Just birdsong for company

You can go completely off-grid in this quirky autumn hideaway, as Portia Jones finds

- Portia Jones finds

ONE of my favourite spots for a cosy escape is a restored railway wagon in the middle of a remote valley.

Inside the Dark Sky Reserve of Bannau Brycheiniog, you'll find some retired railway carriages which form the Llanthony Castaway glamping experience.

Promising a “remote rural getaway for two,” I was keen as mustard to escape the daily grind of emails and deadlines and hunker down in a notification-free zone.

I packed my bags with warm ‘autumnal’ jumpers, wellies, a flask, and ‘must-read’ books that had long been collecting dust on my shelves, and I set off with my obliging husband in tow.

Now, admittedly, the issue with a ‘remote getaway’ is that it’s not exactly easy to find by its very nature. Google Maps is not your friend here, especially if you haven't downloaded the offline route (why do I always do this?).

However, after some lively discussion with my husband over whether what3words could be trusted, we eventually found our hidden hideaway before the sun went down. Phew.

After a winding drive down a single-track road through the Black Mountains, flanked by a canopy of trees, we arrived at the foot of a sweeping valley.

In the distance, beyond the field, was a former railway carriage, lovingly restored and perched amid the glorious countryside.

Now, this is exactly the sort of bougie escape that would make an Instagram girlie weep with joy. After crossing a small bridge, you can step inside the luxe carriages, which have been specifically designed for a cosy stay for two.

Inside, the main room, though compact, feels rather roomy, helped by a large sliding glass door that opens the cabin to the outside valley.