Olchon Valley Campsite Guidebook
Sightseeing
Our local castle! Located in the village of Longtown, a 10 minute car journey away, or why not plan a circular walk along the local footpaths?
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/longtown-castle/
15 locals recommend
Longtown Castle
Llanwonog LaneOur local castle! Located in the village of Longtown, a 10 minute car journey away, or why not plan a circular walk along the local footpaths?
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/longtown-castle/
Am impressively grand castle, about half an hour’s drive away.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/raglan-castle
134 locals recommend
Raglan Castle
Castle RoadAm impressively grand castle, about half an hour’s drive away.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/raglan-castle
Our local cathedral, home of the world renowned Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.
https://www.herefordcathedral.org/
147 locals recommend
Hereford Cathedral
Cathedral CloseOur local cathedral, home of the world renowned Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.
https://www.herefordcathedral.org/
Grosmont, along with Skenfrith and White Castle, is one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans to control a key section of troublesome border country.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/grosmont-castle
20 locals recommend
Grosmont Castle
B4347Grosmont, along with Skenfrith and White Castle, is one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans to control a key section of troublesome border country.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/grosmont-castle
Hereford Cathedral is home to the Hereford Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures.
https://www.themappamundi.co.uk/
23 locals recommend
Mappa Mundi Ltd
5 College CloistersHereford Cathedral is home to the Hereford Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures.
https://www.themappamundi.co.uk/
Raglan Farm Park is a firm favourite for young and old alike. There’s so much to do with over 40,000 sq foot of undercover indoor space, with 7 ‘soft play’ themed areas. Play areas cater for age ranges from 18 months to 11 years… Outside there are zip wires, swings, slides, roundabouts, trampolines, ‘ride-on’ tractors and go-carts! There are ‘astro-turf’ paths around the park, so, even if the ground is damp, you won’t be!
https://www.raglanfarmpark.com/about
33 locals recommend
Raglan Farm Park
Chepstow RoadRaglan Farm Park is a firm favourite for young and old alike. There’s so much to do with over 40,000 sq foot of undercover indoor space, with 7 ‘soft play’ themed areas. Play areas cater for age ranges from 18 months to 11 years… Outside there are zip wires, swings, slides, roundabouts, trampolines, ‘ride-on’ tractors and go-carts! There are ‘astro-turf’ paths around the park, so, even if the ground is damp, you won’t be!
https://www.raglanfarmpark.com/about
The Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is the ideal starting point for a visit to the area. Located in the sympathetically restored former St. Peter’s School, it provides an overview of how the stories of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape are of global importance.
https://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx
24 locals recommend
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Church RoadThe Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is the ideal starting point for a visit to the area. Located in the sympathetically restored former St. Peter’s School, it provides an overview of how the stories of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape are of global importance.
https://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx
Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums.
With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings.
https://museum.wales/bigpit/about/
174 locals recommend
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums.
With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings.
https://museum.wales/bigpit/about/
Meandering through the Welsh countryside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of our most beautiful and peaceful waterways following the line of the Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A favourite with holiday boaters, there are loads of activities to enjoy on this beautiful canal. Relax on a boat trip, take in the local heritage, there are lime kilns and old workings from our industrial heritage that can be seen all along its length, spot wildlife, buzzards, red kites, herons and dragonflies.
Enjoy a family day out to the wonderful sites of Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks or Goytre Wharf, with its historic limekilns or pop in for a snack at Pontymoile or any of the numerous canal side pubs or cafes.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal
67 locals recommend
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Meandering through the Welsh countryside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of our most beautiful and peaceful waterways following the line of the Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A favourite with holiday boaters, there are loads of activities to enjoy on this beautiful canal. Relax on a boat trip, take in the local heritage, there are lime kilns and old workings from our industrial heritage that can be seen all along its length, spot wildlife, buzzards, red kites, herons and dragonflies.
Enjoy a family day out to the wonderful sites of Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks or Goytre Wharf, with its historic limekilns or pop in for a snack at Pontymoile or any of the numerous canal side pubs or cafes.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal
Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which roughly follows the Welsh/English boundary. It consists of a ditch and rampart constructed with the ditch on the Welsh-facing side, and appears to have been carefully aligned to present an open view into Wales from along its length. As originally constructed, it must have been about 27 metres wide and 8 metres from the ditch bottom to the bank top.
The National Trail is 177 miles / 283km long and takes typically two weeks to walk its full length.
The most mountainous parts are in the Black Mountains (Pandy to Hay), passing along the Hatterrall Ridge above our campsite.
https://offasdyke.org.uk/faqs-frequently-asked-questions/
Offa's Dyke Path National Trail
Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which roughly follows the Welsh/English boundary. It consists of a ditch and rampart constructed with the ditch on the Welsh-facing side, and appears to have been carefully aligned to present an open view into Wales from along its length. As originally constructed, it must have been about 27 metres wide and 8 metres from the ditch bottom to the bank top.
The National Trail is 177 miles / 283km long and takes typically two weeks to walk its full length.
The most mountainous parts are in the Black Mountains (Pandy to Hay), passing along the Hatterrall Ridge above our campsite.
https://offasdyke.org.uk/faqs-frequently-asked-questions/
Home to a fantastic range of Viking inspired group activities. Take part in one or all of the six traditional nordic games. Try your hand at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige. Test your ability and agility to see whether you have what it takes to become a true Viking warrior and to sit upon the Viking throne.
https://thevikinggames.co.uk/
12 locals recommend
The Viking Games
Home to a fantastic range of Viking inspired group activities. Take part in one or all of the six traditional nordic games. Try your hand at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige. Test your ability and agility to see whether you have what it takes to become a true Viking warrior and to sit upon the Viking throne.
https://thevikinggames.co.uk/
Battlelands is an activity centre, situated just outside the village of Ewyas Harold, in Herefordshire offering nine great activities: Paintballing, Axe Throwing, Archery, Laser Clay Shooting, Splatmaster and Four Nordic Throwing Games.
10 locals recommend
Battlelands Paintball
Battlelands is an activity centre, situated just outside the village of Ewyas Harold, in Herefordshire offering nine great activities: Paintballing, Axe Throwing, Archery, Laser Clay Shooting, Splatmaster and Four Nordic Throwing Games.
A 900 year old ruin in a dramatic location in the Vale of Ewyas, beneath the brooding borderland Black Mountains. One of Wales’s great medieval buildings.
Take a scenic drive into the Llanthony Valley to visit the abbey or, better still, leave the car behind and enjoy the walk over the top of Hatterrall Hill and down the other side, following the old drovers routes.
37 locals recommend
Llanthony Abbey
Llanvihangel CrucorneyA 900 year old ruin in a dramatic location in the Vale of Ewyas, beneath the brooding borderland Black Mountains. One of Wales’s great medieval buildings.
Take a scenic drive into the Llanthony Valley to visit the abbey or, better still, leave the car behind and enjoy the walk over the top of Hatterrall Hill and down the other side, following the old drovers routes.
Garway Hill common covers 85 hectares and rises to a height of nearly 1200 ft. It has a wide variety of bird habitat including patches of gorse, short turf, areas of trees and grassland, and wetter areas around flowing springs. Keep an eye out too for a very unusual tree which has formed into an ideal circular frame for memorable poses!
Sheep mingle with wild ponies, free to graze and roam. The walk to the top is on wide expanses of soft grass, not too arduous and leading gently to the summit and a brick wartime radio building.
You can take in the 360 degree views of the Malverns, Black Mountains and Bristol Channel into Wales. It’s a great spot to have a picnic and breathe in the scenery.
https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/get-active/walking/routes/garway-ponies
16 locals recommend
Garway Hill
Garway Hill common covers 85 hectares and rises to a height of nearly 1200 ft. It has a wide variety of bird habitat including patches of gorse, short turf, areas of trees and grassland, and wetter areas around flowing springs. Keep an eye out too for a very unusual tree which has formed into an ideal circular frame for memorable poses!
Sheep mingle with wild ponies, free to graze and roam. The walk to the top is on wide expanses of soft grass, not too arduous and leading gently to the summit and a brick wartime radio building.
You can take in the 360 degree views of the Malverns, Black Mountains and Bristol Channel into Wales. It’s a great spot to have a picnic and breathe in the scenery.
https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/get-active/walking/routes/garway-ponies
City/town information
Hereford sits right at the heart of the county, on a loop of the River Wye. The golden-stone cathedral, with its medieval Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, is a huge draw – but you can also wander among half-timbered houses and stroll along the Wye. Browse independent shops across the city – they're clustered along quirky Church Street – and explore the Old Market, transformed into an open-air destination for shopping, dining and cinema. For more arty excitement, head to The Courtyard Hereford for theatre, comedy, workshops and more.
https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/city-towns/hereford-city
157 locals recommend
Hereford
Hereford sits right at the heart of the county, on a loop of the River Wye. The golden-stone cathedral, with its medieval Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, is a huge draw – but you can also wander among half-timbered houses and stroll along the Wye. Browse independent shops across the city – they're clustered along quirky Church Street – and explore the Old Market, transformed into an open-air destination for shopping, dining and cinema. For more arty excitement, head to The Courtyard Hereford for theatre, comedy, workshops and more.
https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/city-towns/hereford-city
The beautiful Black Mountains are the backdrop to Abergavenny in the south east corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. With its annual Abergavenny Food Festival, the town is a mecca for foodies. The town has regular markets where you can buy quality produce grown locally too.
Abergavenny has history and heritage in spades – come and explore our castles, medieval mansions, Roman remains and standing stones.
https://www.visitabergavenny.co.uk/
145 locals recommend
Abergavenny
The beautiful Black Mountains are the backdrop to Abergavenny in the south east corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. With its annual Abergavenny Food Festival, the town is a mecca for foodies. The town has regular markets where you can buy quality produce grown locally too.
Abergavenny has history and heritage in spades – come and explore our castles, medieval mansions, Roman remains and standing stones.
https://www.visitabergavenny.co.uk/
Enjoy a scenic drive along the mountain road to Hay on Wye, world renowned for books and bookshops. Its unique position on the border between England and Wales makes Hay ideal for visitors to explore and enjoy the beautiful border country.
https://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/
286 locals recommend
Hay-on-Wye
Enjoy a scenic drive along the mountain road to Hay on Wye, world renowned for books and bookshops. Its unique position on the border between England and Wales makes Hay ideal for visitors to explore and enjoy the beautiful border country.
https://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/
Food Scene
Local dairy farm making ice cream on the farm for sale through their ice cream parlour.
Take a stroll through the woodlands and meadows, passing ponds in the wild garden whilst taking in the majestic views of the Black Mountains. See the cows which provide the milk and cream for the award-winning Farmhouse Ice Cream made by hand in a range of mouth-watering flavours. After a long walk or a short stroll, stop by the café and enjoy cakes, pastries, a freshly brewed pot of tea or coffee, a light lunch, or a delicious ice cream or vegan friendly sorbet. The walks and play areas are open to all and some areas have wheelchair access.
https://www.rowlestoneicecream.co.uk/
12 locals recommend
Rowlestone Court Farm
Local dairy farm making ice cream on the farm for sale through their ice cream parlour.
Take a stroll through the woodlands and meadows, passing ponds in the wild garden whilst taking in the majestic views of the Black Mountains. See the cows which provide the milk and cream for the award-winning Farmhouse Ice Cream made by hand in a range of mouth-watering flavours. After a long walk or a short stroll, stop by the café and enjoy cakes, pastries, a freshly brewed pot of tea or coffee, a light lunch, or a delicious ice cream or vegan friendly sorbet. The walks and play areas are open to all and some areas have wheelchair access.
https://www.rowlestoneicecream.co.uk/
Our local village shop and post office nestled in the foothills of the Black Mountains. Local wines & ciders, cheese, yoghurts, ice-cream, homemade cakes, Fairtrade selection, gluten free products & much more.
https://www.hopesoflongtown.co.uk/
17 locals recommend
Hopes of Longtown
Our local village shop and post office nestled in the foothills of the Black Mountains. Local wines & ciders, cheese, yoghurts, ice-cream, homemade cakes, Fairtrade selection, gluten free products & much more.
https://www.hopesoflongtown.co.uk/
Our nearest pub, in the village of Longtown. Using local produce and meats, some grown on their own land, or supplied by the local community. You can choose to have either a simple bar snack or a full restaurant meal. Sunday lunch is always popular and reasonably priced.
Food is available all day during Saturday & Sunday and any time during the opening times in the week.
Take away menu available.
https://crowninnlongtown.co.uk/
13 locals recommend
The Crown Inn Longtown
Our nearest pub, in the village of Longtown. Using local produce and meats, some grown on their own land, or supplied by the local community. You can choose to have either a simple bar snack or a full restaurant meal. Sunday lunch is always popular and reasonably priced.
Food is available all day during Saturday & Sunday and any time during the opening times in the week.
Take away menu available.
https://crowninnlongtown.co.uk/
Local pub in a picturesque setting on the River Monnow. Award winning food and named as one of the best pubs in Britain by the Telegraph. Head chef Mickey was recently recognised by the AA with a Dinner award.
The menu is made up of dishes created with locally sourced seasonal produce.
http://www.thebridgeinnmichaelchurch.co.uk/
23 locals recommend
The Bridge Inn
Bridge Inn RoadLocal pub in a picturesque setting on the River Monnow. Award winning food and named as one of the best pubs in Britain by the Telegraph. Head chef Mickey was recently recognised by the AA with a Dinner award.
The menu is made up of dishes created with locally sourced seasonal produce.
http://www.thebridgeinnmichaelchurch.co.uk/
The Bull’s Head is a traditional drovers inn – a place to eat, drink and sleep. Set at foot of the Black Hill on the border of England and Wales, serving seasonal food in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
A focus on good pub food with a straightforward wine list, spirits and fine beer selection. There is a cosy bar area to have a quiet drink, a separate restaurant with open fire and a garden overlooking the foothills of the Black Mountains.
https://www.wildbynaturellp.com/the-bulls-head-inn
13 locals recommend
The Bulls Head
The Bull’s Head is a traditional drovers inn – a place to eat, drink and sleep. Set at foot of the Black Hill on the border of England and Wales, serving seasonal food in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
A focus on good pub food with a straightforward wine list, spirits and fine beer selection. There is a cosy bar area to have a quiet drink, a separate restaurant with open fire and a garden overlooking the foothills of the Black Mountains.
https://www.wildbynaturellp.com/the-bulls-head-inn
Gino and Rachael warmly welcome you to The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold.
Assured of a warm welcome from landlord and locals, a roaring wood burner in the winter, and a beautiful sun drenched rear courtyard in the summer.
The kitchen is run by Head Chef Natalie Parker, who has become somewhat of a celebrity for her Sunday lunches (advance booking is seriously advised!), as well as her seasonally changing menus.
Pastry trained, Natalie prides herself in creating traditional menus using locally sourced ingredients (Mailes Butchers are so close they deliver on foot!), and the most exquisitely tasting desserts.
https://thetemplebarinn.co.uk/food
17 locals recommend
The Temple Bar Inn
Gino and Rachael warmly welcome you to The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold.
Assured of a warm welcome from landlord and locals, a roaring wood burner in the winter, and a beautiful sun drenched rear courtyard in the summer.
The kitchen is run by Head Chef Natalie Parker, who has become somewhat of a celebrity for her Sunday lunches (advance booking is seriously advised!), as well as her seasonally changing menus.
Pastry trained, Natalie prides herself in creating traditional menus using locally sourced ingredients (Mailes Butchers are so close they deliver on foot!), and the most exquisitely tasting desserts.
https://thetemplebarinn.co.uk/food
On a mission to bring you the very best in food, drink and hospitality. Sitting by the river between the wild borderlands of England and Wales, this beautiful heritage rich pub is full of character and charm. Visit for lunch, dinner, special menus, cocktails, live music, exhibitions and events.
https://www.thebridgeinnkentchurch.com/
18 locals recommend
The Bridge Inn Kentchurch
B4347On a mission to bring you the very best in food, drink and hospitality. Sitting by the river between the wild borderlands of England and Wales, this beautiful heritage rich pub is full of character and charm. Visit for lunch, dinner, special menus, cocktails, live music, exhibitions and events.
https://www.thebridgeinnkentchurch.com/
Our nearest fish and chip takeaway. Highly recommended!
Opening times
SUNDAY - TUESDAY— CLOSED
WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY - 5 - 9
SATURDAY - 12 - 2 / 5 - 9
Catering for vegetarians and vegans as well as carnivores.
The Burgers, Steaks & Donner Kebabs are all locally sourced from the butchers 30 seconds walk away from the shop!
https://theoldstablesfishchipshopewyasharold.co.uk/
11 locals recommend
The Old Stables
Prill RoadOur nearest fish and chip takeaway. Highly recommended!
Opening times
SUNDAY - TUESDAY— CLOSED
WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY - 5 - 9
SATURDAY - 12 - 2 / 5 - 9
Catering for vegetarians and vegans as well as carnivores.
The Burgers, Steaks & Donner Kebabs are all locally sourced from the butchers 30 seconds walk away from the shop!
https://theoldstablesfishchipshopewyasharold.co.uk/
Gwatkin Red Cow is a welcoming country tavern,offering breakfast, light bites, pub classics and cream teas. A family run business based at a working farm and cider mill in the heart of the beautiful Golden Valley. https://www.gwatkinredcow.co.uk
Gwatkin Red Cow
Gwatkin Red Cow is a welcoming country tavern,offering breakfast, light bites, pub classics and cream teas. A family run business based at a working farm and cider mill in the heart of the beautiful Golden Valley. https://www.gwatkinredcow.co.uk
A play cafe perfect for children from birth to 6 years old.
Drop in for brunch, lunch and coffee while the children play happily.
Lots of classes and activities throughout the year, bootable in advance.
https://www.blueelephantplaycafe.co.uk/
The Little Blue Elephant Play Cafe
A play cafe perfect for children from birth to 6 years old.
Drop in for brunch, lunch and coffee while the children play happily.
Lots of classes and activities throughout the year, bootable in advance.
https://www.blueelephantplaycafe.co.uk/
Third generation, artisan craft butchers. Packed full of flavour and nutrients, all of their meat is locally sourced within Herefordshire & Monmouthshire.
Neil Powell Master Butchers - Ewyas Harold
Third generation, artisan craft butchers. Packed full of flavour and nutrients, all of their meat is locally sourced within Herefordshire & Monmouthshire.
Community Cafe & Fitness Centre.
Village Store & P.O.
Award Winning Business. Recently presented with a B.E.M. from H M Queen Elizabeth for services to its communities.
Wifi Available
https://www.facebook.com/pontrilas/
Pontrilas Village Cafe, Post Office & Fitness Centre
Community Cafe & Fitness Centre.
Village Store & P.O.
Award Winning Business. Recently presented with a B.E.M. from H M Queen Elizabeth for services to its communities.
Wifi Available
https://www.facebook.com/pontrilas/
Children’s play cafe offering wholesome, family friendly food using quality and locally sourced ingredients, sometimes even straight from the farm and garden. Weaning plates, homemade purees and Doughnut Fridays says it all really!
https://www.playcoop.co.uk/eat
The Coop Play Cafe
Arkstone CourtChildren’s play cafe offering wholesome, family friendly food using quality and locally sourced ingredients, sometimes even straight from the farm and garden. Weaning plates, homemade purees and Doughnut Fridays says it all really!
https://www.playcoop.co.uk/eat
Neighbourhoods
Llanveynoe (Welsh: Llanfeuno) is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England, near the Welsh border and the Brecon Beacons National Park, 14 miles (23 km) south west of Hereford.
The parish had a population of 104 in the 2001 UK Census and shares the Longtown grouped parish council with Craswall, Longtown and Walterstone.
The village is situated on a ridge of higher land between the Olchon Valley and the valley of the River Monnow.
The Church of St Beuno & St Peter, Llanveynoe, has beautiful views of the valley.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanveynoe
Llanveynoe
Llanveynoe (Welsh: Llanfeuno) is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England, near the Welsh border and the Brecon Beacons National Park, 14 miles (23 km) south west of Hereford.
The parish had a population of 104 in the 2001 UK Census and shares the Longtown grouped parish council with Craswall, Longtown and Walterstone.
The village is situated on a ridge of higher land between the Olchon Valley and the valley of the River Monnow.
The Church of St Beuno & St Peter, Llanveynoe, has beautiful views of the valley.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanveynoe
Black Hill, or Cat's Back, is the easternmost ridge of the Black Mountains, Herefordshire/Monmouthshire, and can be explored via a spectacular five mile loop, descending along the secluded upper reaches of the Olchon Valley to the west.
https://www.uksouthwest.net/herefordshire/black-hill-and-olchon-valley/
Further down the Olchon Valley, the rocky cliffs of TheDarens are remnants of land slips from 10,000 years ago and provide some interesting rocky scrambles.
https://earthheritagetrust.org/the-darens-ice-age-landslips-in-the-olchon-valley/
Olchon Valley
Olchon ValleyBlack Hill, or Cat's Back, is the easternmost ridge of the Black Mountains, Herefordshire/Monmouthshire, and can be explored via a spectacular five mile loop, descending along the secluded upper reaches of the Olchon Valley to the west.
https://www.uksouthwest.net/herefordshire/black-hill-and-olchon-valley/
Further down the Olchon Valley, the rocky cliffs of TheDarens are remnants of land slips from 10,000 years ago and provide some interesting rocky scrambles.
https://earthheritagetrust.org/the-darens-ice-age-landslips-in-the-olchon-valley/