And so on to Hay for the final leg of our mini tour of mid and west Wales. Along the way we stopped off in Llandovery and Brecon for a coffee and food supplies respectively. We got to the Black Mountain View Campsite to be met by James, the owner. He had kindly reserved us an excellent spot that was at the higher end of the campsite. The featured image is a photograph of James’ map of the walking route to Hay and the local pub, The Baskervilles. At it clearly says it is not to scale, but it does not lack the necessary detail to be able to get to the various places. What’s really apparent is the effort that he has put in to make sure that there is an easy to follow path to Hay.
After setting up we set off to follow James’ route into Hay which takes about 40 minutes and is just short of a couple of miles to the bridge in Hay. After a quick mooch around we stopped off for a couple of beers in the Blue Boar before heading back.
Next morning we got up and set off for Llanthony Priory, the beginning of a walk in the Ewyas Valley. Many walks gently ease you in, this one smacks you between the eyes with a series of climbs virtually from the outset.
Once you’ve climbed up the side of the valley the path follows the contours before dropping down and returning via some very ancient paths.
On the way back we decided to go via Abergavenny and Crickhowell, mainly to find a replacement gas bottle as our existing one has run out in the middle of cooking breakfast earlier in the day. Webbs of Crickhowell not only supplied Calor but also the variety of Campingaz that we were after. What a wonderful shop.
After a shower we headed off to the Baskervilles but we took the lazy option and drove there. Enjoyed the beer and food.
Our final day would be spent walking to Hay, wandering around, enjoying tapas in Tomatitos and then walking back. A great way to end a really enjoyable trip to mid and west Wales. We will definitely be going back to the Black Mountain View campsite as there is so much more we would like to do in the area, and James is a fantastic host.
A campervan called Betty 