The Black Mountains
NP7
Category: Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk
Once seen, never forgotten, this classic Welsh landscape of rolling green hills and valleys dotted with picturesque villages makes for the perfect respite from the stress of modern living. The most easterly of the four ancient ranges that sprawl across the unspolit Brecon Beacons National Park, the Black Mountains, are also the most tranquil. You can often stroll for miles and barely see a soul, even at the height of summer.
At their peak they tower to over 600m, but the terrain is gentle enough that the most reluctant of walkers can enjoy awe-inspiring views. More seasoned hikers will find plenty of long-distance trails to challenge them too. And there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this great outdoors, from mountain biking to horseriding. For a more cultural day out, head off to nearby Hay-on-Wye or Abergavenny.