Crickhowell is a charming town nestled in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, known for its natural beauty and rich history. If you’re planning a trip to Brecon Beacons, this could serve as a picturesque base with lots to see and do. We stayed in Abergavenny and visited Crickhowell after our climb to Pen y Fan.
A small town, more of a village-y feel to it, is perched beside River Usk and has vast green spaces, church, few pubs, boutique cafes and castle ruins. Here are some of the top things which you can do during your short visit or if you are staying here for few days.
1. Visit Crickhowell Castle
This medieval castle, built in the 13th century, is now in ruins but is still worth a visit. You can wander through the remains of the castle walls and towers, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Hike up Table Mountain
This iconic peak offers spectacular views of the Usk Valley and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located just outside of town, and the hike takes about two hours round trip. Read more about it here
3. Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park
Crickhowell is located in the heart of the national park, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the rugged landscape. Whether you want to hike, bike, or horseback ride, there are trails for every skill level.
We did the Four Waterfalls Walk in south of Brecon Beacons. You can also climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales.
A Self-Guided Adventure to Pen Y Fan in Wales
Pen Y Fan stands proudly at 886 meters, as thehighest peak in South Wales, it offers panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Climbing Pen Y Fan promises spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment. This self-guided travel post will help you plan your journey, offering insights into routes, timing, fitness levels, costs, preparation, and post-climb activities. Read further here
4. Shop at the local markets
Crickhowell has a thriving market scene, with a weekly farmers’ market and regular craft and antique fairs. You can pick up locally made goods, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs to take home with you.
Book-ish: This independent bookstore offers a wide selection of books, as well as a café serving up coffee and baked goods.
Number 18: This boutique offers a range of clothing, accessories, and homewares, all made by local designers.
The Emporium : Next to the Corn Exchange is this pretty boutique with lots of artisan craft and antiques. Loved the wicker baskets here.
5. Pubs
For a small village, Crickhowell has quite a few lovely pubs serving up traditional Welsh fare, such as lamb and leek pie, bara brith (a sweet bread), and cawl (a hearty soup). Here are few options to try :
- The Bear: This historic pub dates back to the 15th century and offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of hearty pub fare.
- The Dragon Inn: This family-friendly pub serves up traditional Welsh dishes, including locally sourced meats and fresh seafood.
- The Britannia : This is where we had our late lunch after climbing Pen-y-Fan. It was a well deserved meal after all the hard work we were ready to reward ourselves with some calories. The pub has good collection of beers on tap. For food, seemed they have a nice Italian fare. We ordered a hot American pizza which was not really great. We also ordered a burger which was decent. The interiors and ambience is cosy.
How to reach Crickhowell?
Crickhowell is located in South Wales, about 3 hours by car from London. If you’re traveling by public transport, you can take a train from London to Abergavenny, and then catch a bus to Crickhowell (the journey takes about 40 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Cardiff to Crickhowell (the journey takes about 1 hour).
Recommended walks:
- The Usk Valley Walk: This 48-mile trail follows the River Usk from its source in the Brecon Beacons to the town of Caerleon. You can pick up the trail in Crickhowell and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river.
- Llangattock Escarpment Walk: This 5-mile circular walk takes you along the edge of the Brecon Beacons and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Walk: This challenging 9-mile hike takes you up four peaks in the national park, including Pen y Fan (the highest peak in South Wales) and Corn Du. We climbed the Pen y Fan peak earlier in the day. Read more about here.
Where from here?
- Abergavenny: This market town is located just 6 miles east of Crickhowell and is known for its historic castle, vibrant market scene, and annual food festival.
- Hay-on-Wye: This charming town is located about 20 miles northwest of Crickhowell and is famous for its numerous bookshops and annual literary festival.
- Cardiff: The Welsh capital is located about 35 miles south of Crickhowell and is worth a visit for its historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and shopping and dining scene.
- Tintern Abbey: This well-preserved 12th-century abbey is located about 25 miles southeast of Crickhowell and is set in a picturesque riverside location.
- The Black Mountains: This mountain range is located just east of the Brecon Beacons and offers a wild and rugged landscape with plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.
All of these destinations are easily accessible by car or public transport from Crickhowell, making them great options for day trips or longer excursions.
Final Thoughts on Crickhowell
A cute little town with good connections to explore Brecon Beacons National Park. If not staying here, its good to explore this for a lunch at one of its lovely pubs. And have a good gentle walk around. Definitely a lovely stop over if you are around Abergavenny.
