Craig y Nos & the Upper Swansea Valley

Everything you need to know...

Take a scenic drive from Brecon through Defynnog, past the Crai Reservoir and down to Craig y Nos Country Park. Head back Via the Heads of the Valleys Road, circle back via Penderyn and the open common above it, or Merthyr Tydfil (see pages 32-34 for details of what to do in Merthyr).

There are a number of attractions along the A4067, including Craig y Nos Country Park (free to enter but paid parking). Wander around 40 acres which were the historic grounds of Craig y Nos Castle, once owned by Victorian opera diva Adelina Patti. You can walk into the surrounding hills from here. Steep climbs and a couple of hours walking will lead you past geological features like the huge shake holes to the site of a crashed WW2 bomber.

Just opposite you will find Pentre Riding Stables, offering trekking and riding holidays with accommodation, to explore the surrounding countryside or riding lessons if you want to brush up your skills.