Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vale of Ewyas
The scenic and secluded valley of the River Honddu runs through the heart of the Black
Mountains from Llanfihangel Crucorney to the 542m-high Gospel Pass, which leads
down to Hay-on-Wye. It's a magical place, with only a very narrow, single-track road run-
ning along it, best explored on foot, bike or horseback.
The first place you encounter descending from the Black Mountains is Capel-y-Ffin - a
hamlet with monastic ruins and two churches, including the picturesque whitewashed
18th-century church of Mary the Virgin.
Halfway along the valley lie the atmospheric ruins of the 13th-century
Llanthony Priory
,
set among grasslands and wooded hills by the River Honddu. Though not as grand as Tin-
tern Abbey, the setting is even more romantic; JMW Turner painted the scene in 1794.
The tiny stone-vaulted bar of the hotel (
Click here
)
, adjoining the abbey, makes an atmo-
spheric drink stop.
Llanthony Riding and Trekking
( 01873-890359;
www.llanthony.co.uk
;
Court Farm;
half-/full day beginners £30/55, experienced £40/65)
, next door to Llanthony Priory and the Abbey
Hotel, has horses available for pony trekking and hacking. Half-day rides begin at 10am
and 2pm. It also offers basic campsites (per person £3) and rents self-catering cottages.
There are lots of walking possibilities. From Llanthony, several paths lead up to the top
of the Hatterall Ridge to the east; it's a stiff climb, but straightforward (2 to 3 miles round
trip). For a more ambitious hike, follow the ridge north for 4 miles then descend to Vision
Farm, then walk back along the valley road to Llanthony (9 miles round trip).
Sleeping
Llanthony Priory Hotel
( 01873-890487;
www.llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk
; r from £80)
Seemingly growing out of the priory ru-
ins, and incorporating some of the original medieval buildings, the Priory Hotel is won-
derfully atmospheric, with four-poster beds, stone spiral staircases and rooms squeezed in-
to turrets; there are only five rooms and no en suites.
INN
££
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