Usk Valley Walk Guided Trail
Join us as we explore the picturesque Usk Valley, a land rich in both natural beauty and history. We begin our journey by visiting Caerleon’s ancient Roman Fort of Isca before continuing to Usk where we begin the Usk Valley walk. Together, we’ll follow quiet paths through peaceful woodlands and walk along the tranquil banks of the Usk River. We’ll also explore the stunning landscapes of Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), returning each day to the welcoming comforts of Nythfa House, our country property in the historic town of Brecon
What you’ll love
- Exploring the Usk Valley, a green artery through the Brecon Beacons
- Walking alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
- Exploring Isca Roman Fort and learning about the history of Roman Britain
- The characterful villages of Usk and Brecon
- Relaxing at Nythfa House on the edge of the market town of Brecon
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum of 15 people)
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms 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 with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
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.
We begin amid the ruins of the Roman fortress of Isca with impressive Roman Baths and amphitheatre, before crossing the ancient bridge over the tidal Usk to the official start of the trail. We pass through the Celtic Manor golf course, traverse Kemeys Graig through the western edge of the former Wentwood hunting forest, pass the mansion of Bertholey House and drop down into the valley near Newbridge on Usk. We ascend Cefn Hill for wonderful views of the Usk Valley, before returning to the Valley bottom at Llantrisant.
8 miles (13km) with 1,520 feet (463m) of ascent.
Llantrisant; from where we follow field paths and lanes to the small historic market town of Usk. From Usk we head upstream to Estavarney Estate, which was worked by Cistercian monks from Tintern Abbey during the 13th – 15th centuries. We cross the unusual Chain Bridge to the east bank of the river, passing below Coed y Bwnydd (topped by an Iron Age hill fort), by the imposing mansion of Bryn-derwen and through the National Trust’s Clytha Estate. After a short section of road, our route continues through riverside fields, with ever improving views of Skirrid Fawr, Sugar Loaf and Blorenge.
13 miles (21km) with 700 feet (200m) of ascent.
A day without any walks programmed, giving you the opportunity to explore the local area independently
Re-crossing the river brings us to Llanellen, where some of Cromwell’s soldiers are buried in the small churchyard. From Llanellen, we ascend to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and follow the towpath, passing Llanfoist Wharf, where Hill’s Tramroad, constructed in about 1825 from the ironworks at Blaenavon, comes around the side of Blorenge and down four inclined planes to join the canal. (To picture the scene as it was in the early 1800s, read Alexander Cordell’s novel “Rape of the Fair Country”). With Abergavenny and the River Usk below us we continue through Govilon to Gilwern, once the Canal Company headquarters and a busy tramroad terminus. The Usk Valley narrows and the scenery becomes more mountainous across to the Black Mountains. We continue to Llangattock wharf with its impressive lime kilns and tramroad terminus, and then walk down through the village and across the picture postcard bridge over the Usk, to finish our walk at Crickhowell.
13½ miles (21.5km) with 1,261 feet (384m) of ascent.
From Llangattock we enjoy views to Table Mountain and pick out Gwern Vale Manor, the birthplace of Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India, whose name was given to the world’s highest mountain. Passing the quaint hamlet of Dardy, we ascend a steep track with views of the Llangattock Escarpment. We cross fields, looking down on the Glanusk estate and up the Rhiangoll Valley towards Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse. Another steep ascent brings us to one of the walk high points, about 1,000 feet above sea level, before we return to the canal, passing the medieval manor of Pen-y-bryn. The canal meanders along and on to the hamlet of Cwmcrawnon, with a flight of five locks. We continue on the tree-lined towpath to the 375 yard long Ashford Tunnel. There is no towpath through the tunnel and we walk over the top. In the days before powered boats, the horses would be led over the top and the boatman would lie on his back and “leg” the boat through the tunnel by pressing his feet against the roof. Our destination is Talybont-on-Usk, with its interesting canal artefacts and canal-side inns or tearoom.
11½ miles (18km) with 1,900 feet (600m) of ascent.
We are now in the Caerfanell Valley, crossing over the line of the former Brecon to Merthyr railway, before ascending on field paths to the edge of the Talybont Forest. We return to the canal towpath at Pencelli, and easy walking brings us to Brynich where a fourarched stone aqueduct, built by Thomas Dadford in 1797, takes the canal across the River Usk. The towpath crosses to the west bank at Brynich, where we also pass the last lock. Soon we are on the outskirts of Brecon and the canal ends in the attractive Theatre Basin. The canal is fed by water from the River Usk which flows through a culvert under the streets from a weir half a mile up river from the basin. The official route finishes in the town centre but a short walk to view the weir is worthwhile.
8½ miles (13.5km) with 1,000 feet (300m) of ascent.
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 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.
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.
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
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, 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.
Food & drink
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.
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
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
Nythfa House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
18 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,199 pp |
from £1,199 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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Book Now | |||