Accepted A holiday taking in two countries – a tad ambitious? Not in the slightest. Take off to Offa’s Dyke Retreat and such escapades are very easy indeed, as you’re almost on the border of England and Wales, with plenty of gorgeous scenery and outdoorsy antics on both sides of the divide.
You can start gazing at that scenery without even leaving this friendly glamping site in the little village of Longtown, for the outlook here is one of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Ready for a closer look? Get those boots on and set off for a wander: the Offa’s Dyke path passes nearby on its way from Pandy to Hay-on-Wye, and there are lots of little local paths to explore too.
Balwen, the Converted Train Carriage, sleeps 1 to 4 guests, and is the perfect hideaway for couples friends or families looking to stay in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. The carriage has a double bed and 1 set of bunk beds, allowing up to 4 guests to sleep comfortably.
A stroll of a much less strenuous variety (barely a minute, in fact) takes you to the local pub for home-cooked meals. If you can manage a little further (well, a couple of minutes), you can get to a fab village shop stacked with fresh and frozen food, local tipples and homemade cakes. Stock up there and trot back to the site for a picnic or barbecue (barbecues and firepit provided, with firewood available to buy on site), or use the well-equipped communal kitchen to prep your eats.
Other shared facilities include a toilet block with a couple of showers; no need to bring your own towels, as you’ll be provided with these when you get here, along with bedding for your cosy sleeping quarters.
Options galore await if you’ve come this way for a walk. The big name nearby is Offa’s Dyke Path, which wends its way along the 177-mile England/Wales border and the course of the eighth-century Offa’s Dyke. Warm up for your longer walks on little local paths, including the 10-minute trot to the ruined Longtown Castle.
Hikes aren’t the only way to get a bit of alfresco activity around here: a 10-minute drive gets you to a downhill mountain bike course, paintballing centre, laser clay pigeon shooting or llama trekking (yes) outfit, and within half an hour there’s pony trekking, golf, and canoe or kayak trips from Hay-on-Wye.
If it’s foodie shops that get you going, head south to Abergavenny (20 minutes) instead – the independent shops here are full of tasty things to eat (and drink, of course). A holiday taking in two countries – a tad ambitious? Not in the slightest. Take off to Offa’s Dyke Retreat and such escapades are very easy indeed, as you’re almost on the border of England and Wales, with plenty of gorgeous scenery and outdoorsy antics on both sides of the divide.
You can start gazing at that scenery without even leaving this friendly glamping site in the little village of Longtown, for the outlook here is one of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Ready for a closer look? Get those boots on and set off for a wander: the Offa’s Dyke path passes nearby on its way from Pandy to Hay-on-Wye, and there are lots of little local paths to explore too.
Balwen, the Converted Train Carriage, sleeps 1 to 4 guests, and is the perfect hideaway for couples friends or families looking to stay in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. The carriage has a double bed and 1 set of bunk beds, allowing up to 4 guests to sleep comfortably.
A stroll of a much less strenuous variety (barely a minute, in fact) takes you to the local pub for home-cooked meals. If you can manage a little further (well, a couple of minutes), you can get to a fab village shop stacked with fresh and frozen food, local tipples and homemade cakes. Stock up there and trot back to the site for a picnic or barbecue (barbecues and firepit provided, with firewood available to buy on site), or use the well-equipped communal kitchen to prep your eats.
Other shared facilities include a toilet block with a couple of showers; no need to bring your own towels, as you’ll be provided with these when you get here, along with bedding for your cosy sleeping quarters.
Options galore await if you’ve come this way for a walk. The big name nearby is Offa’s Dyke Path, which wends its way along the 177-mile England/Wales border and the course of the eighth-century Offa’s Dyke. Warm up for your longer walks on little local paths, including the 10-minute trot to the ruined Longtown Castle.
Hikes aren’t the only way to get a bit of alfresco activity around here: a 10-minute drive gets you to a downhill mountain bike course, paintballing centre, laser clay pigeon shooting or llama trekking (yes) outfit, and within half an hour there’s pony trekking, golf, and canoe or kayak trips from Hay-on-Wye.
If it’s foodie shops that get you going, head south to Abergavenny (20 minutes) instead – the independent shops here are full of tasty things to eat (and drink, of course).