What you can do without straying far...

• Read a book, watch Graham working in his vegetable garden and then enjoy the produce.
• In Spring, watch lambs being born and then playing ‘King of the Castle’, and look out for the first visits of the year of the Red Kite.
• Put up the garden umbrella to protect you from the summer sun and enjoy a mug of coffee or glass of wine. Why not have a BBQ?
• Visit the ponies and if we are lucky the swallows making their nests in the stable block.
• Walk or cycle to the canal and take a boat trip (day or half day). There are a number of pubs near the canal in Gilwern that you can drop in on.

Canal at Gilwern

• Follow the local industrial heritage trails (Clydach Gorge) from the Barn. In autumn the colours of the beechwoods are magnificent.
• Stroll up to our 12th century church dedicated to St Elli and with one of the oldest bells in Wales and a circle of ancient yews. If you would like to go in ask us to contact the warden in advance to access the key.

Church of St Elli

• Catch a bus to Abergavenny and visit the various markets or look in on St Michaels Church with its famous Jesse Tree and have lunch at the Tithe Barn.
• If you are happy to be more active we can advise of some lovely but more challenging walks or cycle routes from the Barn.  In the snow there are some great sledging runs for all ages (we provide the sledge).

Not too far but you will need the car...

For the days you feel full of energy...

• Walk the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains or Waterfall Country.
• Try geocaching from the Brecons Beacons Mountain Centre or one of their ‘Dark Skys’ stargazing events.
• Play golf or go fishing.
• Try horse riding or pony trekking.
• Go mountain biking on the SUSTRANS trail or cycle yourself fit on our hills.
• Book a canoe on the canal or sail on Llangorse Lake.

Beacons in summer

Triathlon training 2010

For lazier but interesting days...

• Visit Big Pit and the Iron Works at Blaenafon.
• Taste Welsh wine at Sugar Loaf vineyards near Abergavenny or Welsh whisky at Penderyn Distillery.
• Go shopping in Crickhowell, have lunch at The Bear or visit one of the many other gastro pubs in the area.
• Take a trip on the Brecon Mountain or Blaenavon Railway.
• Drive over Llangynidr moors for stunning views and spot the mountain ponies.
• Take a train to Cardiff the capital of Wales.
• Visit one of the many castles of the border country. Raglan is a stunning example and has a lovely cafe.
• Fly birds of prey at the Black Mountain Falconry, Abergavenny.
• In the summer spend a day at one of the many agricultural shows in the area.

Raglan Castle

'Good time was had by all, spotlessly clean, lovely location and gracious hosts. Lovely welcome pack. Show caves well worth a visit as was the Red Kite feeding station and the trip on a barge from Brecon.' Ricketts family, Dorset, June 2012

'Superb base for walking, history, nature and waterfalls. Too much to do in a week. Thanks for an excellent place to stay and a warm welcome.' Suffolk, May 2012

'Fantastic short break, especially pony trekking on the Brecon Beacons. Beautiful accommodation in a beautiful part of the world! Big thank you Graham and Hilary' The Cummins family, Lincoln, March 2011

'A wonderful home from home and so cosy and thoughtful. Excellent walks in the rain and we spent an interesting morning at Big Pit – highly recommended as is the Walnut Tree for a special meal.'   The Chamberlain family, Norfolk Jan 2011

There is information on all of these activities in the Barn but please ask us if you need to know more. We are happy to arrange to drop you off at a location or pick you up if we can. Check for local events during your stay.