Welcome to Capel Cartref, our spacious 'home from home' holiday accommodation that welcomes large families and groups of up to ten people. The converted chapel is a riverside oasis that has an enclosed garden, keeping it safe for children and family pets.
For those who love to explore South and Mid Wales and return to a spacious, comfortable home, this is the place for you. The former chapel (Originally named Capel Newydd, meaning New Chapel), is situated in the heart of the valley Cwmtwrch, next to a wide meandering River Twrch.
The exterior offers the comfort of a veranda and balcony that overlooks the river, which plays host to a variety of wildlife. The river views provide the perfect setting for heron, brown trout, dippers and the occasional kingfisher and otter.
Entrance through the front double doors of our holiday accommodation leads you to the ground floor which is all on one flat level offering, 2 double bedrooms, a large kitchen/diner, a lovely spacious lounge with vaulted ceiling, a wet room and a store room. All ground floor doorways have widened access, there is also a ramp leading to the front doorway. The lounge has satellite TV and Blu Ray DVD Player, plus an Amazon Fire Stick and plenty of room for family gatherings.
Capel Cartref has been renovated to a 5 Bedroom house of high standard. It is currently graded as 4 star holiday let with www.visitwales.com and has 150 Reviews with www.tripadvisor.com, most of which are 5 star and some 4 star. Advertising on Airbnb has brought us 61 x 5 Star Reviews and 1 x 4 Star Review.
The 1st floor is accessed via a staircase which leads to a gallery landing - a place to sit in peace. The 1st floor also includes 1 double bedroom, 1 twin room, 1 main bathroom, 1 main bedroom with king size bed and en-suite shower room, one private balcony (leading off main bedroom) which overlooks River Twrch.
Capel Cartref is situated on the border of Powys, and The Brecon Beacon National Park.
Within the surrounding area are beautiful scenic walks that can be accessed without a car. Crossing the river at the rear of the chapel and heading up the steps eventually leads you to farm land with accessible roads that lead to a beautiful forest, offering scenic views of the valley.
There is very fast WIFI at the chapel and leaflets available with local places to visit and there are places to eat and drink within a short 15 minute drive, or if you prefer to eat locally, there is The Crown Inn which is situated approximately 500 yards from Capel Cartref.
Beaches open all year round to dogs are just a 40 minute drive away, however, Swansea Bay is a mere 12 miles from the chapel and is 'dog free' during the summer holiday season.
Three Cliffs Bay (Post Code SA3 2HD) (OS Grid SS536879) and Rhossili (Post Code SA3 1PP) - both at The Gower... however, access to them is tricky for anybody with mobility issues but the views from the top are gorgeous!
For food at the Rhossili, The Worm’s Head Hotel, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PP (Tel 01792 390512) (email info@thewormshead.co.uk) NO DOGS ALLOWED INSIDE
Langland Beach, Mumbles is only dog friendly from September - May. Postcode is SA3 4QP. OS Grid SS607872 but has a lovely smooth path to allow wheelchair access along the cliff tops.
The Mumbles (also part of The Gower), comprises of a long promenade aligned with shops and cafes. The beach is part sand and pebble. There is a pier which is open all year round with an arcade, a small bowling alley and shops. The RNLI operate from the Mumbles and have for over 175 years.
The Mermaid Cafe Bar & Restaurant - 686 Mumbles Road | Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EE Tel. +44 1792 367744
BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK:
At the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, are the waterfalls of four or five rivers: the Afon Hepste, Nedd Fechan, Afon Pyrddin, Afon Mellte and Afon Sychryd. Due to the diverse number of waterfalls in the Valley of Neath, it has been nicknamed 'Waterfall Country'. Details of two splendorous walks are Henrhyd and Ponyneddfechan:
Henrhyd Falls - Signposted from the A4067 and A4221 by brown tourist signs. The car park is located just outside Coelbren on the minor road to Pen y Cae.
This is not accessible for people with mobility restrictions.
Ponyneddfechan - Is a more accessible walk along the river that has small water falls along its way. The Angel Pub is right next to it and sells local ales and provides good food. Post code - SA11 5NR (You will feel like you're being taken down a dirt track before you arrive - this is the right way).
Dan yr Ogof, located at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, is a long cave system in south Wales, about north of Ystradgynlais and southwest of Brecon, in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Dan-yr-Ogof Abercrave, Abercrave, Brecon SA9 1GJ Tel No. 01639 730801 (Open from April to October)
Aberdulalais Tin Works and Waterfalls - Neath Port Talbot, SA10 8EU
Ty Anturiaeth, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath, SA10 9DT
For bike hire there is Tawe Bikes. There are various cycle routes including a circular one that takes you from Pontadarwe to Swansea https://tawebikes.com (+44) 7988 852997 123 Herbert Street, Pontardawe SA8 4ED Email - tawebike@protonmail.com
The National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon LD3 8ER The National Park Visitor Centre is approx 25 minute drive from Capel Cartref
If you fancy booking a ghost night, or just love old buildings, there is always Craig Y Nos Castle Brecon Rd, Pen-y-cae, Swansea SA9 1GL Tel 01639 730725
A lovely place for dog walking and appreciating plant life is Clyne Park, Mumbles Road Mill Lane, SA3 5BD. Although some of the paths are steep and contain steps so not great for people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Ancient Briton, Brecon Road, Pen-y-cae SA9 1YR Tel 01639 730273 - A very friendly pub serving good food, with a range of ales and local cider. Children and dogs welcome. It is situated quite close to Dan-yr-Ogof Caves, Henrhyd Falss and Craig-y-Nos Country Park.
For pub/food closer to the chapel, there is The Crown, which is situated approximately 500 yards) It reopened in 2021 after being named The Ffynnon. Tel. 01792 983405 crown.inn@yahoo.com
Tafarn Twrch (The Castle Inn), 2 Bethel Road, Lower Cwmtwrch SA0 2PS - pub within walkable distance. No food served but they do have a pool table…
The Aubrey Arms, Gurnos Road, SA9 2LA is located off the main roundabout heading into Lower Cwmtwrch. They serve steak and visitors have recommended it. Tel. 01639 842116
Saws-Deka (Som-Tum Authentic Thai Take Away) - based in car park of Godrergraig social/working men’s club Ystalyfera SA9 2HA
New Tradegar Hotel is also quite a nice homely pub/restaurant, Tel 01639 830229 Upper Cwmtwrch SA9 2XG
Pen & Cae Inn, Brecon Road, Pen Y Cae, Swansea Valley, SA9 1FA Tel 01639
730100 - FIFTEEN MINUTE DRIVE AWAY BUT WELL WORTH THE JOURNEY
For another dog friendly eatery, there is also The Clock Works in Ystradgynlais, (on the same site as Tesco). Wind Road, SA9 1AD. Tel. 01792 721084 The menu contains ‘typical’ pub food as well as nachos and pizzas. If you visit their website, it is possible to download the menu. https://www.theclockworkspubystradgynlais.co.uk
