Walking Holidays in Mid-Wales
The Lake Country House & Spa is ideally situated to explore our beautiful mid Wales countryside; making us a great destination for walking holidays. We have several well-trodden paths close by, as well as others slightly farther afield, but whichever you chose; walking enthusiasts or those who prefer a gentler and more relaxed walk are sure to find something to suit all abilities. To the south of the hotel there are the stunning Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, and just north of the hotel, is the less well known but equally worthy, Elan Valley in which there a number of picturesque lakes and reservoirs can be found.
Around Holiday Hotel
Walking around the hotel grounds will take around 45 minutes; this will give you some idea of just how rural we are! A stroll along the river bank takes you into the local village of Llangammarch Wells. From there you are able to take advantage of the Eppynt Way which is located just behind the hotel, affording fantastic views of the valley and varied open terrain - just perfect for those who wish to leave the car at the hotel, without having to worry about driving anywhere in order to enjoy and admire the view.
Beacon Beacons Walking
A thirty minute drive from the hotel will bring you into the vast open spaces of Brecon Beacons National Park. Walks can vary from scenic strolls alongside rushing rivers and waterfalls to hiking across isolated moor land. Pen-y-Fan is the highest point south of Snowdonia; the “Beacons Horse Shoe” includes a walk to the summit, and on a clear day, offers gorgeous views of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. The Canal from Brecon to Cardiff, which used to transport coal, provides a more leisurely walk, and needless to say, there are also some lovely pubs along the way in which to ‘refuel’ for the return trip.
Walking in the Black Mountains
The most easterly part of the Brecon Beacons offers some stunning walking routes, with undulating landscapes revealing stunningly beautiful valleys. The Black Mountains are a little less demanding than the Brecon Beacons and better suited to more relaxed walking. The Black Mountain singular is slightly more of a wilderness and like Pen-y-Fan offers great views of the Beacons. Although a 45 minute drive away, the Black Mountains are mid-way between our hotel and the M4; providing a wonderful interlude en route to or from the hotel.
Explore the Abergwesyn Valley
Considered one of the most beautiful areas of mid Wales, and just 20 minutes from the hotel, the Abergwesyn pass is regarded as one of the most scenic routes in Wales. The old drovers track runs from the hamlet of Abergwesyn to the small town of Tregaron, the scenery is truly breathtaking and it’s a great place to explore on foot. Small marked footpaths enable you to appreciate the beauty and isolation of this magical part of mid Wales. If walking in this area has no appeal, simply continue the drive to Llyn Brianne Reservoir.
Llyn Brianne Reservoir
Built to supply water to Cardiff and the south coast of Wales, the Llyn Brianne Reservoir consumes a number of small valleys. A 30 minute drive from the hotel along the Abergwesyn pass; Llyn Brianne offers some great walking with fantastic views. A walk around the whole reservoir will take most of the day, although there are shorter walks taking in the local woodland and the beauty of the lake. These walks vary from 1 hour to 5 hours. The RSPB reserve is also a great place to explore.
Elan Valley
Built between 1893 and 1952 the Elan Valley dams provide drinking water to Birmingham. A series of underground aqueducts ensures uninterrupted supply from this Welsh upland area to Birmingham, using only gravity. At the time it was regarded as one of the biggest and most successful civil engineering projects in the UK. During the Second World War, the Elan Valley was used to test the bouncing bomb, as it was similar to the Mohnesee in Soest, Germany. The walking in this area of Wales is wonderful; north of the Brecon Beacons and south of Snowdonia this area is a little quieter. Long curving paths take you around the edge of beautiful lakes where there is an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking views.
Walking in the Cambrian Mountains
The Cambrian Mountains fill the gap between the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, the Cambrians offer some of the most diverse and varied landscapes in the UK. There are many walking routes for you to discover and enjoy in the plentiful hills and mountains of the Cambrians.
Don't forget to head back to the hotel in time to make the most of the spa to relax and ease those sore legs!