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Geology and Walking in the Brecon Beacons

Nythfa House

■ 7 nights at an HF Country House

■ Availability Sep 2027

■ One itinerary available

■ Full Board

■ 172kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,379

pp

Members From

£1,349

pp

Members Save: on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. You can become a member during the booking flow. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is a geological wonderland encompassing 520 square miles of grass-covered uplands, red sandstone ridges, brooding peaks, and powerful waterfalls. Explore on foot while an HF Leader with expertise in geology reveals the fascinating story beneath your feet. Along the way, you’ll examine different rocks, minerals, fossils, and discover how the landscape was formed. You’ll learn to read clues to the changing climates and environments of Earth’s distant past and leave with a deeper understanding of the places where you walk.

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 4

What You’ll Love

  • Daily walks in beautiful landscapes with wonderful views 

  • Examining rocks, minerals and fossils and working out how they formed 

  • Interpreting panoramic views in terms of the underlying geology 

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of how geology influences the landscape 

  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)  

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 three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February
  • 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

Reviews

Itinerary

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.

Choose one of three walks each walking day (or a choice from two walks between November and February). Please read individual itineraries/trip notes for full details. Occasionally, we may make adjustments to the route or running order to account for the weather or other practical considerations.

 

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Discover the limestone landscape above Crickhowell and take in far-reaching views across the Usk Valley towards the Black Mountains. Distance: 7 miles (11.5 km) Total ascent: 1,590 feet (485 m) Starting in Crickhowell, we’ll follow a contouring path beneath the towering cliffs and former quarries of the Llangattock escarpment. Here, we’ll explore the relationship between the Old Red Sandstone and overlying Carboniferous Limestone, looking out for fossils, caves and reminders of the area’s quarrying past. The spoil heaps beneath Craig y Cilau have gradually been reclaimed by grasses and wildflowers, creating an atmospheric landscape. Sweeping views across the Usk Valley will help reveal the wider geological structure of the region before we return through peaceful farmland, along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and through Llangattock village.
Explore one of the National Park’s wildest and less-visited areas on a memorable walk through classic Old Red Sandstone country. Distance: 7 miles (11.5 km) Total ascent: 1,370 feet (420 m) Please note: Today’s descent is greater than the ascent, at 2,250 feet (690 m). We’ll walk to Llyn y Fan Fawr before climbing to Fan Brycheiniog, the highest point in the Mynydd Du (Black Mountain). As we ascend through layers of Old Red Sandstone to the tougher Plateau Beds, we’ll explore how the lake and surrounding escarpment were shaped by ice. Following the dramatic edge of the Fan Hir escarpment, we’ll enjoy views towards Mid Wales before crossing limestone country marked by shake holes and caves. The route then descends into the Swansea Valley, finishing at Craig-y-nos Country Park.

Spend the day relaxing at the house or explore the local area independently. Your HF Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Discover the rocks and geological forces behind an extraordinary collection of waterfalls, caves and river gorges. 

Distance: 9 miles (15 km) 

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400 m) 

We’ll explore the Afon Hepste gorge, following the memorable path behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira before visiting Porth yr Ogof, where the Afon Mellte disappears underground into an immense cave. Most of the area’s waterfalls flow over the hard Twrch Sandstone, and we’ll consider how each cascade developed its own distinctive form. Crossing into the Nedd Fechan Valley, we’ll encounter yet more impressive falls before reaching the edge of the South Wales Coalfield and uncovering its industrial story. An illustrated evening talk will provide a wider overview of the geology of Bannau Brycheiniog.

Climb Pen y Fan and Corn Du for a close look at the Old Red Sandstone and a bird’s-eye view of this landscape’s glacial past. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km) 

Total ascent: 1,750 feet (540 m) 

We’ll climb Pen y Fan, the highest point in the National Park, and neighbouring Corn Du before descending along an easier spur of the main ridge. Along the way, we’ll examine variations in the Old Red Sandstone and see remarkable ripple marks preserved in the summit rocks. The distinctive north-facing escarpments and the glacial cirque surrounding Llyn Cwm Llwch reveal how ice shaped these mountains. Reaching the summit brings a rewarding sense of achievement and, on a clear day, sweeping views across South and Mid Wales and the Welsh Borders. We’ll return to Brecon by quiet lanes and the Taff Trail.

Climb Pen y Fan and Corn Du for a close look at the Old Red Sandstone and a bird’s-eye view of this landscape’s glacial past. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km) 

Total ascent: 1,750 feet (540 m) 

We’ll climb Pen y Fan, the highest point in the National Park, and neighbouring Corn Du before descending along an easier spur of the main ridge. Along the way, we’ll examine variations in the Old Red Sandstone and see remarkable ripple marks preserved in the summit rocks. The distinctive north-facing escarpments and the glacial cirque surrounding Llyn Cwm Llwch reveal how ice shaped these mountains. Reaching the summit brings a rewarding sense of achievement and, on a clear day, sweeping views across South and Mid Wales and the Welsh Borders. We’ll return to Brecon by quiet lanes and the Taff Trail.

Follow a high-level route through a landscape shaped by glaciers, from a dramatic mountain cirque to an upland peat bog rich in natural history. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km) 

Total ascent: 1,400 feet (440 m) 

Please note: Today’s descent is greater than the ascent, at 1,800 feet (545 m). 

We’ll follow a path high above a glaciated valley, with impressive views towards the highest summits of the Central Beacons. Arriving at the edge of a glacial cirque, now a nature reserve for rare plants and birds, we’ll examine the clues left behind by the last Ice Age. The route then crosses an upland peat bog whose layers preserve a fascinating environmental record of South Wales since the glaciers retreated. Our walk finishes at the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

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

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

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 - 172kg CO2

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

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Code: BRE07-GEO01

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Dates & availability

Geology and Walking in the Brecon Beacons

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

2027

17 Sep - 24 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,379

pp

Members

£1,349

pp
Single rooms

£1,449

pp

£1,419

pp
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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

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