Stay at home: Brecon Beacons
The dramatic peaks and valleys of the Brecon Beacons National Park — celebrating its 60th anniversary this year — are best explored via foot, horseback or bike
Brecon Beacons.
What to do
Pedal the peaceful Brecon Canal with a Bikes and Hikes rental to Cantref Adventure Farm — the only stables in the National Park with access to the mountain paths. Trot past pleasing vistas of the Beacons' patchwork green pastures on a horse ride into the hills.
Where to eat
Sample the Welsh larder at The Felin Fach Griffin, which holds Wales' only Bib Gourmand. Tuck into dishes like Welsh beef with oxtail, watercress and bone marrow; and cod, creamed leeks, crab, cauliflower and capers.
Where to stay
An honesty bar packed with local tipples, fresh milk set out for tea, and games piled next to a wood-burning stove are just part of what makes the Grade II-listed Ty Helyg Guest House so charming. My four-poster room features green plants and vegetarian cookbooks, while a full English with locally-sourced ingredients the next morning is the perfect fuel for an active day.
We like
Use a restored 18th-century water mill to make flour at the volunteer-run Talgarth Mill. And on weekends from April, fuel up on meals with ingredients sourced from within one mile of the mill. The 1,000 Footsteps project is in collaboration with the mill's cafe, The Bakers' Table, local author Adele Nozedar and chef Liam Fitzpatrick. Three courses cost an affordable £12-15.
Don't miss
Take advantage of a stellar stargazing experience with Dark Sky Wales — the National Park is one of the UK's only International Dark Sky Reserves. Learn about astronomy and mythology as you spot star clusters, constellations and nebulas.
How to do it
Book return trains to Abergavenny with GoEuro, which compares rail, air and bus fares across the UK and Europe.
breconbeacons.org
Published in the May 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)
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