Luxury Hiking Weekend in Black Mountains & Forest of Dean

Organiser – Gary Box
Where – Green Duffryn Barn, Newcastle, Nr Monmouth, Wales
When – February 1st-4th 2013 (Fri-Mon)
Cost – £100.00 (includes 3 nights accommodation and all guided hikes)

Summary

In the winter we like to organise luxury weekends where the accommodation chosen is of a much higher standard than the usual hostel or bunkhouse. Since the days are shorter in winter it’s good to return to accommodation with facilities like a hot tub, flat screen TV and lots of space. Our accommodation for this trip is one we first used in 2012, Green Duffryn Barn, which is situated between the Forest of Dean and the eastern Brecon Beacons (Black Mountains). The barn is one of the highest quality conversions we have ever stayed in with no expense spared in the quality of materials used.

The barn sleeps a total of 13 people. There are 3 double bedrooms, a bedroom sleeping 4 which we will make a female only room and a bedroom sleeping 3 which we will make a male only room. When booking please select the room you require from the dropdown list. A single bed costs £100.00 but if you select a double room you must pay for the entire room at £200.00. The barn also has three lounges (two of which have wood burning stoves), terraced patio with hot tub, TV’s with Sky and Freeview and a games room with pool table, dart board and table tennis. Bedding is provided so you don’t need a sleeping bag.

Due to the location of the barn we have decided to offer walks in both the Black Mountains and the Forest of Dean. On Saturday the walk will be in the Black Mountains. This 13.5 mile walk involves 800 metres of ascent and includes 5 summits over 2000 feet. A large section of it is a lovely ridge walk that offers great views. For a few miles of the route we will be walking on the England / Wales border and you can literally have one foot in each country. The summits include Chwarel y Fan (679m), Pen Rhos Dirion (713m), Twmpa (690m), Black Mountain (703m) and South Top (637m).

On Sunday the walk will be in the Forest of Dean / Wye Valley. The 8.5 mile route involves 340 metres of ascent. Sights include the Near Harkening Rock and Suckstone, woodland, The River Wye and the historic city of Monmouth.

During the evenings after eating there will be various options back at the barn. I will bring Nintendo Wii, some DVD’s and of course there is the chance to use the hot tub and games room.

On Monday we will offer either a short walk or tourist option which could include Raglan Castle before returning to London. You need to bring food for your breakfasts and packed lunches. In the evenings we can either eat at a local pub or self cater a meal at the acc0mmodation.

What to bring

• Hiking boots and clothes
• Swimming costume for hot tub
• Toiletries