Walk through unique landscapes that provide spiritual and creative inspiration, and enjoy the fabulous views of the Black Mountains while you’re getting to know a little bit more of this country. Travel to Wales and dare to follow the route that goes from Hay-On-Wye to Abergavenny, where you will discover many things that will make you fall in love with this wonderful place.
Your first stop will be at the charming market town of Hay-on-Wye, located over the Welsh border in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This place is known for being the secondhand book capital of the world. Visitors from all over the world usually come to browse in the different bookshops that you can find in this place, including the unattended Honesty Bookshop, located on the grounds of the castle, where you pay for books by dropping money into a box.
When you drive to the south from Hay towards Abergavenny, the route will be littered with castles of all shapes and sizes, as it offers some breathtaking views of the astonishing Black Mountains. This is the easternmost place from the Brecon Beacons, and it was immortalized through literature by Bruce Chatwin in his novel On the Black Hill.
As you continue driving, stopping at the Tretower Castle and Court is a must; a unique opportunity to admire the incredible ruins of a 12th-century castle that almost touches the sky and a restored 14th-century courtyard house that still stands tall. If you feel hungry, you can stop for lunch in Crickhowell, a place that attracts climbers, walkers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Also, a Norman castle rises in the town and offers glorious views of the Usk Valley.
Outside the town center, you will have to stand on the bridge in order to appreciate the beauty of the sapphire-blue Usk River. Continue your journey until you arrive at Abergavenny, a market town surrounded by the unique natural beauty of Blorenge, Skirrid Fawr, and Sugar Loaf mountains. It’s important for you to know that all of them are easily accessible to walkers.
On this journey from Hay-on-Wye to Abergavenny, wine lovers tend to stop at the Sugar Loaf Vineyards, located at the southern foot of the Sugar Loaf mountain, to taste some samples of the best production of wines in Wales. Additionally, what makes it better is the fact that there are four tasty varieties of white, one red, and one sparkling wine.
Take a relaxing tour through the verdant 5 acred, or stay in one of the lovely cottages and sip a glass or two from the complimentary bottle of wine that is offered to overnight guests, as you look over the beautiful Usk Valley.
When to go?
The Abergavenny Food Festival takes place each September. The annual Hay Festival runs around the last week in May or first week in June, when the town crowds with visitors.
How to find it?
Hay is situated just off the A438 about 20 miles (32 km) from the historic cathedral city of Hereford. Trains from London to Hereford depart from Paddington. Also, local bus services run between Hereford and Hay-on-Wye.
Planning
Every Thursday, there’s a traditional market in Hay-on-Wye, where you can buy locally baked organic bread, Welsh cheeses, and other products.
Websites
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