Brecon
Beacons National Park, Ystradgynlais is a
former mining community. Iron was produced
here as far back as the early 17th century and
the legacy of this industrious past can still be
seen, although the area surrounding the village
is known as waterfall country and is popular
with walkers, ramblers and cavers.
A local legend tells of three cauldrons, filled
with gold, that are buried beneath Y Garn
Goch – the red cairn – on the summit of
Mynydd y Drum, to the east of the town. The
story goes that one day a young girl will come
to claim the treasure, which, until then, is
protected by demons. To prevent anyone
trying to take the gold, the legend also tells of
a wizard and his apprentice who attempted to
overcome the demons with their magic. While
the elements raged, a spirit on a wheel of fire
swept the apprentice out of the protective
circle he had made and gave him a lighted
candle, saying that as long as the candle
burned his life would last. As soon as the
candle was spent the apprentice died and the
wizard, terrified, fled from the mountain.
CRAIG-Y-NOS
15½ miles SW of Brecon on the A4067
A Craig-y-Nos Castle B Dinosaur Park
B MorganBros. Shire Horse Centre
D Craig-y-Nos Country Park
D National Showcaves Centre for Wales
B Iron Age Farm
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
is centred on the largest complex of caverns in
northern Europe, and lies to the north of this
village. Discovered by local farmers in 1912,
the caverns have taken 315 million years to
form and they include both the longest and
the largest showcaves in Britain. The Cathedral
Cave, as its name suggests, is like the interior
of a great cathedral, and modern lighting and
music accentuate the atmosphere. Near the
entrance is a display on cave dwellers of the
past. Dan-yr-Ogof has a series of lakes
connected by passages, which you can explore
as well. Within Bone Cave, 42 human
skeletons have been discovered, many of them
dating back over 3000 years to the Bronze
Age. Deer bones more than 7000 years old
have also been discovered. Exploring the
underground caverns is only one aspect of
this interesting attraction. There is also an
award-winning Dinosaur Park, where life-size
replicas of the creatures that roamed the earth
during Jurassic times can be seen
At the Morgan Bros. Shire Horse Centre,
Twm the ‘talking sheepdog’ takes visitors on a
fascinating journey back in time to when Shire
horses reigned supreme at ‘Dan-yr-Ogof
Farm’. You can meet Dai the blacksmith and
visit Tommy Morgan in his Victorian kitchen.
The magnificent shire horses still pull farm
wagons around and the other farm animals are
never far away - Shetland ponies, donkeys,
Welsh cobs, alpacas, cows, goats, pigs, ducks
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and geese are all to be seen. The replica Iron
Age Farm gives a realistic idea of how the
farmers lived in that era.
To the east of the village lies Craig-y-Nos
Country Park where visitors can enjoy the
unspoilt countryside and the landscaped
country parkland of the upper Tawe Valley.
The mansion in the country park, known as
Craig-y-Nos Castle, was once the home of
the 19th-century opera singer Madame
Adelina Patti. She bought the estate in 1878 as
a home for herself and her second husband,
the tenor Ernesto Nicolini. She installed an
aviary, a little theatre modelled on Drury Lane,
and a winter garden that was subsequently
moved to Swansea’s Victoria Park. Patti was
born in Madrid in 1843, the daughter of a
Sicilian tenor, and achieved fame in New York
at an early age. Her first husband was the
Marquis de Caux, her second Ernesto
Nicolini, and her third the Swedish Baron
Cedarström, whom she married in the Roman
Catholic church at Brecon in 1898. The castle
is now a hotel.
SENNYBRIDGE
7½ miles W of Brecon on the A40
A Castell Ddu B Disgwylfa Conservation Centre
Situated along the southern edge of the
Mynydd Epynt and on the northern border of
the Brecon Beacons National Park, this village
is very much a product of the industrial age. It
only began to develop after the railways
arrived here in 1872, when it became a centre
for livestock trading. However, the remains of
Castell Ddu, just to the west of the village,
provides evidence of life here from an earlier
time. Dating from the 14th century, this was
the home of Sir Reginald Aubrey, trusted
friend of Bernard of Newmarch, a Norman
TRECASTLE ANTIQUES AND SALVAGE CENTRE
Trecastle, Powys LD3 8UNTel: 01874 638007website: www.trecastleantiques.co.uk / www.kingdomofrust.co.uk /www.upcyclers.co.uk
On the main A40 trunk road at the edge of the stunning Brecon
Beacons national park lies the village of Trecastle. During the 19th
centuaryTrecastle was an important coaching stop and
incorporated 16 shops,2 schools and held 8 annual fairs!
Now one of the old schools has become home to Trecastle
Antiques and Salvage Centre for the past 14 years. As 11
diverse antique and reclamation dealers from the locality,we aim
to offer a wide range of wonderful,lovingly restored treasures.
Our stock is fascinating and extensive,traditional through to
recycled retro.Country and renovated furniture along with
agricultural bygones,tools,salvage and gardenalia reflect our rural
surroundings.
If you are looking for inspiration for the home then
pictures,rugs,kitchenalia,records,books and collectable’s are all
here,alongside jewelry,vintage clothing,medals and much much
more.
A warm welcome to everyone 7 days a week including all
bank holidays 10am-5pm.
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knight who was granted tracts of land in the
area in the 11th-century, and who founded
Brecon Priory. Two waymarked walks have
been opened on the Sennybridge army training
area, beginning at Disgwylfa Conservation
Centre on the B4519. The centre has an
interactive learning centre and military and
conservation displays. One of the walks is
accessible to disabled visitors.
Crickhowell
A Crickhowell Castle
A Parish Church of St Edmund
A Crickhowell Bridge C Crug Hywell
E Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve
Situated in the beautiful valley of the River
Usk and with a backdrop of the Black
Mountains that rise to the north, Crickhowell
is a charming little town with a long history.
The town takes its name from the Iron Age
fort, Crug Hywell (Howell’s Fort) that stands
on the flat-topped hill above the town that is
aptly named Table Mountain. The remains of
another stronghold, Crickhowell Castle, can
be found in the town’s large park. This was
once one of the most important fortresses in
this mountainous region of Wales. Built in the
11th century, it is also known as Alisby Castle,
after a Norman knight who once owned it.
Only the motte and two shattered towers
remain of the Norman fortress, which was
stormed by Owain Glyndwr and abandoned in
the 15th century.
The most impressive structure in this
thriving market town is the picturesque and
famous Crickhowell Bridge, which dates
from the 17th century and spans the River
Usk in the heart of the town. Still carrying
THE COURTROOM CAFE
High Street, Crickhowell NP8 1BDTel: 01873 812497
Heart warming food
from the heart of Crickhowell
The Courtroom Cafe offers delicious home-made hot meals, salads,
snacks and cakes, all freshly prepared on the premises, using locally
sourced ingredients combined with over 30 years of catering
experience. The family ran cafe offers a wide menu full of wholesome
and heart warming food, with everything available to take away,
making it a favourite amongst the local community and a real treat for
visitors to the picturesque market town of Crickhowell.
Situated in the regal surroundings of first floor of the town’s
Victorian courtroom, it provides a unique outlook across the heart of
the town for up to 40 diners. Both Child and disabled friendly and
complete with wheelchair lift, you can relax and watch the world go
by whether it be over a traditional breakfast, lunchtime meal or
afternoon tea.
Open 9am -5pm Mon – Friday, 10am – 4pm Sun
Call 01873 812 497 if you wish to make a reservation
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traffic today, the bridge is unique in that it has
13 arches visible on one side and only 12 on
the other! For the rest, this is a pleasant place
to explore, with some fine Georgian
architecture and an imposing parish church. St
Edmund’s was founded in the 12th century
by Lady Sybil Pauncefote whose father, Sir
Hugh Turberville, owned the castle. Effigies
of Sybil and her husband, the wonderfully
named Sir Grimbald, can be seen in the
sanctuary. In the graveyard is buried Sir
George Everest, the Surveyor-General in India
after whom the world’s highest mountain was
named. He was born in what is now the
Manor Hotel in Crickhowell in 1790.
Crickhowell is popular with those looking
for outdoor activities such as walking because
of its close proximity to the Black Mountains
and the National Park. Close by is Pwll-y-
Wrach Nature Reserve in a steep-sided
valley. Owned by the Brecknock Wildlife
Trust, this woodland reserve has a waterfall
and also a great variety of flora, for which it
has been designated a Site of Special
Scientific Interest.
Around Crickhowell
TRETOWER
2½ miles NW of Crickhowell on the A479
A Tretower Court and Gardens A Tretower Castle
This quiet village in the Usk Valley boasts two
impressive medieval buildings – Tretower
Court and Gardens and Tretower Castle
(both administered by CADW). The elder of
these historic sites is the castle, though all that
remains on the site of the original Norman
motte is a stark keep that dates from the 13th
century. The castle was built in this valley to
discourage Welsh rebellion but, nevertheless, it
was besieged by Llywelyn the Last and almost
destroyed by Owain Glyndwr in 1403.
Adjacent to the castle remains stands the
Court, a magnificent fortified manor house
with its origins in the 15th century. It served
as a very desirable domestic residence for the
Picard family right up until 1783 and many
additions and alterations were made during
those years. The 15th-century woodwork here
and the wall walk, with
its 17th-century roof
and windows, are
outstanding. The fact
that the rooms are
devoid of furnishings
or works of art draws
the eye instead to the
details of the
remarkable medieval
craftsmanship of the
architecture. The
Court’s gardens are
particularly interesting.
The original late 15th-
century layout of the
gardens has been re-
Crickhowell Castle
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created in such a manner that the owner of
the time, Sir Roger Vaughan, would still
recognise them. Among the many delightful
features here are a tunnel arbour planted with
vines and white roses (Sir Roger was a
Yorkist), an enclosed arbour and a
chequerboard garden. They are all best seen in
the early summer.
TALYBONT-ON-USK
7 miles NW of Crickhowell on the B4558
D Talybont Reservoir
Strictly speaking this attractive village should
be called Talybont-on-Caerfanell since it is that
river that flows through it to join the Usk just
to the south. Nearby, the Monmouthshire and
Brecon Canal passes through the 375-yard
long Ashford Tunnel. When it opened in 1800,
boats were ‘legged’ through the tunnel with
the navigators lying on their backs and
‘walking’ along the walls. Further south lies the
Talybont Reservoir, constructed in the 1930s.
In this narrow wooded valley on the southeast
slopes of the Brecons there are several forest
trails starting from the car park at the far end
of the reservoir.
LLANGORS
8 miles NW of Crickhowell on the B4560
A Parish Church of St Paulinus
D Llangors Lake I Llangorse Multi-Activity Centre
The Parish Church of St Paulinus dates
from the 15th century, though there was much
rebuilding in Victorian times. It may have been
built on the site of a monastery that was
founded in the 7th century and continued up
until the 11th century. To the south of the
village, which is sometimes spelled Llangorse,
WELSH VENISON CENTRE
Beacons Farm Shop, Middlewood Farm, Bwlch,Nr Brecon LD3 7HQTel: 01874 730929 Fax: 01874 730556e-mail: [email protected]: www.welshvenisoncentre.co.uk andwww.beaconfarmshop.co.uk
The Welsh Venison Centre can be found in the
heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park
near the village of Bwlch. Offering a large choice of locally
produced meats and specialising in venison, the firm was
established in 1985 and is owned and run by Andrew and Elaine
Morgan. They are passionate about putting the customer first and
superb animal husbandry alongside the highest standards of animal welfare is paramount.
With decades of experience in farming, breeding and protecting deer, the Welsh Venison Centre
produces premium quality venison for wholesale. New purpose built premises opened in 2006 and
also house the Beacons Farm Shop selling lamb, beef, pork, specialist meats and sausages
alongside vegetables, fresh milk, fruit juices and free range eggs. There is also an extensive
delicatessen department and a range of gifts and items for the home including deer and sheepskin
rugs.
The centre is open from Monday to Saturday, including Bank Holidays, and it is just 40 minutes
from Cardiff and the Severn Bridge. The Welsh Venison Centre visits many well known festivals
around the country and they offer outside catering for events as well as a nationwide mail order
service.
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lies the largest natural lake in South Wales -
Llangors Lake (Llyn Syfaddan). Around four
miles in circumference and following its way
round a low contour in the Brecon Beacons,
the waters of this lake were, in medieval times,
thought to have miraculous properties. Traces
of a prehistoric lake village have been found
here and in 1925 a 15ft long oak dug-out
canoe dating from around AD800 was
retrieved. It can be seen in the museum at
Brecon. Today, the lake attracts numerous
visitors looking to enjoy not only the setting,
but also the wide variety of sporting and
leisure activities, such as fishing, horse riding
and sailing, that can be found here. To the east
of the lake, the Langorse Multi-Activity
Centre offers abseiling, potholing, log
climbing, a high-level rope course and an
indoor climbing centre.
Naturally, the lake is associated with a
legend and local stories suggest that the land
beneath the lake once belonged to a cruel and
greedy princess. Though her lover was poor,
she agreed to marry him only if he brought
her great riches. So the lover set out to
accomplish his task and in so doing robbed
and murdered a wealthy merchant, giving the
riches to his princess. However, the merchant’s
ghost returned to warn the happy couple that
their crime would be avenged, not on
them, but on the ninth generation of
their family. One night, years later, a
great flood burst from the hills,
drowning the surrounding land and its
inhabitants. It is still said today that a
city lies beneath the water.
TALGARTH
10½ miles N of Crickhowell on the A479
A Parish Church of St Gwendoline
A Bronllys Castle G Hywell Harris
Lying in the foothills of the Black Mountains,
Talgarth is an attractive market town with
narrow streets that boasts many historic
associations as well as some fine architecture.
The 15th-century Parish Church of St
Gwendoline is the burial place of Hywell
Harris (1714–73), an influential figure in the
establishment of Welsh Methodism. Harris
was also instrumental in establishing a
religious community, ‘The Connexion’, which
was organised on both religious and
industrial lines.
Although this is now a quiet and charming
place, Talgarth once stood against the
Norman drive into Wales. Some of the
defensive structures can still be seen today –
the tower of the church and another 13th
century tower that now houses the Tourist
Information Centre - though it has also served
time as a jail.
On the outskirts of Talgarth stands
Bronllys Castle (CADW), a well-preserved
centuries old keep built by the Norman baron
Bernard of Newmarch. Originally a motte and
bailey castle, it was later replaced with a stone
edifice. It is now a lone 80ft high tower
standing on a steep mound. Currently, only the
exterior may be viewed as the interior is
deemed unsafe.
Sunset across Llyn Llangors Lake
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LLANGYNIDR
4 miles W of Crickhowell on the B4558
C Chartists’ Cave
To the south of this riverside village, on the
open moorland of Mynydd Llangynidr, is the
Chartists’ Cave where members of the
movement stored ammunition during their
active years in the mid-19th century.
LLANGATTOCK
1 mile SW of Crickhowell off the A4077
A Parish Church of St Catwg
E Craig-y-Cilau Nature Reserve
The Parish Church of St Catwg, which was
founded sometime during the early 6th
century, is dedicated to one of Wales’ most
honoured saints. Born in around AD497, by
the end of his life, in around AD577, he had
become a bishop and taken the name Sophias.
The church’s large tower is from the 16th
century while the rest of the building dates
from the 14th century and later. It was
restored in Victorian times, but most of the
medieval features can still be seen.
To the southwest of the village, towards
the boundary of the Brecon Beacons
National Park, lies the Craig-y-Cilau Nature
Reserve. With more than 250 plant species
and over 50 kinds of birds breeding within
the area, this is one of the richest reserves in
the National Park.
HALL FARM BARN
Hall Farm, Llangenny, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1ETTel: 01873 811200e-mail: [email protected]: www.hall-farm-barn.co.uk
Nestled in the glorious, stunning countryside of the Brecon
Beacons National Park is a luxury home from home. Hall Barn
Farm is a converted mountain stone barn, offering a serene
location for those wishing to escape the busyness of everyday
life on a self catering basis. Previously used by the family farm
as sheep pens, the barn has been skillfully restored, retaining
structure and features, awarding the barn a five star grading
from the Welsh Tourist Board.
The barn has oak flooring running throughout, and is
furnished to a high standard with unique bits and bobs aquired
through the family. The kitchen is modern and is well equipped
with all the much needed necessities. The living room features
original beams, wood burner, large comfy sofas, TV and DVD
player. The cottage sleeps a maximum of 5 people in 3 charming bedrooms each with built in
wardrobes, and there is one large family bathroom with shower and washroom located downstairs.
The games room (situated across the courtyard to the outbuilding) offers the perfect place to have
fun with friends and includes a 3/4 size snooker table and an ‘eight-in-one’ games table for table
tennis, skittles, air hockey, table tennis, cheques, billiards and more.
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IMAGE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS
Cwmhir Abbey, Abbey-Cwm-Hir © Eirian Evans pg 6
Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye © Stephen McKay pg 15
Clyro Church, Clyro © Andy Dolman pg 19
Cambrian Woollen Mills, Llanwrtyd Wells
© Martin Loader pg 21
Some images in this publicationhave been supplied by http://www.geograph.org.uk and
licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License. To view a
copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ or send a letter to
Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.
COPYRIGHT HOLDERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
View from Pen y Fan, Libanus © Paul pg 26
Crickhowell Castle, Crickhowell © Keith Salvesen pg 30
Llyn Llangors Lake, Llangors © Duncan Hawley pg 32
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TOWNS, VILLAGES AND PLACES OF INTEREST
A
Abbey-cwm-Hir 6
Cwmhir Abbey 6
The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir 6
Abergwesyn 22
Abergwesyn Pass 22
B
Bleddfa 10
Brecon 23
Brecknock Museum 24
Brecon Castle 23
Brecon Cathedral 23
Captain’s Walk 24
Heritage Centre 24
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal 25
South Wales Borderers Museum 24
Y Gaer 25
Builth Wells 20
Castle Mound 20
Cefn Carn Cafall 21
Groe Park 21
Parish Church of St Mary 20
Royal Welsh Show Ground 20
Wayside Arts Centre 20
C
Cilmery 21
Memorial to Llywelyn the Last 21
Clyro 19
Clyro Castle 19
Cwm Byddog 19
Parish Church of St Michael 19
Craig-y-nos 27
Craig-y-Nos Castle 28
Craig-y-Nos Country Park 28
Dinosaur Park 27
Iron Age Farm 28
Morgan Bros. Shire Horse Centre 27
National Showcaves Centre for Wales 27
Crickhowell 29
Crickhowell Bridge 29
Crickhowell Castle 29
Crug Hywell 29
Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve 30
St Edmund’s 30
E
Elan Village 7
Caben Coch 7
Elan Valley 7
Erwood 21
Erwood Station Craft Centre and Gallery 21
H
Hay-on-Wye 13
Butter Market 17
Cheese Market 17
Clock Tower 17
Festival of Literature and the Arts 15
Hay Castle 17
Hay Motte 17
Hay-on-Wye Craft Centre 17
K
Knighton 8
Glyndwr’s Way 9
Kinsley Wood 10
Offa’s Dyke Centre 9
Pinners Hole 10
Spaceguard Centre 9
L
Libanus 26
Bedd Illtyd 26
Corn Du 26
National Park Visitor Centre 26
Pen y Fan 26
Twyn y Gaer 26
Llandrindod Wells 4
Abercamlo Bog 5
Bailey Einion 5
Castell Collen 5
Heart of Wales Line 5
National Cycle Collection 5
Old Parish Church of Llandrindod 5
Parish Church of the Holy Trinity 5
Radnor Forest 5
Radnorshire Museum 5
Rock Park 5
Victorian Festival 5
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TOWNS, VILLAGES AND PLACES OF INTEREST
Llanfrynach 26
Parish Church of St Brynach 26
Water Folk Museum 26
Llangammarch Wells 22
John Perry 22
Theophilus Evans 22
Llangattock 33
Craig-y-Cilau Nature Reserve 33
Parish Church of St Catwg 33
Llangors 31
Langorse Multi-Activity Centre 32
Llangors Lake 32
Parish Church of St Paulinus 31
Llangynidr 33
Chartists’ Cave 33
Llanwrtyd Wells 21
Cambrian Woollen Mill 22
Llyn Brianne 22
William Williams 22
World Bog Snorkelling Championship 22
N
New Radnor 12
New Radnor Castle 12
Parish Church of St Mary 12
Newbridge on Wye 23
Drover’s Statue 23
Parish Church of All Saints 23
O
Old Radnor 12
Parish Church of St Stephen 12
P
Painscastle 19
Castell Paen 19
Parish Church of St Peter 20
Tawny Owl Animal Park and Craft Centre 20
Presteigne 10
Duke’s Arms 11
Judge’s Lodging 12
Mary Morgan 12
Parish Church of St Andrew 12
The Radnorshire Arms 11
R
Rhayader 6
Gigrin Farm 7
Rebecca Riots 6
Rhayader Castle 6
Welsh Royal Crystal 7
Wye Valley Walk 7
S
Sennybridge 28
Castell Ddu 28
Disgwylfa Conservation Centre 29
St Harmon 7
Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve 8
Parish Church of St Harmon 7
T
Talgarth 32
Bronllys Castle 32
Hywell Harris 32
Parish Church of St Gwendoline 32
Talybont-on-Usk 31
Talybont Reservoir 31
Tretower 30
Tretower Court and Gardens and Tretower Castle 30
Y
Ystradfellte 26
Fan Llia 27
Fan Nedd 27
Maen Madog 27
Parish Church of St Mary 26
Porth-yr-Ogof 27
Ystradgynlais 27
Y Garn Goch 27