Brecon beckons

Charming villages and glorious countryside await Andria Massey on a visit to Brecon, in Wales

- Andria Massey

AFTER THE LONG pause for winter, it was at last time to get on the road again. My housemate, Pearl, and I didn’t want to go too far on this trip, so opted for the Brecon Beacons (now officially renamed Bannau Brycheiniog National Park), a comparatively easy journey from our home in North Wales.

We searched for a campsite fulfilling our criteria of being a small place with all of the facilities we require, along with easy access to public transport; we prefer to set up and ideally avoid driving during our stay, to save a bit of fuel and cash.

We soon came up with an absolute gem, Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, family run and lying in the quiet area of Powys, with stunning views and easy walks just four miles from Brecon.

With no heavy lifting needed to dispose of chemical and grey waste, and spotless facilities, the site also has a warm drying room and fridge/freezers for guests’ use.

As well as a bus service between Brecon and Abergavenny, it is just a short walk to access the well-maintained towpaths of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

I have already voted for Pencelli in Practical Caravan’s 2024 Top 100 Sites survey, as it’s one of the best we have ever stayed on. At this truly peaceful place, the only sounds during our stay were birdsong, and the bleating of sheep and lambs.

Gateway to Wales

We arrived at the site in the mid-afternoon and, because it was a very pleasant day, we decided to explore the canal towpath.