Read all about the route, maps, attractions, accommodation and other useful info, including last-minute closures and diversions.
The Old Vicarage, Llangurig
Before the walk I stayed at the dog-friendly guest house in Llangurig (booked by Celtic Trails). Clean, comfortable, quiet and a truly delicious breakfast.
The Post Office in Llangurig, run by Mary Davies, is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the guest house, has a good range of supplies for walkers and Mary will add you to her Facebook page.
Elan Valley Hotel, Rhayader
Rhayader has a number of pubs and cafes. Teg and I were made very welcome in the bar of the Elan Valley hotel. We didn't indulge in the full Sunday lunch but it looked delicious.
Celtic Woodland Holidays, Builth Wells
A small number of self-contained wooden pods set in pretty woodland with lovely views. There is a very clean, warm, communal shower and toilet block – fantastic hot showers courtesy of their biomass boiler. Small honesty shop with supplies like Welsh cakes, milk, chocolate, eggs etc. Just on the outskirts of the village, they have a pick-up service for walkers (they collected me from Newbridge on Wye). Dog friendly.
Cwtch Cafe, Builth Wells
Builth Wells is a small town, but a good place to resupply or get more dog treats and plasters (in my case!). It has a number of places to eat, but highly recommended - and rightly so, was the lovely Cwtch Cafe. Comfy chairs, pretty courtyard outside if you have a dog, delicious coffee, home-made cakes and they do a great breakfast until 11am.
6a Broad Street, Builth Wells LD2 3DT.
Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban
A few miles south of Builth and right on the route, this former railway station and an old train now house a gallery of artworks and crafts by Welsh artists. There's a cafe (with excellent bara brith), and picnic tables outside.
The River Cabin campsite, Trericket Mill
A tiny campsite, run on an honesty system (you post your camping fee into a box). On booking (which is essential) you get the door code for the spotless WC and lovely hot shower, and the wifi code. There is a charging point for phones. A pretty site, right on the route of the walk, but also just off the main road, so there is traffic noise, although it is fenced off and safe for dogs.
The Seven Stars B&B, Hay on Wye
A walker's haven. Run by Di and her lovely dog Captain, you will have a clean, simple room, and excellent breakfast and there is an indoor swimming pool and sauna. It is also dog friendly. Very close to the route and all the amenities of Hay.
Rest for the Tired, Hay on Wye
An alternative to the Seven Stars and just a few doors down is the Rest for the Tired B&B, just above a book shop. Mary, the proprietor, knows everything! Great breakfast and dog friendly.
Tomatitos, Hay on Wye
There are various pubs and eateries in Hay. Tomatitos is a tapas bar, with a convivial atmosphere and decent food.
If you need kit supplies – new socks, walking poles, waterproofs – the PSM store in Hay (very close to both B&Bs) has everything, and friendly knowledgeable staff.
The Moon Inn, Mordiford
Good, honest, home cooked pub grub. Exactly what you need when you've walked non-stop for six hours, as I had that day.
Caplor Farm Eco Pods, near Fownhope
Warm, comfortable, well-kitted out and en-suite, these pods sit in a pretty orchard just a few metres from the route of the walk. It is a wonderfully peaceful site in a beautiful setting. I give it five stars and Teg gives it four paws. For info phone Sandy or Islay on 01432 860644 or book via the website.
The White House Guesthouse, Ross on Wye (booked by Celtic Trails)
Right on the route and the centre of town is just a short walk away. Clean, comfortable rooms and a good breakfast. Dog friendly – I had tea and biscuits in the room and there was a bag of treats for Teg! Tel.: 01989 763572
There are various pubs, cafes and restaurants in Ross in Wye. Hope Treasures, a cafe and gift shop right next to the Hope & Anchor pub, does good coffee and hearty sandwiches and is right on the route. In town is Truffles Deli – which has a cafe but also a good place to pick up treats for the coming days walking. Tel.: 01989 762336
The Saracens Head Inn in Symonds Yat is a very popular pub, particularly at weekends. Right on the river and on the route. Good food and very efficient staff. I didn't stay here, but it also does B&B. Tel.: 01600 890435
The Boat is a good, no nonsense real ale pub right by the footbridge crossing between Penallt and Redbrook, with seats outside overlooking the river. Also serves food. Tel.: 01600 712 615
The Brockweir Inn – my local. Run by the lovely Will and Nicky. Friendly, unpretentious and serving good old pub grub. Tel.: 01291 689 548
The Filling Station Cafe, Tintern
Great little cafe right on the road (and the route) near Tintern Abbey. Good coffee, sandwiches and cakes.
