Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01874-665387;
www.peterstone-court.com
; A40, Llanhamlach; mains £17-19; 8am-10pm)
The genteel
environment of a Georgian manor house is a very good starting point for a memorable
dining experience. Peterstone Court has the added advantage of serving produce from its
own farm, turned out by a Ritz-trained chef who won the Welsh International Culinary
Championships in 2010.
CLIMBING PEN-Y-FAN
One of the most popular hikes in the national park is the ascent of Pen-y-Fan (886m), the highest peak in the Bre-
con Beacons (around 120,000 people each year make the climb, giving it the nickname 'the motorway'). The
shortest route to the summit begins at the Pont ar Daf car park on the A470, 10 miles southwest of Brecon. It's a
steep but straightforward slog up a deeply eroded path (now paved with natural stone) to the summit of Corn Du
(873m), followed by a short dip and final ascent to Pen-y-Fan (4.5 miles round trip; allow three hours). A slightly
longer (5.5 miles round trip), but just as crowded, path starts at the Storey Arms outdoor centre, 1 mile to the
north. The X43 and various Beacons Buses stop at the Storey Arms. (Note: the Storey Arms is not a pub!)
You can avoid the crowds by choosing one of the longer routes on the north side of the mountain, which also
have the advantage of more interesting views on the way up. The best starting point is the Cwm Gwdi car park, at
the end of a minor road 3.5 miles southwest of Brecon. From here, you follow a path along the crest of the Cefn
Cwm Llwch ridge, with great views of the neighbouring peaks, with a final steep scramble up to the summit. The
round trip from the car park is 7 miles; allow three to four hours. Starting and finishing in Brecon, the total dis-
tance is 14 miles.
Remember that Pen-y-Fan is a serious mountain - the weather can change rapidly and people have to be res-
cued here every year. Wear hiking boots and take warm clothes, waterproofs, and a map and compass. You can
get advice and weather forecasts at the National Park Visitor Centre or from the
Met Office
(
0870 900 0100;
Getting There & Away
Bus X43 connects Crickhowell with Abergavenny (17 minutes), Brecon (26 minutes),
Merthyr Tydfil (1½ hours) and Cardiff (2¼ hours).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Brecon (Aberhonddu)
POP 8250
The handsome stone market town of Brecon stands at the meeting of the Rivers Usk and
Honddu. For centuries the town thrived as a centre of wool production and weaving; today
it's the main hub of the national park and a natural base for exploring the surrounding
countryside.
