Secret Hills Walking Holidays

The walks

A pilgrimage to Llanthony Priory - from the pretty village of Llanbedr, we cross grazing fields and woodland to reach open moorland, then descend to visit the remote ancient church at Partrishow, before walking up and over into the beautiful Ewyas valley to reach the tranquil ruins of Llanthony Priory.

Sugar Loaf - Between Crickhowell and Abergavenny, the Sugar Loaf mountain stands proudly on its own with its broad shoulders spreading in all directions. It seems higher then its 1995 feet, but good paths up and down makes it s conquest a delightful walk. In the summer, the upper slopes are covered in scented  heather and juicy bilberries.

Ridge Walks-we start our ridge walks near Talgarth, with options of leg stretching walks to Crickhowell via the mini peak of Pen Allt Mawr, or along the northern escarpment with distant views, ending our walk in the lovely town of Hay on Wye, with its second hand book shops.

Your walk leaders and walking guides Bill Chase is your local walks leader for most of the walks, supported by Alan Garner and other members of Secret Hills Walking team as needed.

The walks we use directly from Crickhowell

All our walks are within the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons National Park which has two distinct ranges of hills-the Black Mountains and further west the Brecon Beacons. The rounded hills of old sandstone provide superb walking: long finger like ridges divided by green valleys clothed with patchwork fields, and  wooded slopes rich in wildlife and ancient folk lore.

The Black Mountains adjoining Crickhowell offer great ridge walking with opportunities to stride out for miles once some height has been attained.

The ascents and descents demand medium levels of fitness and walking experience. But please be assured that our walks are taken at a steady non-competitive pace with plenty of time to admire the scenery. Some days we may take hired or public transport to get to and from walks.

How to get to Crickhowell
We will send you directions, if you are coming by car.

Crickhowell is on the A40, 6 miles from Abergavenny, an easy drive from Junction 24 of the M4 or from the M5 via the M50

Coming by train? We will arrange a taxi pick up for you at Abergavenny station — on the Newport to Manchester main line.

Flexibility

You can stay and walk for as many or few days as you want, to fit in to your personal holiday plans. Don’t think you need to walk every day, or all day. Just discuss what you need and we will arrange it.

What’s included in your Black Mountains Break

• ¨ En suite Hotel or Guest House 
•    Evening dinner
• ¨ Lunch—pub or packed
• ¨ Guided walking
• ¨ Transport
• ¨ All administration
• ¨ A personal service
• ¨ Flexibility
• No single supplements