3 Night Brecon Beacons Guided Walking Holiday
Cherished for its mix of grass-covered uplands, old red sandstone rocks, heather-clad plateaus, deep caves, brooding peaks, old industrial mines, waterfalls, and wildlife, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park covers 520 square miles. Our guided walking holiday showcases all that’s great and good about one of the most beguiling landscapes imaginable.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the diverse landscape of the Brecon Beacons on foot
- Soaking up views of mountains, moorland, and glistening waterfalls
- Staying within easy distance of some of the area’s show-stealing spots
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Relaxing at Nythfa House on the edge of the market town of Brecon
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Tretower & Crickhowell
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: We walk from north of Cwmdu to Tretower, with its renowned medieval court and castle. Then we follow a contouring path across farmland leading to the wooded Cwmbeth Brook valley and Crickhowell
Highlight: Soak up the history of the area and explore the attractive market town of Crickhowell.
Option 2 - The Lonely Shepherd, Craig y Cilau and Llangattock
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In summary: A circular walk from the town of Crickhowell exploring the dramatic limestone escarpment and former quarries on the south side of the Usk valley. We visit an isolated rock pinnacle with its local legend before taking a contouring path below the towering cliffs and old quarries. We return to Crickhowell through quiet farmland and Llangattock village.
Highlight: The eerie landscape created by the spoil heaps of the disused quarries underneath the cliffs of Craig y Cilau, now painted green with grasses and wildflowers, reclaimed by nature.
Option 3 - Waun Fach and Black Mountains Ridge
Distance: 13 miles (21km)
Total ascent: 2,600 feet (800m)
In summary: We ascend the Dragon's Back ridge past the 12th Century Castell Dinas to the summit of Waun Fach, the highest peak in the Black Mountains, before descending to a saddle with views down to the remote Grwyne Fechan valley. We eventually reach Crickhowell via a long, grassy ridge and Table Mountain.
Highlight: The long grassy ridges of the Black Mountains offer a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Option 1 - Canal, Aqueduct & River Usk
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Ascent: 100 feet (30m)
In summary: Follow the Canal tow path east out of Brecon, then across country to join the River Usk back into the town.
Highlight: Bags of canal history including a sturdy stone aqueduct over the River Usk.
Option 2 - Llyn y Fan Fawr & Fan Brycheiniog
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In Summary: We’ll walk to Llyn y Fan Fawr, then ascend to the summits of Fan Foel and Fan Brycheiniog. We follow along the top of the Fan Hir escarpment and descend along the ridge and into the valley.
Highlight: This less visited part of the national park has views towards mid Wales, and is considered to be one of the wildest regions of Wales.
Option 3 - Western Fans Traverse
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Total ascent: 2,150ft (650m)
In summary: We head up to Llyn y Fan Fawr corrie lake and climb to the summits of Fan Foel and Picws Du, following the spectacular Bannau Sir Gaer ridge. We gradually descend southwards to pick up the old drovers trail to where the Giedd river disappears underground, before finally crossing wild moorland with numerous sink holes to end at Craig-y-nos.
Highlight: That 'on top of the world' feeling, walking along the Bannau Sir Gaer ridgeline high above and beyond the corrie lake.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Tretower and Crickhowell
Distance: 3.8 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 750 feet (230m)
In summary: We walk from Tretower, with its renowned medieval court and castle. Then we follow a contouring path across farmland leading to the wooded Cwmbeth Brook valley and Crickhowell.
Highlight: Soak up the history of the area and explore the attractive market town of Crickhowell.
Option 2 - The Lonely Shepherd, Craig y Cilau and Llangattock
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In summary: A circular walk from the town of Crickhowell exploring the dramatic limestone escarpment and former quarries on the south side of the Usk valley. We visit an isolated rock pinnacle with its local legend before taking a contouring path below the towering cliffs and old quarries. We return to Crickhowell through quiet farmland and Llangattock village.
Highlight: The eerie landscape created by the spoil heaps of the disused quarries underneath the cliffs of Craig y Cilau, now painted green with grasses and wildflowers, reclaimed by nature.
Option 3 - Table Mountain and Sugar Loaf
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Total ascent: 2,900 feet (880m)
In Summary: A fine circular walk from Crickhowell bagging two classic tops, Table Mountain and the Sugar Loaf. We descend from Table Mountain to Llanbedr village and follow a pretty stretch of the Grwyne Fechan valley before a gradual ascent of the Sugar Loaf. Descending on paths, tracks and quiet roads, we return to Crickhowell along the River Usk.
Highlight: We will visit the Iron Age hillfort of Crug Hywel, that was the stronghold of Hywel Dda, the Welsh King (approx. 890-950AD). The shapely summit of Sugar Loaf offers great walking, and beautiful views over the Usk Valley.
Option 1 - Penwyllt
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 720 feet (220m)
In summary: Follow the old Brecon to Swansea railway line towards the industrial past of Penwyllt and the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu nature reserve.
Highlight: Views across the Tawe valley, and the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu nature reserve.
Option 2 - Cribarth and Craig-y-Nos
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: We ascend to the summit of Cribarth, often described as "the sleeping giant' due to it's profile from the south, then descend to follow the Tawe river to Craig-y-nos country park.
Highlight: Craig-y-nos country park, and impressive views of the Tawe valley and black mountain.
Option 3 - Llyn y Fan Fawr & Fan Brycheiniog
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In Summary: We’ll walk to Llyn y Fan Fawr, then ascend to the summits of Fan Foel and Fan Brycheiniog. We follow along the top of the Fan Hir escarpment and descend along the ridge and into the valley.
Highlight: This less visited part of the national park has views towards mid Wales, and is considered to be one of the wildest regions of Wales.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nythfa House
Not many places in the UK outshine Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park when it comes to wide open spaces and walks with incredible views. So it’s easy to see the appeal of Nythfa House. With its name meaning ‘nesting place’ in Welsh, once you settle in you'll never want to leave. Built in 1867 as a private residence, this charming property is perfect for those seeking a rural retreat, yet one which is just a 10-minute walk from the Welsh market town of Brecon. It sits on a hill above The Struet, one of Brecon’s oldest and most historic streets, famed for its Charles I connections who visited the town during the English Civil War.
Nythfa House also puts you within easy reach of some of the area’s show-stealing walking spots, including the Black Mountains, the Mellte Valley, and Pen y Fan - the highest point in the national park at 886 metres. Equally visit-worthy is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales in Abercrave, and the bibliophile’s paradise that is Hay-on-Wye. Should time allow, Hereford and Cardiff are both just an hour’s drive away.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nythfa House has 31 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: Rooms 6 and 7 in the main house both have gorgeous views across the garden and the Brecon Beacons. Room 21 is up in the eaves and has a separate seating area (please be mindful of the low ceilings). The garden guest rooms are very pretty and have their own small deck.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nythfa House
Getting to Nythfa House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Nythfa House
Brecon
Powys LD3 7NN
Tel: +44 (0)1874 624287
By train
The nearest station is Abergavenny, from here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon (see details below).
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 21-mile journey from Abergavenny railway station takes 40 minutes to one hour.
For pricing, please contact A&A Cabs directly.
A&A Cabs
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, A&A Cabs*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1874 622288
Email: aandabrecon@yahoo.ie
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Nythfa House.
*A&A Cabs is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The X43 bus operates from Abergavenny station to Brecon and takes about an hour. The most convenient bus stop for Nythfa House is the bus interchange in Brecon.
For bus times check Traveline.
By car
The A40 from Abergavenny and the A470 from the northwest converge at a roundabout on the Brecon bypass.
At the roundabout, follow the B4601 into Brecon. Turn right at the second mini roundabout on to Heol Gouesnou road. Drive straight over another mini roundabout and go straight on at the traffic lights. Turn right into Mount Street, then take the second left into Belle View Road. At the top of the road, go straight ahead up the drive to Nythfa House.
By air
The nearest airport is Cardiff.
Catch the 905 bus service to Rhoose Railway Station bus stop. Take the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport to Cathays Station and walk 10 mins to Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station. From here take the T14 bus to Brecon. You’ll need to allow up to 3.5 hours.
An alternate option is to fly to Heathrow airport. Take a train to London Paddington Station, where there are trains to Abergavenny (with one change at Newport). Here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
Nythfa House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
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14 Nov - 17 Nov 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £489 Double from £489 pp |
from £489 pp |
from £489 |
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28 Nov - 01 Dec 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £489 Double from £489 pp |
from £489 pp |
from £489 |
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| 2026 | ||||||||
|
06 Feb - 09 Feb 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £499 Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
from £499 |
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20 Feb - 23 Feb 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £499 Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
from £499 |
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06 Mar - 09 Mar 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £549 Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
from £549 |
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13 Mar - 16 Mar 2026 3 nights |
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27 Mar - 30 Mar 2026 3 nights |
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from £519 pp |
from £549 |
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03 Apr - 06 Apr 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £609 Double from £579 pp |
from £579 pp |
from £609 |
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24 Apr - 27 Apr 2026 3 nights |
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08 May - 11 May 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £669 Double from £609 pp |
from £609 pp |
from £669 |
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15 May - 18 May 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £639 Double from £609 pp |
from £609 pp |
from £639 |
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22 May - 25 May 2026 3 nights |
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29 May - 01 Jun 2026 3 nights |
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12 Jun - 15 Jun 2026 3 nights |
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from £609 pp |
from £639 |
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03 Jul - 06 Jul 2026 3 nights |
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from £609 pp |
from £639 |
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10 Jul - 13 Jul 2026 3 nights |
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24 Jul - 27 Jul 2026 3 nights |
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07 Aug - 10 Aug 2026 3 nights |
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21 Aug - 24 Aug 2026 3 nights |
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from £609 pp |
from £639 |
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04 Sep - 07 Sep 2026 3 nights |
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from £609 pp |
from £639 |
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11 Sep - 14 Sep 2026 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
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from £609 pp |
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02 Oct - 05 Oct 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £609 Double from £579 pp |
from £579 pp |
from £609 |
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16 Oct - 19 Oct 2026 3 nights |
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from £609 |
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30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £549 Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
from £549 |
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13 Nov - 16 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £549 Double from £519 pp |
from £519 pp |
from £549 |
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27 Nov - 30 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £499 Double from £469 pp |
from £469 pp |
from £499 |
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84Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
