Places to Visit
If you are staying with us in our Dog Friendly Shepherds Hut or thinking of booking a short break/ weekend away or holiday with us, we are a great base for visiting the area, whether you want to relax in our Hot Tub and enjoy the surroundings in the heart of Mid Wales or venture further afield, we have put together a little list of some places you can visit near us;
The Wye Valley Walk
A beautiful river just a few steps outside the Shepherds Hut, that is perfect for kayaking, water activities and fishing right on your doorstep. The River Wye is one of the most picturesque rivers in the UK, with a huge variety of wildlife. You can go fishing for trout or salmon, white water rafting or try your hand at kayaking or canoeing. The Wye Valley Walk follows the wye for 136 miles of river and hill walking. It passes the other side of the river from our Shepherds Hut (and not across the horseshoe bend where the hut is located at all) so you don’t need to worry about frequent walkers going past. But it is only just over a 5 minute walk away should you wish to explore it.
The Black Mountains
The Black Mountains you can see from the Kitchenette window are a range of mountains with stunning views and hiking trails, located on the eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) and have some of the best hiking in Wales. There are lots of trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.
Brechfa Pool and Common
Enjoy a walk around the footpaths in the area, up the hill opposite the Shepherds Hut, perhaps with your dog, to Brechfa Pool and Common. The pool is a nature reserve and contains many rare plants such as the rare Pillwort, Orange Foxtail and Pennyroyal. In Winter, you can see wintering waterfowls such as Mallard and Widgeon, whilst in Spring and Autumn there are Curlews and Red Shanks, with Mute Swans, Coots and Reed Buntings for the breeding season. In the Summer, they have fourteen different species of Dragon flies fluttering and Fairy Shrimp in the pool.
Parks and Gardens
Gwernyfed Walled Garden
Brecon Beacons
A stunning natural area with hiking trails and scenic drives. The Brecon Beacons offer some of the most breathtaking views in Wales, with rolling hills, craggy peaks, and deep valleys. There are plenty of walking trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. You can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or take in the views.
Llangors Lake
Llangors Lake is the largest natural lake in Wales, it lies in a hollow formed by glacial action. It is encompassed by a chequerboard of fields, meadows and hedgerows . There is plenty on offer around the lake, with a lovely walk around the lake, plenty of wildlife to see, a cafe and an activity centre offering climbing among lots of other activities. You can launch your own craft from the boat hire centre or the sailing club, or hire a dinghy, windsurfer, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, pedalo or rowing boat.
Castles and Historic Monuments
Bronllys Castle
Bronllys Castle was first built as a motte and bailey castle in the late 11th, early 12th century. It’s surviving stone tower dates from the 13th century. You can climb the towers 3 floors, with stunning views from the highest levels showing why it was of such strategic importance.
Museums, Art and Culture
Talgarth Mill
Talgarth Mill is a historic restored Water Mill with a bakery and café. You can tour the mill and learn about the history of flour milling in Wales, and enjoy a delicious lunch from the café or bakery after.
Hay on Wye
A charming small town known as the Town of Books and home of Hay Literary Festival. If you love books, this is the place to go! They have over 20 independent book shops, some lovely cafes and pubs as well as the annual Hay Festival. Hay Castle has also not long re-opened, with a lovely café and castle tours with far reaching views from the top.
Builth Wells
A market town with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Builth Wells is located on the River Wye and is home to the Royal Welsh Showground, which hosts several events throughout the year, including the Royal Welsh Show, Spring Smallholding Festival and Winter Fair.
Brecon
Brecon is a thriving market town. It was first built as a Roman Military Base. Today, it’s characterful narrow streets with Georgian buildings are still visible. You can visit the new Y Gaer Cultural centre and Museum, go to see a play or performance at Theatr Brycheiniog or stroll along the canal. They also offer barge trips and paddleboarding and canoeing along the canal.
St Gwendolines Church, Llyswen
Y Gaer
Hay Castle
Brecon Cathedral
Erwood Station Craft Centre
Oil and Oak, Hay on Wye
Bog snorkling
Llangoed Hall Hotel
Llangoed Hall was once owned by Bernard Ashley, Laura Ashley’s (the famous fabric designer’s) husband and they have the 1st item Laura Ashley ever sewed- an apron on display there. Llangoed Hall Hotel was one of the locations believed to be the legendary White Palace, home of the first Welsh Parliament. It is believed our fields were once part of the Llangoed Estate.
Man v Horse
The Corner Collective, Builth Wells
Festivals, Local Shows and Events
Hay Festival
Hay Festival is the famous Literary Festival set near the Town of Books. They have hundreds of events running both in person and online with authors from around the world attending. They also offer other things during the festival, in 2023 Stormzy performed, we went to see Mary Berry and our toddler loved Julie Donaldson (author of The Gruffalo). They have a food hall on site with various suppliers, alongside other stalls. They also have a Hay Festival Winter Weekend in November, with a programme packed with renowned speakers.
Royal Welsh Show
The Royal Welsh Show is the biggest Agricultural Show in Europe. They have livestock entries from across Wales, UK and the rest of Europe, alongside crafts, horticulture, forestry, countryside sports, food and drink and tradestands. They have a packed programme each day so there is always something to see, whether you prefer to watch the performing horses, the YFC tug of War or the livestock judging in the ring. It is well worth a visit to get a flavour of the different breeds of stock that exist around the world.
Llyswen Show
Brecon Show
Further Afield
Elan Valley
The Elan Valley is 70 square miles of dams, reservoirs and rugged Welsh landscapes. It is a stunning area of natural beauty, with 5 dams and reservoirs and each one is different. The first lake is easily accessible with a footpath, one is much more boggy, and yet another with trees almost all the way around. There are numerous hiking trails to explore, and you can drive to each reservoir so you can choose where you’d like to explore. You can spot a range of wildlife in the area, including red kites, otters, and rare birds like the pied flycatcher and the redstart. There is also the opportunity to get a fishing licence to fish on the lakes- with a delicious mix of mostly brown trout and some rainbow trout. If you time it right, they sometimes do tours into the dams, and if the water drops very low, you can sometimes see the village below the water.
If you would like more information please visit the Elan Valley Website;
Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle is a Welsh Fortress transformed into a regal residence. It dates back to 1435 for the moated Great Tower which is still visible today.
Tretower Court and Castle
Tretower Court and Castle has recently undergone a lot of renovation. It has the most beautiful visitor centre and shop alongside a cafe. Tretower goes back to about 1100. Alongside the magnificent tower, there is also a Medieval Court which has recently been restored.
For more information please see the Cadw website below;
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tretower-court-and-castle
Llanthony Priory
Llanthony Priory is a 900 year old ruin on the borders of the Black Mountains. It was once one of Wales great Medieval buildings. You can see it’s magnificence from the surviving stonework and archways.
For more information, please see the Cadw website below;
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llanthony-priory
Crickhowell Castle
Crickhowell has a lot to offer a visitor, with it’s numerous independent shops, they also have a Castle. It was once a mighty stronghold, guarding the town and area. It’s worth a visit if you are visiting the town. There are the remains of tall drum towers, a gatehouse and other towers.
Brobury House and Gardens
Ludlow and Ludlow Castle
Aberystwyth