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Crickhowell, Powys

  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
  • Crickhowell picture
Cape Town isn't the only place in the world to have a Table Mountain. Crickhowell, a gem of a tiny town, nestling at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, also has its Table Mountain. As you enter the town the bilingual sign tells you that it also goes by the Welsh name of Grug Hywel, which means Hywel's Rock, and refers to the flat topped hill of 1,486 feet, more commonly known as Table Mountain, where in the mists of time Welsh ruler, Hywel Dda, is thought to have held his fortress.

Crickhowell, which is set on the river Usk, is also known as the glittering jewel of the Vale. Walk through its quaint streets and you will find many bow fronted shops and cottages. It also has the remains of a 12th century castle, which started life as a motte and bailey/ The motte can still clearly be seen and seats by the castle afford a view of the silver thread of the Usk winding its way through the rolling and wooded valley. There are a good range of interesting shops but you won't find any supermarkets or high street chains here.

But Crickhowell is not only a pretty face. Its population of 1,800 put their town on the map with many activities. In the early 19th century the town was granted permission to hold three fairs a year. Eventually this dwindled to one fete a year but now it is back to three.

On St David's day there is a walking festival to celebrate the town's history and setting. There are tough eight hour hikes across the peaks of the Black Mountains through to strolls suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is a local food festival on March 1 followed by a Twmpath (a Welsh ceilidh. In August the annual Green Man music festival is held.

Crickhowell Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, create bright modern designs as they sit and weave and chat at their weekly meeting. Just along the street Arts Alive gets creative with drawing, circus skills and other workshops for both children and adults. They are also working on 'the High Street Stitch Up, a sewn map of the town's high street on which 50 stitchers have been working. The Crickhowell Archive Centre, with it's treasure trove of donated objects and written memories, is a windfall for those seeking family roots in the area.

The most famous son of Crickhowell must be Sir George Everest, who was born there in 1790/ He went to India to do a trigonometrical survey of the mountains and became surveyor general in India. His predecessor named the highest peak in the world after him in recognition of his work.

Serviced accommodation - hotels and B&Bs

  1. Bed & Breakfast – Brecon

    Glenview B&B Brecon

    Glenview B&B

    Luxury bed and breakfast in the village of Bwlch, gateway to the Brecon Beacons. Mountain views from double rooms, great walking from the door. Organic, Fairtrade and local produce where available. Vegetarian, vegan and other diets catered for.

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    Sleeps 1 to 5, 3 bedrooms – £40 to £60 per night

  2. Bed & Breakfast – Crickhowell

    Ty Gwyn Crickhowell

    Ty Gwyn

    Charming accommodation in Grade II listed period home in Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons National Park. Sue and Pete offer a warm, friendly welcome with plenty of advice on what to do in the area. Pubs and restaurants within 5 minutes walk.

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    3 Bedrooms – From £33 per night

  3. Bed and Breakfast – Brynmawr

    The Royal Exchange Brynmawr

    The Royal Exchange

    Located in Brynmawr at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park , this family-run pub and B&B is ideally located for visiting South Wales. A warm and friendly welcome awaits.

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    Sleeps 1 to 8, 5 bedrooms – £20 to £30 per night

  4. Bed and Breakfast – Cwmdu

    The Old Mill Cwmdu

    The Old Mill

    Nestled in a peaceful valley the Old Mill offers a chance to get a way from it all. A light and spacious double or twin room awaits your arrival. Enjoy walking for hours straight from the door or exploring the quaint local towns and villages.

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    Sleeps 1 to 3, 1 bedroom – £25 to £35 per night

  5. Bed and Breakfast – Crickhowell

    Green Hill Villas Crickhowell

    Green Hill Villas

    A comfortable Bed and Breakfast set in the beautiful valley of the River Usk in the Black Mountains, a great area for fishing, walking, caving and canoeing.

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    Sleeps 1 to 6, 3 bedrooms – £35 to £50 per night

Self catering – cottages, houses and apartments

  1. Self Catering – Crickhowell

    Crickhowell Cottage Crickhowell

    Crickhowell Cottage

    Charming and cosy fully equipped cottage in the heart of Crickhowell. Modern bathroom, luxurious roll-top bath and separate power shower. A short drive from Brecon, Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye. Ideal base for walking. Pets welcome.

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    Sleeps 1 to 6, 3 bedrooms – £300 to £425 per week

  2. Self Catering – Crickhowell

    Merryfields Barn Crickhowell

    Merryfields Barn

    A modern, cosy converted barn in the Brecon Beacons National Park with oak beams, under-floor heating, a Japanese square bath and walk-in shower room. All rooms have stunning mountain views and outside are secluded patio areas, an orchard and a paddock.

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    Sleeps 1 to 4, 2 bedrooms – £295 to £695 per week

  3. Self Catering Cottage – Crickhowell

    Ramblers Rest Cottage Crickhowell

    Ramblers Rest Cottage

    Ramblers Rest is perfect for a break in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Grade II listed, the cottage nestles in the oldest street in Crickhowell, and is only 2 minutes walk from the River Usk, famous for its excellent fishing and wildlife.

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    Sleeps 1 to 4, 2 bedrooms – £225 to £375 per week

  4. Holiday Cottages – Abergavenny

    Sugarloaf Vineyards Abergavenny

    Sugarloaf Vineyards

    Cosy cottages situated in our beautiful welsh vineyard, a real country side retreat, but still close to town.

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    Sleeps 1 to 3, 1 bedroom – £202 to £310 per week

  5. Holiday Cottages and B&B – Gilwern

    Old Rectory Barn Gilwern

    Old Rectory Barn

    Ideal for families or groups, the Barn sleeps 4 to 10 people in 2 cottages. It is located within the Brecon Beacons National Park but is also close to the hills, rivers and castles of Monmouthshire and the industrial heritage of the Valleys. Dogs welcome.

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    Sleeps 1 to 10, 4 bedrooms – £268 to £415 per week

Statics, Touring and Campsites

  1. Caravan and Campsite with Statics – Brecon

    Lakeside Caravan Park Brecon

    Lakeside Caravan Park

    Surrounded by the Brecon Beacons National Park, Lakeside offers touring and tent pitches and static caravans. Great on-site facilities, recently refurbished clubhouse.

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