You are welcome to tour the farm with the owner, Charles. He runs Gilestone Farm, ably assisted by his border collie, Meg, as a mixed farm with some arable land, suckler beef cattle and, of course, sheep. Children will enjoy helping to feed orphan lambs and everyone will enjoy wandering the farm (especially as there’s a hard road running through so wellies aren’t entirely obligatory.)

Nature and birdwatching

Gilestone is a keystone of the Talybont community, and Charles is passionate about conservation. The Farm has worked with a local charity, the Vincent Wildlife Trust, together with the Woodland Trust to improve habitat for birds and the rare Lesser Horseshoe Bats by planting hundreds of trees and hedges on the farm.

Talybont-on-Usk Community Woodland Group manages several acres of young woodland on the farm, some of which is used to provide a sustainable source of fuel.

The consequence of this is that there is a lot of wildlife at Gilestone. Pheasants roam freely over the farm, (knowing that they will not be shot!), and there are buzzards, red kites, and herons in abundance.

Gilestone Pond is only a short stroll from the tents and the Farmhouse. This beautifully tranquil feature is a haven for wildlife, and the perfect place to just sit and stare. Never boring. Always beautiful.

Scrump away!

Talybont has planted community orchard across four sites in the village – one of fourteen across Wales which are supported by the Welsh Perry & Cider Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund. As part of this, Gilestone has a newly planted pear orchard, and we actively encourage guests and the community to help themselves. Guests can find apples in other community orchard in Talybont - along the canal bank and around the playing fields in the village.

Talybont certainly punches above its weight. It’s a small village, but well known among walkers and cyclists. There’s a canal, two rivers, a reservoir, hills, woods, waterfalls, wildlife, local arts & crafts, a village shop with cafe, playground with ‘trim trail’, as well as two pubs and a good restaurant. Talybont even boasts its own fascinating history from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution.

Walking

There are plenty of fabulous walks from Gilestone and Talybont. Take an easy stroll along the canal, an epic circular hike taking in all the Central Beacons or a short walk around the stunning Talybont Waterfalls . The Talybont website has some good routes and Charles is happy to offer advice.

BOATING

For an alternative way to explore the area, take a trip on the Monmouth and Brecon Canal. Ben’s Boat Hire can tailor an itinerary to suit you, whether you’re looking for an all day cruise or a potter down to the pub.

Cycling

You can’t beat Talybont for cycling, both on road, easy trails - including the canal towpath and off road. Hire bikes from Bikes and Hikes or bring your own. The Talybont website has some good routes to try.

Children

Aside from exploring the gardens and the play area, biking and walking, there are hundreds of local activities for children. There is a great playground in Talybont (10 minutes walk). 4 miles down the road is Cantref Adventure Farm, which has a riding stables, animal farm and Europe’s longest sledge ride. On the outskirts of Brecon is the great Play Barn at Brynich. Further afield is The Red Kite Feeding Centre, near to Trecastle, the Brecon Mountain Railway and the spectacular National Showcaves at Dan yr Ogof are about 30-40 minutes away.

Brecon is famous for the Cathedral, Regimental Museum and fantastic theatre, as well as ‘Y Gaer’ (The Fortress in Welsh) a new museum and library It also has a range of coffee shops and antique shops to browse.

Be sure to visit Crickhowell (15 minutes away), recently awarded the Best British High Street title - fabulous independent shops of all sorts, and the superb Bear Hotel for informal meals throughout the day. Well worth a visit is Tretower Court and Castle, just outside Crickhowell.

Hay, the book town, is half an hour away and is worth the trip. Llandeilo, which is about 45 minutes west of Gilestone, is a lovely little town, and close to Aberglasney Gardens and the National Botanic Garden of Wales

Abergavenny is always worth a visit, especially when the covered market is open on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Afternoon tea in the Angel Hotel is a real treat for celebrating a special occasion.

Things to do in the evening

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby. For special occasions it’s hard to beat The Griffin at Felin Fach. Also try the Gurkha Corner in Brecon, Cat Soup Kitchen in Brecon, the Three Horse Shoes in Groessfordd, and the Royal Oak at Pencelli. Or stay closer to home with The Star at Talybont or the Travellers Rest restaurant in Talybont (T. 01874 676333).