Journeys 2025
Brecon Beacons and Llangorse Lake, Wales: By Gentle Waters
Date
Monday 7th July - Friday 11th July
Nights
4
Cost
£645.00. If you are booking a twin room please mention on the Booking form who you will be sharing with.
Description
Llangasty Retreat House sits beside the shores of Llangorse Lake just 6 miles to the south-east of Brecon. It is a haven of peace amongst some of the most stunning scenery and historical landscapes in southern Britain, yet is about 35 miles from the centre of Wales' capital city Cardiff.
During this short break we will walk the shore and venture into the hills. There will be times of reflection; on the hillside, by the shore and in the lovely Retreat Chapel, overlooking the garden and lake. Walking and prayer, anchor our time away...and free time
We shall be joined on our journey by Sarah Price from 'Walk Hay'. Sarah is a 'local missioner' for the Abbey Dore Deanery, in Herefordshire, and has been leading reflective rambles and wellbeing walks over the past three years. She is also a local advocate for the new 'Golden Valley Pilgrim Way', which she enjoys introducing people to the concept of pilgrimage.
Photos courtesy of Llangasty Retreat House
Walks and Excursions
Among other wanderings, we have two prime walks; one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. On Tuesday we head for the hills, on Thursday we stay close to the shore. On Wednesday we shall explore the nearby market town of Hay on Wye: Y Gelli in Welsh, with over twenty bookshops, it is often described as 'a town of books', we shall explore the town's history and have free time here.
Tuesday's walk is around 7 miles with some steep sections. The views as we steadily ascend to the summit, passing a romantic Victorian folly and Iron Age fort on the way, are grand. Thursday's walk is shorter (around 3 miles) with easy terrain, much will be on defined tracks. Along the way we visit the peaceful Church of St. Gastyn (St Gastyn originally came from Brittany in the 5th century and established a cell on the shore of Llangorse lake) and a thatched Bird Hide with views across the lake - look out for Canada Geese and Grey Heron.
Llangorse is also the site of Wales' only Crannog. Dating from the late 9th, early 10th, century and very likely home to the medieval Kings of Brycheiniog, this man-made island built of timber and stones, would have been fortified with buildings inside the palisade, including a central hall. A reconstruction of the type of dwelling found on the island, can be seen.
On Wednesday we shall travel to Hay on Wye, where we shall explore the history of this wonderful border town, a centre for arts, literature and learning in the morning and (weather permitting) have our picnic lunch by the river beach. The afternoon will be free, perhaps sampling the many bookshops for which Hay is famous, or visiting the castle, or simply being still with a local cream tea found in the many tea rooms.
Accommodation
Four nights at spacious, Llangasty Retreat House, formerly a large Victorian Rectory, standing in its own grounds, overlooking Llangorse lake; in single or twin rooms (not ensuite) Breakfast, Lunch (packed on Tues, Wed and Thursday) and Evening meal, are all provided by the house team. Tea and Coffee making facilities are available at all times.
Getting there
Please arrive at the Retreat from 3 p.m. Car parking is available. The nearest Railway station is Abergavenny. A 35-minute taxi ride brings you from the station to the Retreat. If you would like to share a taxi let us know and we'll try and coordinate this with another guest.
Contact
With: Robin Westwood: Mobile +44 (0)7443 493943 Email: Rawestwood@sky.com and Sarah Price from 'Walk Hay'