Welsh Borders & Brecons

The dramatic landscape of the Welsh Borders encompasses the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains, and is of sweeping views and of rugged escarpments, mountains and untamed moorland. See panoramas that stretch into the distance and take your breath away.

Lying to the east of the Beacons is the Wye Valley, hailed as the most romantic valley in Wales. Ancient woodlands on the valley sides have created a haven for wildlife, with varied species of trees, wildflowers and birds. Visit Tintern Abbey, the romantic 13th-century ruins that inspired Wordsworth and Turner. Explore Monmouth, famous as the birthplace of Henry V, who won the battle of Agincourt. A few miles to the southwest is Raglan Castle, with a hexagonal moated keep. On the other side of Monmouth is the Forest of Dean, a 40-sq-mile (105-sq-km) former royal hunting ground criss-crossed by trails. The Borders’ most famed destination is Hay-on-Wye. Its many book shops have helped make it the biggest second-hand book centre in the world.

There are three circular tours to discover and enjoy the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains and the beautiful Elan Valley, as well as the Wye Valley’s stunning beauty and chequered history between the ancient clans and Kings.

Tour Highlights

Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park
Discover the beautiful Wye Valley
Wander around the ruins of the extraordinary Tintern Abbey
See the magnificent Raglan Castle
Stroll around Hay-on-Wye, the ‘town of books’
Drive across the Abergywsen Pass and up the Devil’s Staircase
See the unusual Devil’s Bridge
Enjoy some spirited driving along the Elan Valley

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Check in to the Hotel

47 Miles

Arrive at your leisure anytime after 3pm. It’s a lovely journey up the Usk Valley to the eponymous market town with its own castle. If you arrive early, why not enjoy a delightful Welsh afternoon tea on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the valley, possibly with a glass of Champagne.

Day 2: The Wye Valley

132 Miles

The first circular tour will lead you along the path of the old strongholds of the Normans as they fought to keep the Welsh armies at bay. You will discover untold histories and witness ancient architecture as well as enjoy a fabulous spot of lunch in the most charming of country pubs that overlook these wonderful relics of our time. Drive south to Crickhowell and take a stroll around the pretty town which grew up around Alisby’s Castle, now a picturesque ruin and then Abergavenny overlooked by the Sugarloaf Mountain, and then onto Monmouth. In Agincourt Square is a statue of CS Rolls, of Rolls-Royce fame, whose family lived near here. Drive on to Raglan – home to one of Britain’s finest ruins, Raglan Castle, which was ransacked during the Civil War. Heading north through the gorgeous Wye Valley, past the ruins of Tintern Abbey and stopping for a fabulous lunch at a renowned pub on the way. Head up over the Black Mountains to Hay-on-Wye, ‘Town of Books’, known for its beautiful architecture and renowned for its literary festival and the extraordinary number of second-hand bookshops throughout the town.

Day 3: The Brecon Beacons

120 Miles

Today’s tour leads you deep into the heart of the Beacons. Witnessing some of the most spectacular valley views and scenic wonders this country has to offer, you will have an extravagantly beautiful drive. Drive south to Talybont and then across the Brecon Beacons on some wonderful roads. drop down into the valleys, to the edge of the former coal-mining areas, before driving the fabulous Black Mountain Pass to Llandovery. Continue onto Brecon, which is a pure delight, encircled by hills at the meeting point of the Rivers Usk and Honddu. Return to the hotel.

Day 4: Abergwysen Pass & Eland Valley

105 Miles

Leave the hotel and head for the beautiful Abergwysen Pass and the Devil’s Staircase. Pass through delightful Welsh villages and towns which were built on the back of the droving communities. Head north to Devil’s Bridge (three bridges of different eras) and then head south down the stunning Elan Valley and on to Builth Wells. Return to the hotel.

Day 5: Depart for Home

Depart for home after a hearty Welsh breakfast.

Where we'll stay

Set in 17 acres of beautiful gardens, Llangoed Hall offers luxurious accommodation. Dating from 1632, Llangoed Hall is in the picturesque Wye Valley and 12 miles from the popular market town of Brecon. Each of the spacious rooms is individually decorated and furnished and many rooms have stunning Black Mountain views. The hall was formerly the home of Sir Bernard and Laura Ashley. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant offers a superb menu, with locally-sourced produce, including fruit and vegetables from the hotel’s own organic gardens. A full Welsh breakfast is provided. There are also many onsite activities such as falconry, clay-pigeon shooting and fishing.

What's included

Requirements

Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, and relish individual, character hotels.