Location

Ffyynon Gynydd

Hafan is located on the edge of Ffyynon Gynydd common, site of the holy St Cynidr well. It is within a Welsh Area of Natural Beauty, surrounded by common land, rolling hillside and fields, with grazing sheep and cows providing an authentic Welsh country experience. The property enjoys magnificent panoramic views of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. There are numerous and varied walks from the doorstep, including: down through ancient woodlands to Glasbury-on-Wye; across the common and adjacent Maesllwch Castle estates; or up onto the Begwyn Hills.

The Begwyns

The Begwyns are a range of hills situated north of Ffynnon Gynydd. It is a large upland area owned by the National Trust encompassing a wild and rolling landscape of common land. These moorlands are populated with sheep and wild ponies, and with small pools which attract wildlife and waterfowl. It is a gentle walk to the highest point “the roundabout”. National Trust describe this walk as “a mountain top walk with none of the climb”! This will give you a 360-degree expansive view of Pen y Fan, Black Mountains and the Radnor Hills. There are some interesting historical locations in the Begwyns including Twm Tobaccos Grave and Llewelyn’s Cave where Llywelyn ap Gruffudd the last king of Wales hid from capture.

Glasbury-on-Wye

The village of Glasbury-on-Wye is a 2-mile drive or a gentle walk downhill from the property along a pretty woodland path. It is nestled on both sides of the River Wye from where there is a launch point for canoes, kayaks and SUP’s. There is a stony beach (“The Bont”) which is popular for picnics, sunbathing and paddling in the river. The traditional Welsh Pub, The Harp, has good bar snacks. The hotel Foyles has a lovely restaurant and serves evening meals, lunches and excellent afternoon teas. It is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. There is a convenient village shop and Post Office at the local garage which also has a food takeaway and excellent bacon rolls! 

Hay-on-Wye

A short drive takes you to the historic Welsh market town Hay-on-Wye which is famous for the internationally renowned Hay Literary Festival at the end of May and the Winter Literary Festival at the beginning of December. It is also the largest second-hand bookshop town in the world. There are food markets here every Thursday and throughout the year. The castle in the centre of town has been extensively renovated and is now a centre for arts, literature and learning, hosting exhibitions, tours, events, shop and café. There is a wide range of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants and a good range of independent, local boutiques and shops.

Talgarth

Talgarth is a small market town and the “gateway to the Black Mountains”. It is famous for its Walking Festival. There is a spectacular waterfall walk and the renovated watermill, bakery and café is worth a visit.

The Black Mountains

The Black Mountains provide a dramatic and rugged landscape with far reaching views of the sprawling hills of Radnor and the old valleys of Hereford. The road “Gospel Pass” is the highest pass in Wales and is the road from Hay-on-Wye to Llanthony Priory with its old ruins and pub. On the highest point of the mountain range, you often see hang gliding. A pub/restaurant worth visiting is the Bulls Head at Craswell and also the Bridge at Michaelchurch Escley.

Brecon Beacons

Brecon is a larger market town steeped in history. There is an annual jazz festival every August. It is a gateway to Bannau Brycheiniog (previously Brecon Beacons National Park) and named by New York Times as one of best places in the world to visit in 2024. At number 18 on their list, the New York Times praised the national park for the recent official name-change, and notably for "conserving Welsh culture amongst scenic mountains". The new logo now has an ancient Welsh crown set within a green forest under stars, a reflection of the park’s commitment to a future where planting native trees restores temperate rainforest, the revegetation of peatland captures carbon and the dark sky is protected from light pollution.

The national park in Powys is home to mountains such as Pen-y-Fan (the highest peak in Southern Britain), Corn Du, and Craig Gwaun Taf and the “waterfall country” which is accessed from the village of Pontneddfechan. The mountain centre at Libanus is recommended.