Tourist Information
Suggested Stops for a Light Lunch
HAY-ON-WYE
THE OLD ELECTRIC SHOP, Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye (5.3 miles) A one stop shop for hip and chic decorative items, new and vintage clothing, books, cards etc plus the best café in town (Lebanese vegetarian). www.oldelectric.co.uk What3words ///reset.light.nest
HAY CASTLE CAFE Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye (5.2 miles) Tel: 07546 345280 What3words ///thudded.summer.fights
THE TREEHOUSE CAFE, By The Wye (near the bridge), Hay-on-Wye (5.5 miles)A new family-friendly cafe serving drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Best to park in town. What3words ///interests.venturing.certainly
BURGER ME @ THE GLOBE AT HAY Hay-on-Wye (5.4 miles)Booking advised. Events venue also serving food – check website for times.Tel: 01497 821042 What3words ///tamed.paraded.heckler
THE COSY CAFE High Town, Hay-on-Wye (5.2 miles)Tel: 07968 783325 What3words ///waltzed.coarser.folders
SHEPHERDS ICE CREAM PARLOUR, High Town, Hay-on-Wye (5.1 miles) Tel: 01497 821898 What3words ///unfair.plankton.joyously
Suggested Restaurants & Pubs
HAY-ON-WYE
CHAPTERS, Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye (5.4 miles) chaptershayonwye.co.ukTel: 07855 783799 What3words ///decorated.livid.datingFine dining with locally sourced food, recently awarded Best Restaurant/Food Eatery in Wales (Slow Food).
TOMATITOS TAPAS BAR, Hay-on-Wye (5.6 miles) www.haytomatitos.co.uk Tel: 01497 820772 What3words ///insurance.gong.showcase
THREE TUNS, Broad St, Hay-on-Wye (5.3 miles) Tel: 01497 821855 What3words ///bakers.masses.regular
THE OLD BLACK LION, Lion street, Hay-on-Wye (5.4 miles) www.oldblacklion.co.ukTel: 01497 820841 What3words ///escaping.inflamed.cherubs
THE BLUE BOAR, Castle St, Hay-on-Wye (5.1 miles) Tel: 01497 820884 What3words ///jiffy.scornful.tripled
OTHER LOCAL STOPS
THE FELIN FACH GRIFFIN, Felin Fach, Brecon (8.9 miles) www.eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk Tel: 01874 620111 What3words ///staked.star.stretcherGastro pub, recently named in the top 7 pubs in the UK for Sunday lunch (Times).
FOYLES Glasbury (4.1 miles) foylesofglasbury.co.uk Tel: 01497 847550 What3words //////acute.control.confronts
THE THREE HORSESHOES Velindre (3.6 miles)Tel: 01497 847304 What3words ///insurers.grazes.heartburn
THE BULLS HEAD INN Crasswell (8.2 miles - scenic route!) Tel: 01981 510616 www.wildbynaturellp.com/the-bulls-head-inn Excellent gastropub-amazing location What3words ///kitchens.perfected.grass
THE BRIDGE INN, Michaelchurch Escley, Herefordshire (13.4 miles) Tel: 01981 510646 What3words ///weeks.them.dockers"Lovers of good meat and beer flock to The Bridge Inn" – The Telegraphwww.thebridgeinnmichaelchurch.co.uk
Entertainment
RICHARD BOOTHS CINEMA, Hay-on-Wye (5 miles) Tickets.boothbooks.co.uk What3words ///dolls.giggle.pretty
THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye (5.4 miles) www.theglobeathay.co.uk What3words ///tamed.paraded.heckler
THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Brecon (13.5 miles)www.brycheiniog.co.uk What3words ///helpers.blocking.prowl
WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE & CINEMA, Builth Wells (16.5 miles)www.wyeside.co.uk What3words ///harvest.failed.fails
Exploring Outdoors
Please plan ahead and ensure you are well prepared for the terrain, and any changes in the weather. Even what looks like a short walk up a mountain-side can get tricky if the weather conditions change quickly. Ensure that you have sufficient supplies of food and water for your trip, and fully charged mobile devices.
National Park: Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains www.breconbeacons.orgTwmpa and Hay Bluff are the two mountains that Blaen-y-Cwm overlooks. Get out and explore by following a trail, or pick out a route along footpaths using an OS Map - or one of the many websites and apps available (OSmaps.com, plotaroute.com etc).
Local River Wye: The Warren (Hay-On-Wye), Glasbury & ErwoodThe River Wye stretches for 134 miles along the border of England and Wales. Follow part of the Wye Valley Walk, or access the river at:
THE WARREN (HAY-ON-WYE): There is a car park (What3words ///surveyors.node.urban to ///clincher.moats.memo), but it’s best to walk up river from Hay bridge as the track to the car park is often unmaintained.
GLASBURY: Next to the main road with toilet facilities, this is a popular spot on a summers’ day (What3words ///credit.enough.healthier).
ERWOOD/ABEREDW: More secluded and with Erwood Craft Centre to visit as well, this is a lovely place to see the River Wye. Park at the Craft Centre (What3words ///talking.mock.lurching) and follow the path to the side and up river for about 15 minutes until it drops down beside the river.
Local Waterfalls
PWLL-Y-WRACH NATURE RESERVE, Talgarth (4.6 miles) A lovely local wooded walk to a waterfall and “witches pool”. What3words ///butchers.launch.wiped
WATER BREAK ITS NECK, New Radnor (27.3 miles) A great waterfall to explore, but the path can be a bit awkward in bad weather.What3words ///help.unsigned.resonated
Lake Attractions
LLANGORSE LAKE (9.5 miles) What3words ///rave.proved.forehand www.llangorselake.co.uk/the-lake.htmlA large array of boats and water sports are available on the lake, including kayaks, canadian canoes, pedaloes and stand up paddleboards. Set in a beautiful location, it’s also ideal for bird watching, fishing and walking.
LLANDRINDOD WELLS LAKE PARK (23.5 miles) A circular walk/cycle, woodland walk, a lovely children’s play area, a sand pit, pedalos and paddle boarding, a gift shop with ice cream, a cafe with a view, duck feeding… What more could you want? What3words ///fixated.skate.treaties
Other Places to Explore
SUGARLOAF & USK VALLEY (23.1 miles) The Sugarloaf and Usk Valley is where the Black Mountains give way to green open pastures. The Sugarloaf mountain looks over the market town of Abergavenny, offering glorious views towards mid-Wales in one direction and south-west England in another. What3words ///monkeys.stiletto.bashful
ELAN VALLEY (31.9 miles) Beautiful scenery perfect for walking and cycling, with impressive reservoirs and dams. Also great easy walks for younger or older explorers, and the Visitor Centre makes a great lunch stop (also has a kids play area). www.elanvalley.org.uk What3words ///charging.walls.slipping
OFFA'S DYKE PATHOffa's Dyke is a National (walking) Trail that follows the English-Welsh border for 177 miles, from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north, passing through Hay-on-Wye. offasdyke.org.uk
GOSPEL PASS & CAPEL-Y-FFINYou may have noticed a Capel-y-ffin sign or two on your way to Blaen-y-cwm. Turn right as you leave the gate at the end of the track to Blaen-y-cwm, following this winding lane until you reach Hay Bluff. Take a right and follow the very scenic (and narrow) Gospel Pass all the way to Abergavenny [NB road has a tendency to be closed due to landslides, so have a plan B just in case!].
Visitor Attractions
TALGARTH MILL (3.8 miles)A fully restored 18th century flour mill offering guided tours and a cafe in the centre of Talgarth. What3words ///bluntly.fussy.dishes
FARMER’ WELSH LAVENDER, Builth Wells (17.2 miles) Visit the farm near Builth Wells (scenic drive!), or their shop in Hay-on-Wye (///profited.inquest.alienated). Their farm also offers wild swimming.www.welshlavender.com What3words ///burns.uniform.suiting
CANTREF ADVENTURE FARM, Brecon (17.9 miles) An adventure farm with an outdoor and indoor play area and café, and plenty of events throughout the year. You can also organise trekking from here. www.cantref.com What3words ///blanking.respect.cotton
SMALL BREEDS FARM PARK AND OWL CENTRE, Kington (18.5 miles)A friendly farm park that gives children the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with lots of exciting farm animals, and see a wide range of owls.www.owlcentre.com What3words ///park.funds.regulates
QUACKERS INDOOR PLAY CENTRE, Newbridge-on-Wye (22.2 miles) A play centre for children, where adults can join in the fun! Indoor and outdoor.www.quackersnow.com What3words ///florists.tablet.cactus
BIG PIT, Blaenafon (29.2 miles) Find out about an important part of Welsh history. The Big Pit is a real coal mine offering regular underground tours, with a museum attached. museum.wales/bigpit What3words ///lonely.uttering.giggle
THE SPACEGUARD CENTRE & OBSERVATORY, Knighton (30.2 miles) spaceguardcentre.com What3words ///rewarding.indeed.meatballA working observatory offering guided tours.
DAN-YR-OGOF SHOWCAVES, Abercrave (34.4 miles) The National Showcaves Centre For Wales. An underground world of stalagmite, stalactites. Also a dinosaur museum, a Shire horse centre and an Iron Age farm!www.showcaves.co.uk What3words ///deluded.bearings.fussy
BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY, Merthyr Tydfil (35.7 miles) A little steam train that runs along the reservoir; perfect for children that love Thomas the Tank Engine! www.bmr.wales What3words ///meals.forum.weds
Adventure Activities
GEOCACHING “The world's largest treasure hunt.” Use the app to navigate to a hidden geocache, and follow the clues to find it. www.geocaching.com
WALK HAY Guided walks for all abilities, or hire Sarah as your personal guide. www.walkhay.co.uk
BLACK MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE, Three Cocks (3.5 miles) All sorts of activities are on offer, from rock climbing, archery, canoeing and shooting to high level ropes. www.blackmountain.co.uk What3words ///camp.hardback.boast
BLACK MOUNTAINS GLIDING CLUB, Talgarth (8 miles) Book your own gliding experience!www.blackmountainsgliding.co.uk What3words ///tutorial.slug.megawatt
MOUNTAIN MAYHEM, Craswall (11.1 miles) Hovercrafts, quad bikes, off road driving, paintballing etc www.mountainmayhem.com What3words ///exotic.shins.along
LLANGORSE MULTI-ACTIVITY & ROPE CENTRE, Llangorse (12.2 miles) Indoor & outdoor rock climbing, bouldering, rope bridges, a zip line, caving and abseiling, including a challenge obstacle course for 6-12 year olds. They also offer horse riding. www.activityuk.com What3words ///sudden.owned.weaned
HEREFORDSHIRE RACEWAY, Weobley (19.5 miles) 600 metre kart track for ages 8 and over. www.herefordshireraceway.org.uk What3words ///dupe.tins.topmost
ALPACA TREKKING, near Brecon (19.7 miles)Take an alpaca for a walk in the National Park!alpacamyboots.com What3words //////soccer.dilute.dabbling
DARE VALLEY GRAVITY, Aberdare CF44 7PT (36 miles)Family friendly bike park with pump track. Uplift and bike hire. darevalleygravity.co.uk What3words ///disclose.branching.memory
BIKE PARK WALES, Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, Merthyr Tydfil (37 miles)Over 40 all-weather trails for all levels and abilities. Uplift and bike hire. www.bikeparkwales.com What3words ///sling.forum.critic
Horse Riding/Pony Trekking
TREGOYD MOUNTAIN RIDERS, Tregoed (4.1 miles) www.tregoydriding.co.uk What3words ///exits.router.websites
LLANGORSE MULTI-ACTIVITY CENTRE, Llangorse (12.2 miles) www.activityuk.com What3words ///sudden.owned.weaned
BRYNGWYN RIDING CENTRE, Bryngwyn (14.6 miles) www.ridinginwales.com What3words ///penny.revealing.escalated
Canoe/Kayak (/Paddle Board) Hire
WANT TO CANOE, Hay-on-Wye (5.6 miles) canoehire.co.uk What3words ///cork.grand.period
WYE VALLEY CANOES, Glasbury-on-Wye (3.6 miles) www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk What3words ///poses.across.brains
CANOE HIRE WALES, Three Cocks (3.5 miles) www.canoehirewales.co.uk What3words ///camp.hardback.boast
Cycle Hire
DROVERS CYCLES, Hay-on-Wye (5.2 miles) Including e-bikes, kids bikes and trailers. Bike drop-off service also available.www.drovercycles.co.uk What3words ///magma.shipyards.haunts
Country Sports
Fishing
The River Wye is the finest Salmon River south of the border and is also popular for coarse fishing. Before anyone can fish the Wye, an Authority Rod License must be obtained plus a permit to fish in the chosen section of the river. These are available at the local tackle dealers, hotel or angling association that own the fishing rights over that particular stretch of water. It is advisable to check on the local by-laws and regulations as to which fish may be caught where and the minimum size. Public fishing is available in Hay-on-Wye but information of the designated stretch of water must be obtained when purchasing a permit.
WARREN FISHERY (WYE RIVER) FW Golesworthy & Sons, 17 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye Tel: 01497 820491www.haywarren.org.uk/fish.html What3words ///petal.roost.handrail
THE WYE AND USK FOUNDATION FISHING PASSPORT Tel: 01874 712074 www.fishingpassport.co.uk
DDERW FARM POOLS, Dderw Farm, Llyswen, nr Three Cocks (6 miles) Tel: 01874 754224 What3words ///decrease.exhaling.nowadays
RHYDLYDAN FISHERY, Rhydlydan, Painscastle, nr Hay-on-Wye (12.5 miles) Tel: 01497 851222 What3words ///darling.pulses.blogs
GLUDY LAKE, Cradoc, Brecon LD3 9PA (14.9 miles) Tel: 01874 610 626 www.gludy.co.uk/fishing.html What3words ///easygoing.brick.caveman
FURTHER DETAILS AND MORE LOCATIONS: fishingguidewales.co.uk/powys-south/
Golf
RHOSGOCH GOLF CLUB, Rhosgoch, nr Hay-on-Wye (10.7 miles) Tel: 01497 85125 Bar is open to the public, serving food, with Sunday carvery (booking advised)rhosgoch-golf.co.uk What3words ///attention.usages.outfitter
BUILTH WELLS GOLF CLUB, Golf Links Road, Builth Wells (19.2 miles) Tel: 01982 553296 www.builthwellsgolf.co.uk What3words ///poppy.engineers.conforms
KINGTON GOLF COURSE, Bradnor Hill, Kington (20.3 miles)Tel: 01544 230 340 www.kingtongolf.co.uk What3words ///grace.cluttered.cares
LLANDRINDOD GOLF CLUB, Llandrindod Wells, nr Llandrindod Lake (25.1 miles)Tel: 01597 822247 www.lwgc.co.uk What3words ///convinced.spot.decay
CELTIC MANOR, Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, Newport (46.3 miles) www.celtic-manor.com/home/golf/ What3words ///flip.fell.shop
Shooting
HARDWICK SPORTING www.hardwicksporting.com/tregoyd
Castles & History
HAY CASTLE, Hay-on-Wye (5.2 miles) www.haycastletrust.org Restored and reopened in 2022, with free entry into grounds, cafe and shop.What3words ///gossiping.pace.limped (entrance via gardens nr main car park)What3words ///accordion.cold.sourcing (stepped entrance from town)
BRONLLYS CASTLE, nr Bronllys (6.7 miles) Great 13th century tower (free) cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/bronllys-castle What3words ///toads.cheeks.square
LLANTHONY PRIORY, nr Abergavenny (11.7 miles) An Augustinian Priory, built 1103, with substantial ruins left which are interesting to walk around (Free). cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llanthony-prioryWhat3words ///jumped.airbase.salutes
CROFT CASTLE Yarpole, near Leominster (31.1 miles) Home to the Croft family for nearly 1000 years, this castle has many powerful stories to Uncover. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle-and-parklandWhat3words ///darkens.uniform.snuggled
RAGLAN CASTLE (32.2 miles) Large mediaeval castle to explore cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/raglan-castleWhat3words ///split.loaf.blurs
CYFARTHFA CASTLE, Merthyr Tydfil (32.2 miles) Museum, art gallery, gardens, lake, children’s play area, model railway etc www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions/cyfarthfa-park-and-castle/What3words ///sting.humans.goat
HAMPTON COURT CASTLE, nr Leominster (34.6 miles) A beautiful castle with parkland, exciting mazes and vast gardens. www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Tel: 01568 797777 What3words ///breed.ranges.peach
BERRINGTON HALL, nr Leominster (34.7 miles) A neo-classical mansion with fine interiors, set in landscape grounds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berrington-hall Tel: 01568 615721 What3words ///tightrope.encourage.items
THE KYMIN, Monmouth (42.5 miles) An 18th-century Round House and Naval Temple, standing proudly atop a prominent hill overlooking Monmouth and the beautiful Wye Valley. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/the-kymin Tel: 01874 625515What3words ///stunts.tells.drizzly
Churches
CHURCH OF ST EIGON, Llanigon (3 miles) It has been the focus of restoration work on several occasions, the most recent as a result of the Second World War. What3words ///claw.pens.chin
ST DAVID Llanddew (11.7 miles) Built on the site of a celtic Christian community, the 12th century cruciform church contains 13th century lancet windows and transept, and a 17th century Tower. The church was restored in the early 20th century.What3words ///minority.proclaims.crumple
BRECON CATHEDRAL, The Cathedral Close, Brecon (13.2miles) www.breconcathedral.org.uk Tel: 01874 623344 What3words ///bedspread.mugs.renamed
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, Bryngwyn, nr Hay-on-Wye (14 miles)Third highest church in Wales, housing an ancient Christianised pagan stone with Ogham script ascribed to the 7th– 9th centuries. A great place to walk from too. What3words ///visitors.distorts.nests
ST MAELOG, Llandefaelog Fach, Brecon (14.7 miles) The 17th century church has a 15th-16th century tower with 19th century reredos, marble arcading, carved choir stalls, 13th century font, 16th century monuments and 10th century cross slab. What3words ///hiking.trespass.geek
ST ISSUI’S CHURCH, Patrishow, Abervavenny (21.8 miles) The church was restored in the early 20th century and is noted for its beautifully carved 16th century rood screen and loft, mediaeval stone altars, wall paintings and many other interesting features. It houses one of the oldest fonts in Wales.What3words ///ballooned.matter.mailboxes
Gardens
For the complete list please view: www.gardensofwales.org.uk
HERGEST CROFT GARDENS, Kington (19.4 miles)Shortlisted for National Garden of The Year Award 2023! www.hergest.co.uk What3words ///auctioned.revolting.button
THE WEIR GARDEN, Hereford, (20.1 miles)Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir sits within unspoilt Herefordshire countryside and has many historical secrets to uncover.www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/the-weir-gardenWhat3words ///strict.bins.selection
WESTONBURY MILL WATER GARDENS, Pembridge, Kington (22 miles)Five acres of gardens with Cafe and plant nursery, with unique follies to explore. www.westonburymillwatergardens.comWhat3words ///appointed.trail.fumes
WESTBURY COURT GARDEN, Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire (49.4 Miles) Dutch water garden - a rare and beautiful survival. Originally laid out between 1696 and 1705, this is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/westbury-court-gardenWhat3words ///those.reputable.mountains
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES, Carmarthen (56 miles)A relatively young botanic garden, planted for the millennium, well worth a visit! www.gardenofwales.org.uk What3words ///making.partly.frail