Llanthony Priory 3-Day Self-Guided Walk, Wales
Discover the tranquil Vale of Ewyas and enjoy magnificent views of the Wye Valley on this 3 day walk through the Black Mountains at the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
£225 per person based on two people sharing
Greentraveller's Top Tips: If time allows after this lovely walking holiday, why not spend awhile exploring the charming market town of Abergavenny before hopping on the train onwards. A range of local market days take place on different days of the week and month. Depending on when you’re visiting, a wander through the stalls of the retail market, antique fair or farmers market is highly recommended. Alternatively, every day with sunshine is a great relaxation in Bailey Park.
>> For more on green travel in the region, see our Guide to Sustainable Tourism in Brecon Beacons
Overview of Llanthony Priory Walking Holiday
Discover the tranquil Vale of Ewyas and enjoy magnificent views of the Wye Valley on this 3-day walk through the Black Mountains at the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The area is dramatic both in terms of its landscape and heritage and was once a wild border region, the scene of violent skirmishes in the Middle Ages. Today, the ruins of Llanthony Priory lie in peaceful isolation. Walkers looking for solitude and expansive landscapes will not be disappointed, and the booktown of Hay on Wye provides great pubs and shops at the start and end of the tour. The path is generally well defined but the walk does involve some steeper climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to navigate is recommended.
Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Hay-on-Wye.
Day 2: Hay-on-Wye to Llanthony - 14 miles (22 km) The walk leaves Hay-on-Wye on Offa's Dyke path, a trail that roughly follows the ancient earthwork that once formed the Welsh-English border. The path climbs relatively steadily, leaving the rolling fields and woodland behind and emerges onto a wide open expanse of springy turf. A short but steep climb leads up to Hay Bluff, where you can lean against the trig point – at 677 metres – to regain your breath and enjoy fantastic views of the Wye Valley and Central Beacons away to the West. Keep an eye open for wild horses, which often roam on the surrounding moorland. A few miles along the ridge, look out for a tiny hamlet below you in the valley - this is Capel-y-Ffin, where the tiny, whitewashed St Mary's Chapel was built in 1762.
Day 3: Llanthony to Craswall - 7 miles (11 km) Spend some time exploring the priory before you embark today. It has been a holy site since 1118 and has a wonderful sense of tranquility. Wander between the graceful arches before tackling the climb up onto the ridge! Enjoy more great views over Herefordshire and the Malvern Hills as you descend from the high ground to the Olchon Valley in the afternoon.
Day 4: Craswall to Hay-on-Wye - 9 miles (14 km) A relatively easy day to finish, with the route initially staying close to the valley floor, and providing superb views of Crib y Garth, the Cat's Back ridge. Craswall and the ruins of another priory lie en route. Descend through farmland and wooded glades to the finish in Hay-on-Wye.
What price includes
- 3 nights accommodation in quality B&Bs, Inns & small hotels
- Daily luggage transfer, so your baggage is waiting for you
- Detailed, customised maps, with your daily walk highlighted
- Written route notes with directions & background information
- Transfers to/from the nearest rail/bus station at start/end
- Cooked breakfast included
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hay-on-Wye or Abergavenny Railway Station
Abergavenny Railway Station
Transfer to meeting point:
Operator collects guests from station
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Hay-on-Wye or Abergavenny Railway Station
Abergavenny Railway Station
Transfer to finish point:
Operator drops guests off at station
