The Barn Annexe, Wales

Cefn-Yr-Allt, Crickadarn, Powys LD2 3AJ, Wales, UK

Your relaxing break at the Barn Annexe

On the south-facing slope of a peaceful green valley below the hill of Cefn Llwydallt in mid-Wales, there is a cosy stone cottage.

We — Dave and Jo — call it the Barn Annexe, Wales. It has a remote and "get away from it all" feeling, but is just three miles from the main A470 road.

The Barn Annexe is 1000 feet up, in a beautiful location at the eastern end of the Mynydd Epynt (the "mountains crossed by horse-paths"). All around are hills and green fields. The views are brilliant!

And the Barn Annexe is perfect for that relaxing break which you've been promising yourself.

Imagine it... you step out of the front door into the clean morning air, and you look westwards along the sparsely populated Sgethwin valley. To your north rises the sheep-grazed common land of Cefn Llwydallt; to the south are the Brecon Beacons, with Hay Bluff, Twmpa and the other Black Mountains as your backdrop; to the east are the Radnorshire hills on the far side of the hidden River Wye.

You might choose to spend your day unwinding, soaking up the tranquillity. Just watching the clouds drifting past until the sun sets in a blaze of colour behind green hills. Now it's time for something to eat. Maybe outside under the stars?

The evening passes and then it is time to fall asleep to the gentle sounds of sheep and the breeze in the trees.

Sleep well!

For more energetic days, there are lots of fine walks. Some start from the front door of the Barn Annexe.

You could make your way to the top of 'our' hill — Cefn Llwydallt — and from there, if you wish, continue to cross a hidden valley, then ascend to 'trig point hill' (great views, and you may see some semi-wild horses). Or stroll along leafy lanes down to the babbling Sgithwen Brook, and then up to the wide-open common land of Mynydd Fforest hill.

Whichever local walk you choose, your backdrop will be the magnificent sweep of the main peaks of the Brecon Beacons: Pen y Fan, Corn Du, and Cribyn. The Barn Annexe is just ten miles from the Brecon Beacons National Park. Which means that superb walks on these uniquely memorable peaks, and on the lesser-known Black Mountains, are only a short drive away.

And if you prefer some gentler strolls, then the sparkling River Wye is just three miles away. How about trying some of the Wye Valley Walk?

But what if you've had enough walking, and need to do some shopping? No problem, close by are:

• Hay-on-Wye, "the town of books" which hosts the world-renowned annual Hay Festival
• Amospheric Brecon with its Cathedral and Jazz Festival
• Builth Wells for the celebrated Royal Welsh Showground
• Quaint Talgarth, "the jewel of the Black Mountains".

Other attractions and activities in the area include canoeing on the Wye, horse riding and pony trekking, sheepdog trials, historic sites, art galleries, theatres, music festivals, and more: click here for a list.

And if you feel that creative urge, then the Barn Annexe is a great place for writing, painting, and musical inspiration.

Also don't forget to look up from time to time: you'll see pipits, redstart, wagtails, nuthatch, house martens, swallows, kites, buzzards, maybe even wheatear and crossbill (we have!). And if you've brought your telescope, then you'll love the darkness of our night-time skies.

If there's anything else you'd like to know about the Barn Annexe then please contact us.

Next, how about seeing how we converted the Barn Annexe from a dilapidated garage to a comfy cottage? And if you are ready to book a stay, check availability here.

All the best!

Dave and Jo

PS Just one more thing: we love where we live. And we're glad that our guests can also enjoy this wonderful part of the world, along with us and our two cats.

---