Brecon Beacons Investment Members Break

Nythfa House

3 nights at an HF Country House

One itinerary available

Grades 2, 3 & 4 details

Non-members From

Call to Enquire

Members From

Call to Enquire

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Our exclusive Investment Members’ Breaks are ideal if you fancy a few days away at a great price. This special Investment Members' Break for HF Members only, includes a choice of guided walks as well as a drinks reception. On one of the evenings, you’ll be invited to join us for a business update presentation, to find out more about what’s happening in the world of HF Holidays.

Accommodation

HF Country 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.
Nythfa House with blue sky.JPG

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded as Activity Level 2, 3 and 4. Explore the beautiful Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) on guided walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders. We offer a huge choice of walks that allow you to discover this diverse landscape on foot. Enjoy low-level strolls or climb impressive local peaks. Join our friendly and knowledgeable leaders who’ll help you discover the best of this stunning national park.


What You’ll Love

  • A drinks reception
  • Mixing with your fellow investment members
  • Your choice of guided walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • The chance to meet a member of the Board and Executive Leadership Team
  • A business update presentation and Q&A session
  • Staying in the comfort of our characterful country house

What's Included

  • High quality en-suite accommodation at our country house
  • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
  • Two full days of guided walking
  • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
  • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
  • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice.

Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.

Itinerary

Check in from 4pm with afternoon tea upon arrival. There is plenty of time to relax before dinner with your fellow members. You will be joined throughout this break by Director Richard Drury and our new CEO Chris Simmonds. This evening, we shall celebrate being together with your fellow members and enjoy a drinks reception before dinner. Richard and Chris will introduce themselves during dinner on day 1.

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 - 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 3 - 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 1 - Along the Usk Valley

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 500 feet (160m)

In summary: We start our walk four miles west of Brecon at the small village of Aberbran. We cross a pretty stone bridge and walk across fields and along a quiet road to Y Gaer, the site of a Roman cavalry outpost. We follow a bridleway, sometimes muddy, to the western edge of Brecon and River Usk. We visit Brecon Cathedral and continue our walk through wooded Priory Groves and across playing fields to the House.

Highlight: Wander through Priory Groves and explore Brecon's magnificent Cathedral.

Option 2 - Over the Four Tops

Distance: 10.5 miles (16.5km)

Total ascent: 2,850 feet (880m)

In summary: A traverse over the four main tops of Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big, then back along country paths and roads to Nythfa House.

Highlight: This classic route takes in all the key summits in the central Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog); a fantastic high-level crossing of the main peaks.

Option 3 - Pen-y-Fan

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: Walk to the top of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du, two of the summits at the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Highlight: There's a great sense of achievement when you reach the summit of Pen-y-Fan, the highest point in the national park, and enjoy the sweeping views over South and Mid Wales.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

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.

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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

 •  31 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 43 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Garden with putting green and croquet lawn  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit Wales

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.

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 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nythfa House

 

Getting here

Address

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.

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: BRE03-MIB01

Share

Dates & availability

Brecon Beacons Investment Members Break

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.