The Black Mountains are the easternmost mountain group in the Brecon Beacons National Park in south Wales, with Abergavenny and Crickhowell in the south, Hay-on-Wye to the north.
These rolling hills, mountains, cuddly ridges, tumbling streams and gently wiggly valleys are peacefully inspiring, full of beauty.
Trwyn Tal
Trwyn Tal was built in 1840, a working hill farm with stable and barns, constructed using the natural old red standstone of the area. The farm sits on a hillside overlooking the Llanthony Valley and the tiny hamlet of Capel-y-ffin. The name Trwyn Tal indicates the farm’s location – ‘high on the nose of the hill’ – and when you see the views you’ll know why!
By the turn of the millennium, the farm was long retired and fallen in to ruin – walls and roof tumbling down, trees growing through what was left of the walls. The farmhouse and guest cottage (former stables) have been lovingly restored by the previous owners, keeping all the character and creating a cosy, welcoming farmstead and land. Outside there’s a sunny patio to laze in, beautiful gardens, and 27 acres of semi natural ancient woodland for a gentle amble.
I know this land well, having been hiring the farm next door to host retreats since 2009, and guiding walks from there since 2001. I bought Trwyn Tal in October 2016, an unexpected and miraculous answer to a long held dream.
This is a location where you truly get away from it all: No shops, no busy traffic, no internet or mobile signal. Instead there’s an absorbing range of mountain views to fill your senses, cosy places to sit, the company of your fellow guests. It’s a place to reflect, recharge and be supported. Most of all, it’s an ideal place to slow down and rediscover more to life: A place to just Be.
Finding us
We’ll send detailed travel information when you book. In broad terms, Trwyn Tal is on the northern side of Capel-y-ffin, off the beautiful mountain road that runs from Hay-on-Wye in the north, down towards Abergavenny in the south. If you’re using public transport, you’ll need to get to Abergavenny (which has a station) or Hay (which doesn’t, but can be reached by bus), then take a taxi to the farm.