The dramatic landscape of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains is of sweeping views and of rugged escarpments, mountains and untamed moorland. Panoramas that stretch into the distance and take your breath away. Lying to the east of the Beacons is the Wye Valley, hailed as the most romantic valley in Wales, and almost three centuries later the scenes are just as splendid. Ancient woodlands on the valley sides have created a haven for wildlife, with varied species of trees, wild flowers and birds.  Encompassing two circular tours, discover and enjoy the Breacon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains and the Wye Valley’s stunning beauty and checkered history between the ancient clans and Kings.

Accommodation

Staying in a fabulous Georgian Manor to the south of Brecon offering exceptional standards in Welsh hospitality our chosen Country House Hotel has recently won awards for its exceptional dining where all the meat and poultry is reared on the home farm just 7 miles away.  The beds are superbly comfortable, too and all rooms, of course, have the ubiquitous CD player as well as multi-channel TV, which in this location of rural Wales actually works! An added bonus is the well-equipped gym, jacuzzi and sauna in the basement of the hotel.  There is also the swimming pool, but as this is an outdoor one, you may wish to check the weather before jumping in! The hotel has a lovely terrace overlooking the Usk Valley ideal for sipping your brandy on a warm summers evening, whilst on colder days the aforementioned sipping can be equally satisfactory in the cosy, wood-panelled library.

Itinerary

Day One

Arrive at your leisure anytime after 3pm.  For those arriving early, why not enjoy a delightful afternoon tea on the Hotel’s terrace or take a short walk  to see St Peter’s Church which is half way down the drive way.  Drinks will be served in the library from 7pm and dinner will be at 7.30pm.

Day Two

The first circular tour will lead you along the path of the old strongholds of the Normans as they fought to keep the Welsh armies at bay.  You will discover untold histories and and witness ancient architecture as well as enjoy a fabulous spot of lunch in the most charming of country pubs that overlook these wonderful relics of our time.  Heading north through the valley and up over the Black Mountains to Hay on Wye “Town of Books” known for its beautiful architecture, surrounding villages and renowned for its literary festival and the extraordinary number of second hand book shops throughout the town.

Day Three

Today’s tour leads you deep in to the heart of the Beacons and up over the edge of the Cambrian Mountains. Witnessing some of the most spectauclar valley views and scenic wonders this country has to offer, you will have a longer day than normal but an extravagantly beautiful one.  Taking in the Usk Valley, the Beacons, the Abergwysen Pass and the Devil’s Staircase and delightful Welsh villages and towns which were built on the back of the droving communities.

Details

Duration: 3 nights
Price: To be confirmed. The price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Requests for single room accommodation will be extra. Please ask for the supplementary price at the time of booking.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a twin or double room
• Full breakfast each morning and dinner each evening
• A complete route book detailing our suggested route, along with maps, and a tour book detailing places to visit and things to do in the areas you will pass through.

What’s not included

• Lunches
• Fuel
• Drinks
• Travel or medical insurance

Requirements

• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.