CARDIFF TO HAY-ON-WYE
A drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is considered one of the great British road journeys, taking you through rolling hills, mountains and fields of sheep beneath vast skies. From Cardiff, it takes around an hour to reach Ystradfellte, a village set in a southern pocket of the national park known as Waterfall Country.
Route highlight
Park in Cwm Porth car park and explore the Four Falls Trail, which, as its name suggests, takes in four amazing waterfalls that are totally worth the five-mile hike. Before setting off, make sure you have plenty of snacks and water, sturdy shoes (it’s not a difficult walk, but this is no place for sandals) and swimming gear, as you can take a dip in the pool below one of the waterfalls, Sgwd Yr Eira. Don’t fancy such a long hike? Visit the Sgydau Sychryd waterfall instead, which is more accessible, but still drop-your-sandwich dramatic.
Eat & sleep
Cut through the heart of the Brecon Beacons from Ystradfellte to reach HayOn-Wye, the pretty market town that’s home to the world-famous literary festival each summer. Make Cynefin Retreats (from £150 per night; Cynefinretreats.com) your base and stay in one of the “luxe-pods” – each has a curved wooden roof, an open-plan living area, wood burner, hot tub and Neal’s Yard toiletries. Wake yourself up the next day with a wild swim in the nearby lake, then head into Hay to browse all the independent stores, from bookshops to bakeries.