Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RED KITES
Even the least diligent bird watcher is sure to spot red kites in the Brecon Beacons. The birds are magnificent, and
pleasingly easy to identify, with their rust-red plumage, forked tails, 2m wingspan and easy gliding motion. Red
kites have a small body in relation to their long wings, meaning they can stay airborne for long periods.
The birds were eradicated from England, Scotland and most of Wales by landowners who thought them re-
sponsible for preying on livestock; in fact, the kites are primarily scavengers. Their reintroduction across the UK
has been a great success, with separate populations spreading and breeding with each other, thus strengthening the
gene pool.
Wales alone now has more than 600 breeding pairs, whose great presence and grace will enhance your visit to
the Brecon Beacons. You can watch them close up during feeding time at the Red Kite Centre ( Click here ) .
Sleeping
Skirrid Inn
( 01873-890258; www.skirridmountaininn.co.uk ; Llanfihangel Crucorney; d £90) Those with a taste for the
macabre and ghostly will love this place. Wales' oldest inn (dating prior to 1110) once
doubled as a court and over 180 people were hanged here. Just so you don't forget, a
noose dangles from the well-worn hanging beam directly outside the doors to the bed-
rooms.
PUB ££
Partrishow Church
Halfway up a hillside on a narrow country lane, 5 miles northwest of Llanfihangel Crucor-
ney, is this tiny part-Norman and part-medieval church. It contains a remarkable, finely
carved wooden rood screen and loft, dating from around 1500. On the walls are medieval
frescoes of biblical texts, coats of arms, and a red-ochre skeleton (once believed to have
been painted with human blood) bearing hourglass and scythe - the figure of Death. The
church is usually open; leave a donation in the box.
Down the hill from the church at the corner of the road is a spring, with flowers, toys
and other offerings strewn about and ribbons tied in an overhanging tree. Known as the
Holy Well of St Issui , it is believed to have healing powers and has long been a pilgrimage
site: near the spring is a pilgrim stone carved with a Maltese Cross.
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