RIVER CABIN
Immerse yourself in nature
River Cabin, our peaceful eco-cottage, is the perfect rural retreat in which to slow down and replenish yourself in nature. Nestled between 3 historic market towns on the banks of the picturesque River Wye, we're a stone's throw from the breathtaking Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains: an ideal base for exploring mid-Wales.
There are hiking & cycling routes straight from the doorstep, as well as wild swimming, kayaking & climbing spots nearby. For quiet days in, you can sit by the garden's brook watching the sun sparkle in cascading waterfalls and spot salmon as they leap upstream, listen to birdsong from the neighbouring woods, laze in the sunny porch, or cosy up with a book by the fire.
River Cabin accommodates 2 guests comfortably, but also has the option of an extra sofa bed and 3 camping pitches to welcome up to 6 people at a small extra cost.
Everything you need
The stone cottage is situated in an old cider orchard set back from the River Wye and the A470 with an enclosed garden overlooking the old mill stream (Sgithwen Brook) and beech woods beyond. It has one bedroom with a double bed and single sofa bed, a private shower room/toilet, sunny dining porch and fully equipped kitchen/living area. There is a gas-burning fire for the colder months, games and books, and excellent wifi.
With extensive outdoor space, there is plenty of parking, sheltered bike storage, and outdoor seating/dining options. We have a fire pit and BBQ in the garden that you are welcome to use, and there is also a special terrace overlooking the brook - the perfect spot for a peaceful morning coffee or drink at the end of the day.
The orchard space also offers camping pitches should you wish to include that in your booking. We charge an additional £15 per person per night for camping.
As the garden is enclosed, we are happy to welcome one well-behaved dog to River Cabin at an extra charge of £10 to cover the extra cleaning.
Environmental Ethos
River Cabin lies within a Special Area of Conservation and is a site of Special Scientific Interest. We are located just beyond the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We are therefore fully committed to integrating with our natural surroundings and protecting the biodiversity of this beautiful area. As such all of our toiletries and cleaning products are natural, vegan, biodegradable, ethical, sustainable, cruelty free, recycled and recyclable. We've taken care to source everything as locally and naturally as possible. Our plans for the orchard include a program of rewilding as well as an edible forest garden following permacultural principles.
The cottage draws its own supply of spring water from aquifers 180ft underground, and uses solar energy generated by panels on the roof. So you can shower in spring water heated by the sun!
We are delighted to offer a 10% discount to anyone who is using public transport or their own steam (walking or cycling) to get here. The T4 bus from Cardiff to Newtown passes every 2 hours and will drop you right outside. Get in touch for the discount link.
Get out & explore
River Cabin is located between the three market towns of Brecon, Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye which celebrates the literary and arts festival each May-June. We are a 20-minute drive from the Brecon Beacons National Park, with it's dramatic mountainscape and captivating waterfall and woodland walks. The long-distance Wye Valley Walk passes right by the cottage with fantastic hiking in both directions along the river and up into the surrounding hills: we provide details of circular walks that start right from the door. Sustrans cycle route 8 passes on the other side of the river (cross the quirky suspension bridge to join it) and there is easy canoeing and kayaking on the Wye: canoes can be hired 5 miles down river at Glasbury.
Other local activities include pony trekking and riding, climbing, sailing and SUP, mountain biking, gorge walking, wild swimming, foraging, gliding, high ropes ...and more!
There are excellent pubs and small corner shops in the neighbouring villages, bigger supermarkets and restaurants can be found in the market towns.