7 Night Brecon Beacons Walking with Sightseeing Holiday
These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (2.5-5.25 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an HF Holidays Leader.
What you’ll love
- Enjoying beautiful walks in Waterfall Country
- Seeing Talgarth Mill, a fully restored 18th century watermill
- Taking a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway steam train
- Visiting Tretower Castle and Court
- Exploring the towns of Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell
- Staying in the comfort of our country house in Brecon
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- Entrance to Brecon Mountain Railway
- 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 walks and sightseeing visits with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks and sites of interest
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See more Information tab for details.
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.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 100 feet (30m)
In summary: We start with a morning visit to Tretower Court and castle, a ruined Norman stronghold and partially restored medieval manor house. Afterwards we walk through open fields and woodland to the Glanusk Estate, where we follow the River Usk downstream to Crickhowell. There is plenty of time to explore this attractive small town, voted one of the best towns in Wales with its own ruined castle, 14th century parish church and friendly shops and cafés.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 650 feet (180m)
In summary: We visit Sgwd Clun-gwyn waterfall before walking over to the Nedd valley where we walk downstream passing a series of picturesque waterfalls. We pass old silica mine entrances along an old industrial tramway to reach Pontneddfechan village with welcoming pubs and a café.
Discover more about Nythfa House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 800 feet (250m)
In Summary: This morning we’ll see Talgarth Mill in action, an intricate 18th century watermill producing award-winning stoneground flour. Lovingly restored by the community, it’s now a thriving hub of this ancient market town. In the afternoon, our walk begins with a steady climb to the top of Allt yr Esgair ridge, an old Iron Age Hillfort. Here, we’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views for our efforts. We descend and walk beside Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales noted for its rich flora and fauna. There’ll be time to visit the fascinating Welsh Crannog Centre at the end.
Distance: 5¼ miles (8½km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Taking the restored Brecon Mountain Railway steam train along the Pentwyn reservoir and up into the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), we alight at Torpantau station, the end of the line. From here we walk beside the reservoir with sweeping views across the Beacons and explore Cwm Callan, a typical Welsh valley, before heading down beside Pontsticill reservoir to Pontsticill station. We reboard the train and enjoy a short return ride to Pant station.
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 70 feet (20m)
Descent: 1,100 feet (350m)
In summary: Amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains and with views of the Wye Valley, our walk begins below Hay Bluff. We follow the famous Offa’s Dyke footpath, descending through fields and pastures to reach the well-known market town of Hay-on-Wye. There is plenty of time to explore the narrow streets, countless bookshops, and superb independent cafes of this popular and pretty town.
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 soul-stirring views. So it’s easy to see the appeal of this charming property that plays a harmonious host to those seeking respite in the Welsh market town of Brecon. You’ll also be within easy distance of some of the area’s show-stealing 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 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
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
- First-aid kit
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday in 2024 please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have Cadw (C) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you. We recommend bringing some cash with you for any entrance fees to sites you wish to visit.
2024 prices
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
C members |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
|
No memberships |
£10 |
£0 |
£10 |
Nythfa House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
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 | ||||||||
|
20 Jun - 27 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Sightseeing Walk 2025
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,239 pp |
from £1,239 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
01 Aug - 08 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Sightseeing Walk 2025 Single from £1,379 Double from £1,239 pp |
from £1,239 pp |
from £1,379 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
10 Oct - 17 Oct 2025 7 nights |
Sightseeing Walk 2025 Single from £1,089 Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
186Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
