I’ve been wanting to head over to the Brecon Beacons for a while now, as it’s the closest mountainous area to where I currently am. This trip had been a long time coming and I was so excited when we’d finally got it booked. Unfortunately, 2 weeks before heading off I injured my knee. At first I thought I’d have to just cancel, but my friends suggested we go ahead anyway and just have a more chilled few days than originally planned.
Where we stayed:
Originally, I’d put a message out on instagram asking who was keen for a few days away in Wales. I’d had a great response of people interested in joining for either a day hike, or for the full few days. However, with the change of plans and not being able to go on the originally intended hike, the big group meet up got postponed.
I’d found a pretty awesome place to stay via Airbnb, so I’d booked it and hoped I’d manage to get some people to commit to join me (it did also have a late cancellation date so no real issues). It would sleep up to 6 and took pets, which was great news as my friend was bringing her doggo with us. It was part of the main farmhouse that had been separated off, with an open plan kitchen/living space downstairs and two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. With a log burner inside and a fire pit in the garden, it’s perfect for both summer and winter. It was perfect for us as there was plenty of space and it was in an ideal location. You can check it out here.
Sunday:
The drive up from Cornwall didn’t seem too bad and we arrived at around 7pm on the Sunday evening. I’d been at work all day, so unfortunately we couldn’t leave earlier. However, I had left work with an awesome selection of cakes for us! Armed with snacks and pizzas, we lit a fire in the garden and chatted into the evening. It felt so good to be somewhere different, away from the hustle and bustle of Newquay town center. It was quite nice to not really have any concrete plans and no set time to be up and sorted.
Monday:
The donkey alarm clock was pretty loud, and unfortunately didn’t have a snooze button! But, I’ve always been an early riser, so I treated myself to a coffee and finished my book (LalalaLetMeExplains’s Block, Delete, Move on – highly recommended) whilst the others had a lie in. Once everyone was up, we went for a wander to explore the area and make a plan for the day. Pontsticill is just a small village on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons. It’s close enough to Merthyr Tydfil to pop over for shops etc. but far enough out to feel a bit more remote.
We had brought paddle boards with us and initially had thought that we would try and go for a paddle on the reservoir, however there wasn’t much information available and from the small amount I could find, it looked liked you either needed a licence or pay a fee to be able to get onto the water. We decided not to risk it and instead we opted for some waterfall hunting!
There are several free car parks just North of Pontsticill Reservoir and it took us checking out a few different car parks and trails to find once that was suitable for me and my knee. The first trail we tried I ended up faced with a steep hill and a fence to cross, I stood at the top of the hill whilst my friends went off to check it out. I could see the mountains in the distance and in this moment, I was overwhelmed with frustration about not being able to climb them and not being able to do the things I would usually be able to do. I had composed myself and realised that I should be grateful I was there at all, I was outside, walking and being able to take it all in. I was surrounded by supportive friends in a beautiful place.
We headed back to the car and eventually settled on the ‘Blaen Y Glyn Uchaf’ car park and went off in the hunt of some waterfalls. It’s such a beautiful area with so many paths and trails to explore. We only walked about 2.5km, but the scenery was just so beautiful and there were waterfalls and dipping spots around every corner. Some of the tracks, especially the downhills, were a little precarious for me, but thankfully I had my poles with me which made it all possible. I’ve been using the Women’s Trail Trek Poles from Black Diamond and they’ve been amazing. They collapse down small so are really easy to transport, or attach to your rucksack when you’re not using them, but are really sturdy when out and about and are comfy on your hands.
It didn’t take long for the frustration of the morning to disappear and for me to realise how far I’d gone and what I’d managed to achieve. The poles were a huge help, but I think the multiple cold water dips also did wonders for cooling and soothing my knee. The incredible company also helped, I am so lucky to have the friends that I do. Kind, patient and absolute belly laughs the whole day.
Once getting back to the airbnb, we snacked, drank and played lots and lots of cards (shit head is a firm favourite). We decided to head to one of the local pubs which was in hobbling distance. It also had a great selection of food, including plenty of vegan options. Unfortunately, once we got there we realised that they had stopped serving food. It turns out the pubs all stop serving food pretty early, and there isn’t a shop within walking distance. Thankfully, we managed to find a takeaway that delivered and by 10pm we were full to the brim with curry!
Tuesday:
I broke my no drinking in May on the Monday night (whoops) and we were all feeling it a little bit, so a lazy morning it was. We had planned on finding a spot along the river nearby for a dip, but none of us really had the energy.
Instead, we went for a little wander along the Taff Trail, which started just around the corner from out airbnb. I’d strapped my knee up, but hadn’t taken my poles, so it was pretty slow going. We came across an abandoned tunnel that was pretty creepy. The girls went for an explore, but it was rather dark, rocky and uneven inside, so not worth the risk for me.
The drive back seemed a lot longer, but I think that’s always the case when there’s not the excitement of going away. It had felt like we were away for much longer than just two nights though, even if we didn’t squeeze lots in.
The Brecons is such a beautiful area and there is so much to explore. I’ll definitely be heading back soon and will be climbing some mountains once my knee is up to it!
Lisa Outdoors 
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