7 Night Brecon Beacons Guided Walking for Solos Holiday

Nythfa House

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Feb 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 2 & 3 details

Non-members From

£1,099

pp

Members From

£1,069

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Enjoy the freedom of holidaying as a solo traveller but with the bonus of friendly company throughout. Exclusively for solos, this holiday combines a great selection of guided walks in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) with the opportunity to connect with your fellow guests. Together you’ll explore a National Park cherished for its mix of grass-covered uplands, heather-clad plateaus, deep caves, brooding peaks, old industrial mines, waterfalls, and wildlife.

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

  • Discovering the diverse landscape of (Bannau Brycheiniog) 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 two guided walks (on walking days)
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Dedicated Solos host
  • Welcome drinks reception
  • Farewell dinner with drinks included
  • 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.

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.

Option 1 - 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 2 - 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 1 - 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 2 - 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.

Discover more about Nythfa House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

Option 1 - Around Tor y Foel

Distance: 9 miles (15km)

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 2 - 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 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 - North Across the Beacons

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Ascent: 920 feet (280m)

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 1 - Below the Black Mountains North Escarpment & Hay-on-Wye

Distance: 7.8 miles (12.5km)

Total ascent: 1,120 feet (340m)

In summary: A traverse along the northern escarpment of the Black Mountains in between the Three Rivers Ride and the Gospel Pass before following along the Offa’s Dyke path to Hay-on-Wye.

Highlight: Lovely traverse along the mountains with a good view towards the West. Also, look out for the buried stone circle that is clearly marked on the map! Can you find it?

Option 2 - Wye Valley & Hay-on-Wye

Distance: 6½ miles (11km)

Total ascent: 800 feet (260m)

In summary: A circular walk along the River Wye to the village of Clyro and back into the book lovers’ paradise of Hay-on-Wye.

Highlight: After a relaxing riverside walk, explore the array of second-hand bookshops in Hay-on-Wye, or enjoy a pint in one of the town's pubs.

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

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

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

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-BOS01

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Dates & availability

7 Night Brecon Beacons Guided Walking for Solos Holiday

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

12 Feb - 19 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,099

pp

Members

£1,069

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,169

pp

£1,139

pp
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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.

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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).

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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 

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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

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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

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