We chose Gilwern as we have previously visited the area and always planned to go back. We arrived and were given a warm and friendly reception by Nicola. Nothing was too much trouble. The property is brilliant, lots of space and a bedroom with a balcony and views to die for out across the Usk valley to Sugarloaf and the Black Mountains.
The property is sited about 1 mile from Gilwern centre which has all the basic amenities - minimarket, petrol, pubs, newsagent, pharmacy, doctors surgery and even a chip shop. Just down the road is the town of abergavenny with a superb range of food and other shops as well as several supermarkets. Arrange a visit in September to coincide with the abergavenny food festival.
Gilwern sits on The Heads of the Valley road so access to Cardiff, Swansea, the Brecon Beacons and Brecon town, the Forest of Dean and the Black Mountains is simplicity itself. If driving is not your cup of tea then there is walking in all directions and of all standards on the doorstep. The Brecon Beacons Horseshoe is a challenging walk and again only about 40 minutes drive to the start. There is even the Monmouth and Breckon canal with towpath a few hundred yards down the lane. Industrial archeaology abounds with Blaenarvon Iron Works (World Heritage site), Clydach gorge and iron works and Blorenge Mountain and its network of tramways and quarries all within 10 miles.
We loved every minute of our stay. The only downside is that the local pub is at the bottom of the hill that leads up to the Coach-house, alright going, a challenge for the return journey. The best bit, we're booked in already for next year