Walking
- Hendre Bolon is the closest cottage to the famous waterfalls along the ‘Four Falls Walk’. Just go out of the cottage and turn left; the nearest waterfall (Swyd Clun Gwyn) is just 200m away. The footpath is good but the waterfalls are accessed via steep steps unsuitable for prams, elderly or inform. Wear sensible walking. For the full round trip walk including Swyd yr Eira, allow 2 hours – or for a more adventurous walk, go underneath Swyd yr Eira and walk on to the Red Lion in Penderyn for a well-deserved pint. It is 2 hours + each way.
- The cottage lies in the heart of the National Park’s 1200 miles of footpaths. Drive (30 minutes) to climb Pen y Fan and the Brecon ridge or the local ‘Beacon’ is Fan Nedd; drive through Ystradfellte and park at the top of the ‘Devil’s Elbow’ (what3words : pronouns.rabble.bring)
- There is a map in the cottage showing some of the local attractions and activities in the area
Great days out for all the Family
The National Park website breconbeacons.org lists loads of activities available in the wider National Park. Tripadvisor lists ‘the 10 best outdoor activities in the Brecon Beacons National Park’.
- The Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre is just over half an hour away at Libanus (what3 words shops.pushover.walks) and is an excellent staring point to plan a holiday. The Park is stuffed full of places to go Horseriding and pony trekking (numerous centres in the park), climbing and abseiling, fishing and boating on Llangorse lake, Ponsticill Reservoir and the Monmouthshore and Brecon Canal.
- Llangorse lake, the largest natural lake in Wales (about 45 minutes by car). Go kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, sailing or windsurfing. Go nature watching or learn about local crafts (visitllangorse.com)
- Llangorse Multi-Activity Centre (activity.uk.com) offers indoor activity sessions and has an indoor rock climbing wall – children- friendly. About 45 minutes by car (what3 words: zoos.scoots.camped)
- The county town of Brecon (45 minutes by car) has a swimming pool and sports centre, Brecon Cathedral, the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, shops, pubs and eateries as well as being a centre for boat hire on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (see visitbrecon.org)
- A bit further afield if your fancy a tour by car of the Brecons scenery, Crickhowell (just over 50 minutes by car across the magnificent scenery) is in the east of the National Park and is a lovely market town with nice restaurants and walks along the River Usk (see visitcrickhowell.wales)
- Llandeilo (again just over an hour) gives an excuse to explore the west of the National Park, through totally different scenery. Smaller than Crickowell, it nonetheless has good range of antique shops and shushy coffee shops/delicatessans.
- The ‘Big Pit National Coal Museum’ (postcode NP4 9XP) is about an hour away by car. All museums in Wales are free and Big Pit is brilliant – go down into the mine and get a guided tour of a coal mine as it used to be and learn about local heritage. Humbling and truly eye-opening! museum.wales
- The Penderyn Whisky distillery (about 15 minutes by car in the local village) offers guided tours and masterclasses (penderyn.wales) what3words : nourished.snoozing.mallets
- If you fancy an adrelalin rush, try visiting Zip World at Rhigos, Hirwaun, only 20 minutes away. This’ adventure hub’ is based at the old Tower Colliery site and has stunning panoramic views from three zipwire rides (including a tandem ride). You are advised to book in advance either online or 01248 601444. More info, FAQs etc at zipworld.co.uk
- Dare Valley Country Park has 200 acres of family fun with a bike trail (bring your own or hire on-site), horse riding, an adventure playground, picnic areas and a café. Search Dare Valley Country Park or call 01685 874672.
Caving for enthusiasts and all the family
- The area is a mecca for caving enthusiasts. Porth yr Ogof cave (ogof.org.uk) lies just below the Cwm Porth car park at the road end of the track to the cottage and its exploration is strictly for enthusiasts.
- The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is an international visitor attraction suitable for all ages and good for bad weather. It includes a Shire Horse Centre. (what3 words location: cosmic.greet.narrating and website showcaves.co.uk). It is about 30 minutes drive from the village. If using Google maps, choose the northern route via Heol-Senni as it is more scenic.
Cycling
The cottage is an ideal base for cycling enthusiasts by road or by mountain bike. Bikes can be stored out of view behind the cottage where there is a hose/ bike washoff.
Eating out:
New Inn Pub, Ystradfellte (01639 721014). A good walk back along the track, through the Cwm Porth car park and woods to the village. About 40 minutes each way if walking. What3words : screen.discount.enchanted
The Red Lion Inn, Penderyn (01685 811914). Wonderful gastro pub. Booking advised. Round trip walk for the adventurous via (and under) Sgwd yr Eira waterfall – about two hours on foot each way. Or drive. What3words : months.motorist.solaar
Range of takeaways in Penderyn – see internet
Wide selection of coffee houses and restaurants in Brecon – 40 minutes drive
Food Shops
The nearest good small supermarket is in Hirwaun about 20 minutes drive. What3words location is : croutons.rewarding.coffee There is a large Morrisons and an Aldi in Brecon.
Food Shops
The nearest good small supermarket is in Hirwaun about 20 minutes drive. What3words location is : croutons.rewarding.coffee There is a large Morrisons and an Aldi in Brecon.