A day at the retreat

Your Base in the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park

Located on Tal Y Maes Farm in the heart of the Black Mountains, Waun Fach Retreat offers a peaceful and scenic base for exploring one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of the Brecon Beacons. Surrounded by rolling hills, open farmland and far-reaching views, our shepherds' huts are designed to give you space to relax and reconnect with nature.

Whether you're here to explore the hills or simply switch off for a few days, every moment at the retreat is shaped by the landscape around you.

Wake Up to Wide Open Views

Start your morning at your own pace, with a coffee surrounded by mountain views. From your hut, you’re within easy reach of countless walking and cycling routes. Directly from your doorstep, head out on a gentle loop around the valley or take on a longer hike up to Waun Fach, the highest peak in the Black Mountains.

The Grwyne Fechan Valley, just below the retreat, offers peaceful walking with stunning views and a real sense of space. For cyclists, quiet lanes weave through open countryside and past local villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in.

Discover the Local Area

When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find plenty to see nearby. The award winning town of Crickhowell, just a short drive away, is full of independent shops, friendly cafés and a great mix of local character. It’s a great place to stop for lunch, stock up on supplies or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Other nearby highlights include:

  • Tretower Court and Castle – a beautifully preserved medieval manor and castle ruins

  • Table Mountain – a short, scenic walk with views over the Usk Valley

  • Llangorse Lake (pictured) – a peaceful spot for walking, wildlife watching or hiring a boat

  • The River Usk – ideal for a quiet picnic or a walk along the banks

  • Abergavenny – a market town known for great food, shops and historic charm

Relax in the Hot Tub and Unwind

After a day out in the hills or exploring the local area, come back to the retreat and enjoy one of the highlights of your stay, your own private wood-fired hot tub. Set beside your shepherd’s hut with uninterrupted views across the valley, it's the perfect place to relax and take in the stillness of the surroundings.

Whether you’re soaking in the late afternoon sun or watching the stars appear above you, the hot tub offers a unique and memorable way to unwind. It’s one of our most loved features and a key part of what makes a stay at Waun Fach Retreat special.

Evenings Under the Stars

As the sun begins to set, there’s nothing quite like settling in at your shepherd’s hut for a quiet, peaceful evening. Light the fire, cook dinner outside, and enjoy a simple meal with sweeping views of the valley. Whether you're grilling over the firepit or preparing something in the kitchenette, there’s something special about dining in the open air, surrounded by nature.

Later, sink into the warmth of your private wood-fired hot tub and let the stillness of the mountains wrap around you. With no distractions and no nearby lights, the night sky is truly something to behold.

Waun Fach Retreat is located in an International Dark Sky Reserve, which means the stargazing here is exceptional. On a clear night, the stars are bright and countless. You can often see the Milky Way stretching overhead, and if you’re lucky, a shooting star or two.

Evenings here are about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and reconnecting with the natural world, all from the comfort of your own private space.