4 Night Brecon Beacons Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
Whether it’s the frosty footsteps, crisp air, or glorious views, there’s something magical about winter walks in Wales. Make this Christmas truly memorable and spend the festive season at Nythfa House – our characterful country property just a 10-minute walk from the market town of Brecon and the winter landscapes of Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
- A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) on foot
- Staying in the comfort of our charming country house in Brecon
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
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.
Gallery
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
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Pencelli to Talybont-on-Usk
Distance: 4½ miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: Starting in the village of Pencelli, we’ll follow the Taff Trail beside the canal to Talybont-on-Usk. We briefly walk alongside the river Caerfanell to meet the Usk Valley Walk before rejoining the Taff Trail to take us back to Talybont-on-Usk.
Highlight: Scenic walking alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Option 2 - Around Tor y Foel
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,080 feet (330m)
In summary: We circumnavigate the hill of Tor y Foel, taking in stunning views of the Talybont reservoir and the Black Mountains.
Highlight: On a clear day enjoy terrific views of Sugar Loaf and Table Mountain.
Option 3 - Waterfalls and Ridges to Talybont-on-Usk
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (590m)
In summary: We enjoy waterfalls and a stunning ridge walk on this linear walk to Talybont-on-Usk. After reaching our highest point on the summit of Carn Pica, we descend to the reservoir and follow the Taff trail into the village.
Highlight: Superb views in all directions as you make your way to the summit of Carn Pica
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 - Y Gaer, River Usk Valley & Taff Trail
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 940 feet (280m)
In summary: We walk through rolling countryside, across fields, paths, tracks, country lanes and roads with some stunning views of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to the south, Black Mountains to the east and farmland to the north.
Highlight: Explore the remains of a Roman cavalry camp and taste award-winning ice cream as you walk back into Brecon
Option 3 - Y Gaer, Cradoc & Pen-y-Crug
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: We walk along lanes and paths to the site of Y Gaer, a Roman marching fort, then continue to the pretty hamlet of Cradoc before ascending Pen y Crug to take in the panoramic views. We end our walk with a stroll through the grounds of Brecon Cathedral on route to the house.
Highlight: Explore the remains of a Roman cavalry camp and a huge iron age hillfort with distant views of the Beacons
Option 1 - Pen y Crug & Cathedral
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 750ft (220m)
In summary: This walk takes you around the outskirts of Brecon and into some beautiful countryside before the short climb to the summit of Pen-y-Crug and the hill fort. You will then descend back into Brecon via Maen Du Well and on to the cathedral before returning to Nytfha house.
Highlight: Ascend this iron age hillfort with distant views of the Beacons and visit Brecon’s historic cathedral
Option 2 - Taf Fechan & Roman Road
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)
In summary: Starting on a forestry track above Talybont Reservoir we walk along an ancient drovers’ track known as The Roman Road and walk to Brecon across fields and along quiet roads.
Highlight: Experience the heart of the Central Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) without much exertion.
Option 3 - Taf Fechan & Pen-y-Fan
Distance: 12.25 miles (19.8km)
Total ascent: 1,900 feet (565m)
In summary: This walk brings you through the Taf Fechan Forest before climbing the “Roman Road” through Bwlch ar y Fan before reaching the twin peaks of Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan with stunning panoramic views.
Highlight: Scale Pen y Fan the iconic peak and the highest mountain in South Wales
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Pencelli to Talybont-on-Usk
Distance: 4½ miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: Starting in the village of Pencelli, we’ll follow the Taff Trail beside the canal to Talybont-on-Usk. We briefly walk alongside the river Caerfanell to meet the Usk Valley Walk before rejoining the Taff Trail to take us back to Talybont-on-Usk.
Highlight: Scenic walking alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Option 2 - Around Tor y Foel
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,080 feet (330m)
In summary: We circumnavigate the hill of Tor y Foel, taking in stunning views of the Talybont reservoir and the Black Mountains.
Highlight: On a clear day enjoy terrific views of Sugar Loaf and Table Mountain.
Option 3 - Waterfalls and Ridges to Talybont-on-Usk
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (590m)
In summary: We enjoy waterfalls and a stunning ridge walk on this linear walk to Talybont-on-Usk. After reaching our highest point on the summit of Carn Pica, we descend to the reservoir and follow the Taff trail into the village.
Highlight: Superb views in all directions as you make your way to the summit of Carn Pica
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 - Y Gaer, River Usk Valley & Taff Trail
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 940 feet (280m)
In summary: We walk through rolling countryside, across fields, paths, tracks, country lanes and roads with some stunning views of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to the south, Black Mountains to the east and farmland to the north.
Highlight: Explore the remains of a Roman cavalry camp and taste award-winning ice cream as you walk back into Brecon
Option 3 - Y Gaer, Cradoc & Pen-y-Crug
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: We walk along lanes and paths to the site of Y Gaer, a Roman marching fort, then continue to the pretty hamlet of Cradoc before ascending Pen y Crug to take in the panoramic views. We end our walk with a stroll through the grounds of Brecon Cathedral on route to the house.
Highlight: Explore the remains of a Roman cavalry camp and a huge iron age hillfort with distant views of the Beacons
Option 1 - Pen y Crug & Cathedral
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 750ft (220m)
In summary: This walk takes you around the outskirts of Brecon and into some beautiful countryside before the short climb to the summit of Pen-y-Crug and the hill fort. You will then descend back into Brecon via Maen Du Well and on to the cathedral before returning to Nytfha house.
Highlight: Ascend this iron age hillfort with distant views of the Beacons and visit Brecon’s historic cathedral
Option 2 - Taf Fechan & Roman Road
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)
In summary: Starting on a forestry track above Talybont Reservoir we walk along an ancient drovers’ track known as The Roman Road and walk to Brecon across fields and along quiet roads.
Highlight: Experience the heart of the Central Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) without much exertion.
Option 3 - Taf Fechan & Pen-y-Fan
Distance: 12.25 miles (19.8km)
Total ascent: 1,900 feet (565m)
In summary: This walk brings you through the Taf Fechan Forest before climbing the “Roman Road” through Bwlch ar y Fan before reaching the twin peaks of Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan with stunning panoramic views.
Highlight: Scale Pen y Fan the iconic peak and the highest mountain in South 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 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
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 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Christmas
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,035 pp |
from £1,035 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
30 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 4 nights |
New Year Single from £939 Double from £939 pp |
from £939 pp |
from £939 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
2025 | ||||||||
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2025 4 nights |
Christmas Single from £1,085 Double from £1,085 pp |
from £1,085 pp |
from £1,085 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
30 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 4 nights |
New Year Single from £979 Double from £979 pp |
from £979 pp |
from £979 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
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