Information for Brecon Weekend - 11th to 13th May

Hi all,

If you're coming on the Brecon Weekend, be sure to read the following information that should fill you in on (almost) everything you need to know for an enjoyable trip. We do still have a couple of spare places so get in touch if your name's not down yet.

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Accomodation

We're staying at the Canal Barn Bunkhouse which is in a great location by the side of the Brecon canal, and within a short stroll of the town centre. In fact I went up to check the place out on Saturday, and it is a modern, well equipped bunkhouse. One thing to mention here: you need to bring your own sleeping bag/duvet. If you forget then you can hire bedding from the owner for a fiver.

How to get there

There are probably alternative routes but the way I came was into Brecon Town Centre on the A470 and the B4601. You effectively drive past the Town Centre on the B road, and then turn right across the canal bridge just to the side of the Morrisons petrol station.
Here's a link to Canal Barn's Website; http://www.canal-barn.co.uk/ which gives directions and a rough map. If you get lost give yours-truly a call, or call the Canal Barn on 01874625361.

Food

The bunkhouse has a well equipped kitchen for those who want to cook for yourself on either night. For those who want to eat out here's the plan...

Friday: The suggested eatery tonight is the Chwarae Teg; a newly opened, family run pub with home cooked, good value meals. It's a ten minute walk from the bunkhouse and serves Brains Beers. We'll aim to arrive at the pub by half seven.

Saturday: Something a bit more upmarket tonight! The George Hotel was heartily recommended to me by Ralph, the owner of Canal Barn, and on visiting the place I could see it's a great place to spend the evening. It's reasonably priced at around £8 for a main course from the bar menu, and includes such delicacies as 'Trio of Local Homemade Sausages with Mash and Caramelised Red Onion Gravy,' or 'Pot Roast Brisket of Welsh Beef with Red Wine and Garden Herbs with Parsnip Mash.' The George also serves a selection of real ale to while away the evening with if you're into that kind of malarky. It's a 15 minute walk from the bunkhouse, and again, we'll aim to arrive by half seven.

I'll assume that all are coming out to eat on Friday and Saturday, but if you'd prefer to cook for yourself on either or both nights then please give me a call so I can provide numbers to the respective restaurants.

Walks

Saturday:

Leaving the bunkhouse at about 9am, we'll take a short drive to Llangorse and park up on the saddle between Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse. I've got a great route planned (if I do say so myself), of about 8 miles, which does a nice circuit providing views of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. There's a bit of up and down and I'd rate it as moderate.

Sunday:

A more leisurely day today, setting off at about 10 and taking a route straight from the bunkhouse along stretches of the Brecon Canal and River Usk. This one's flatter than Saturday's and shorter at around 5 miles, and should finish early thus giving people plenty of time to sort themselves out and return home.

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So that's about it; if you spot anything I haven't thought of, or have any queries, call me on 07766652837.

See you there!

Doug