The Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Lying across Powys and Monmouthshire, and reaching over the Herefordshire border, the beautiful Black Mountains fall within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Rivers tinkle merrily through hills spread with heather and rich grasses, the views will take your breath away and remind you just how wonderful nature is. It’s a walker's paradise, whether it’s a gentle amble or a hearty hike; there are plenty of footpaths to explore and the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, the Brecons Way and the Marches Way all pass through these scenic hills. Go mountain biking, horse riding, or if you want to something that will get your adrenalin surging try hang gliding, or riding the winds on a paraglider. Browse the friendly towns of Talgarth, and Hay-on-Wye, famous for its many bookshops and annual literary festival; visit some of the ancient churches and LLanthony Abbey or Crickhowell Castle. Leave your work and your worries behind you.