Hey Kids,
We will be in Hay for a week during Easter (17-22). We will have a car. What are some easy day trips? I would like to see Powis Castle and visit Snowdonia N.P. Google Maps tells me that Powis is about an hour and a half away. Is that a reliable estimate? Is Snowdonia doable?
Again, we are very open to a variety of experiences so share what you loved doing!
Also, have you got any suggestions for places to eat? I love just about any type of food!
Posted by
2617 posts
Drive NE to visit Ludlow & on the way, try and visit the villages of Weobley, Pembridge & Eardisland.
Powis Castle is easily doable though the A483 N of Llandindod Wellls is very bendy.
From Hay - a back road goes S over the Black Mountains via The Gospel Pass and down to Llanthony - which has a ruined abbey. This road is very narrow & you must be prepared to drive backwards to a passing place. The worst section is from the summit down to Llanthony. If you do this section, stop at the tiny Church at Capel-Y-Ffin. Check out the road on Streetview! Not advised for the nervous.
Drive SW to Brecon & have a little wander is the old town. Then, visit the Brecon Beacons National Park Mountain Centre which is about 4 miles SW of Brecon. The National Showcases of Wales - a bit further SW are also worth seeing. Also consider hiking to the top of the Brecon Beacons - use A470 going S from Brecon and park at Port ar Daf National Trust car park. .
Drive Sw from Hay to Talgarth and take B4560 to Llangorse & go down dead end road to see the lake. The return to B4560 & on reaching A40 at Bwlch - turn R & then R by sign the Middlewoood Farm - Welsh Venison Centre - where you park for free. Walk back down their drive to gate & on R you will see a track lined by tall hedges. If you follow this track for 45 minutes up a hill, you will be met with wonderful views in all directions. If you have any time over, return to car and drive to Talybont-on-Usk & take minor road going SW to Talybont reservoir. Just before this road climbs a VERY steep hill, you will find a parking area. From here, a track leads up to some waterfalls.
Snowdonia is pushing it but you should be able to reach Barmouth in south Snowdonia.
Hereford is worth a look but does suffer traffic congestion due to lack of by-passes.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2376 posts
To be honest, if I was wanting to see Powis Castle and Snowdonia NP, I wouldn't want to start from Hay on Wye.... Don't underestimate driving times in Wales. Roads are slow and Easter week is prime holiday time so there will be more traffic than usual. James has given some great ideas (Llanthony Priory is a delightful site) and the Brecon Beacons are a good exchange for Snowdonia. I'd also add in Brecon Moiuntain Railway
What attracts you to Powis Castle - as it may be possible to suggest somewhere else closer?