Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons
When: 19th to 23rd May 2025
Where: Wern-y-Cwm Farm, Llandewi Skirrid near Abergavenny
Who: Helen Venus
Level: Moderate
What's included: Four days/nights bed, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, plus three and a half days guided walking.
Cost: contact us for details
The curving mountain ranges around Brecon have long been one of the iconic images of Wales, and now the name of this beautiful landscape is also unmistakably Welsh, as the Brecon Beacons has officially switched to using its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog – or “the Bannau” for short.
Pronounced ban-aye bruch-ay-nee-og, the new name translates as “The Peaks of Brychan’s Kingdom”, with Brychan a legendary king who is said to have ruled the Brecon area during the 5th century. As well as instilling a stronger sense of Welsh identity into the area, the change in name coincides with what park authorities are defining as a new era for the protected landscape, with new action plans being implemented to halt declines in wildlife and biodiversity.
We will have sole use of a Grade II listed farmstead dating from 1570: comprising of the huge Farmhouse, extensive Dairy, and cosy Cider House. Situated on the Skirrid Mountain, with views across Monmouthshire to Gloucestershire and Bristol, it is 10 minutes from Abergavenny train station with just over 2.5 hour's journey from London.
Renovated as a labour of love project, keeping the original features whilst adding a dose of eclectic design, there are fabulous details around every corner. There are sixteen individually styled bedrooms, all available for single occupancy.
We’ll have access to a hot tub, and there is a natural swimming pool, picnic spots, and grass amphitheatre, all set in extensive wildflower meadows dotted with ancient oak trees. The Skirrid Mountain is a short walk across their fields; ideal for a little jaunt before breakfast (just joking).
Not only are we perfectly placed to explore the eastern part of the National Park, the Wye Valley isn’t too far away either. I’m nowhere near thinking about the itinerary yet, but here are some of the ideas on the Wern-y-Cwm Farm website:
Climb to the top or walk around the Skirrid Mountain, from the farm
Walk down to White Castle and along Offa's Dyke, from the farm
The Sugarloaf Mountain, Abergavenny
The Blorenge Mountain, Abergavenny
Walk along the Brecon to Newport Canal
Climb Pen y Fan (further afield but if we want to scale the highest mountain in South Wales)
Walk up to the various Waterfalls near Abergavenny
Walk up the Clydach Gorge from Brynmawr
I expect this holiday to be at a moderate level - with walks upto 10 miles a day, and some ascent and descent involved.
JUST TWO ROOMS REMAINING!