Top activities to do around Argoed Lwyd

Located in the beautiful Brecon Beacons and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Argoed Lwyd is the perfect basecamp for groups looking to explore. Whether you’re interested in gorge walking and caving, or abseiling and canoeing, there are so many activities to include in your adventure. We’ve created a list of things to do and places to help you make the most of your stay at Argoed Lwyd.

The local area

Brecon

Brecon is an idyllic spot surrounded by the Brecon Beacons mountain range. The bustling market town first built as a Roman military base is known for its cathedral, famous Brecon Jazz Festival, independent shops and cafés. Take a day off from cooking and enjoy the culinary delights that the abundance of country pubs and restaurants have to offer. If you’re looking for recommendations, including which of the local speciality pies to tuck in to, ask our instructors - they all have their favourites! During your visit you can also pop into the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum and explore 400 years of local history.

Brecon Beacons

Home to one of the last remaining outposts for Welsh mountain ponies, who are free to run wild across the countryside, the Brecon Beacons is a national treasure. With its rolling hillsides, over 250 historic monuments, expansive forests, and sublime waterfalls and caves, it’s a site of true natural beauty. It’s no surprise that eight places featured on Cadw’s Register of Landscapes of Outstanding and Special Historic Interest in Wales are nestled at least partly within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The Brecon Beacons are a must-see for your trip.

Walking routes

Pen y fan

Pen y Fan sits in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and is the highest peak in South Wales at 886 metres above sea-level. The views of the surrounding area from the peak are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see for miles. Visit Wales have a selection of wonderful walks mapped out for you so you can choose the ascent that’s best for you. If you’re planning on heading up the mountain, it’s essential to take a map, compass, waterproofs, a whistle and torch, as the weather can be very changeable.

Mynydd Illtud common

With panoramic views of all four of the Brecon Beacon’s mountain peaks, a stroll around Mynydd Illtud common might be shorter but the sights are just as breath-taking. Spot red kites soaring overhead and marvel at the Iron Age Twyn y Gaer Hill fort. Then pop into the Caffi Y Fan to refuel with a hot drink before you head back out into the fresh air.

Local attractions

Brecon Mountain Railway

Located at the southern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the Brecon Mountain Railway is a single gauge steam railway which uses locomotives collected from around the world. The route runs into the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, through Pontsticill and along the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line. Enjoy the stunning views from one of the all-weather observation carriages and the unique experience of travelling through the Welsh countryside behind a vintage steam locomotive.

Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery

Commissioned in 1824, Cyfarthfa Castle is a Grade 1 listed mansion which has been named “the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales”. The castle is now home to a collection of artifacts which span 2,000 years of Merthyr’s history. Explore the rich depth of history housed here, including extensive fine and decorative art collections and atmospheric social and industrial history galleries.

Argoed Lwyd has a range of options for groups looking to explore the local area. The converted 19th century traditional Welsh farmhouse has plenty of space for groups of all sizes. No matter who’s in your party, our accommodation will be the perfect basecamp.