"The Bothy" is a quaint little stone cottage located on a sheep farm in the hills surrounding the historic town of Hay-On-Wye in south-central wales near the Brecon Beacons National Park. A beautiful area to take a holiday.
My wife and I arrived at the Bothy Cottage after venturing along many miles of single-track road through the Welsh countryside. Luckily we encountered only a few other vehicles including one giant lumbering tractor. Cindy was a trooper for the most part but there were a few moments I thought her nervousness would have her crawling up onto the seat. Single-tracks are not for the faint of heart.
The bothy is a well appointed cottage. A small kitchen flows into a cozy living area complete with comfortable arm chairs, a small but practical dining table, and a wood burning stove tucked into a corner. I don’t remember a television, but if there was one we never turned it on. Wifi was available, somewhat flakey and intermittent as the wind blows, but we didn’t use much of that either. It was refreshing to take a break from technology and spend time enjoying nature and exploring the local area.
We enjoyed a full week of relaxing, reading, hiking and visiting the nearby town, known locally as "Hay", with it's many book stores, pub and restaurants, including our favorite find: Tomatitos Tapas Bar on Lion Street. Great food and atmosphere.
If you enjoy the cool, quiet atmosphere and smell of a bookstore, with halls and rooms and cubby holes filled with books, you'll be in heaven in Hay-On-Wye, which is considered the book capitol of the world, and hosts the annual Hay Literary Festival.
Another interesting aside, for lovers of 80's horror movies, is that portions of An American Werewolf In London were filmed nearby. Opening scenes were filmed within a short hiking distance from the cottage in The Black Mountains, and the filming location for the exterior of the Slaughtered Lamb pub is just a short drive away. We took a selfie where David and Jack hop off the sheep truck. Fun.
Of course Wales is beautiful, and the cottage is within driving distance to many amazing and historic places, ancient castles and mottes. So much to see and do.
If you're looking for a memorable getaway for two The Bothy Cottage, Hay-On-Wye, in Wales is perfectand highly recommended.
My wife and I arrived at the Bothy Cottage after venturing along many miles of single-track road through the Welsh countryside. Luckily we encountered only a few other vehicles including one giant lumbering tractor. Cindy was a trooper for the most part but there were a few moments I thought her nervousness would have her crawling up onto the seat. Single-tracks are not for the faint of heart.
The bothy is a well appointed cottage. A small kitchen flows into a cozy living area complete with comfortable arm chairs, a small but practical dining table, and a wood burning stove tucked into a corner. I don’t remember a television, but if there was one we never turned it on. Wifi was available, somewhat flakey and intermittent as the wind blows, but we didn’t use much of that either. It was refreshing to take a break from technology and spend time enjoying nature and exploring the local area.
We enjoyed a full week of relaxing, reading, hiking and visiting the nearby town, known locally as "Hay", with it's many book stores, pub and restaurants, including our favorite find: Tomatitos Tapas Bar on Lion Street. Great food and atmosphere.
If you enjoy the cool, quiet atmosphere and smell of a bookstore, with halls and rooms and cubby holes filled with books, you'll be in heaven in Hay-On-Wye, which is considered the book capitol of the world, and hosts the annual Hay Literary Festival.
Another interesting aside, for lovers of 80's horror movies, is that portions of An American Werewolf In London were filmed nearby. Opening scenes were filmed within a short hiking distance from the cottage in The Black Mountains, and the filming location for the exterior of the Slaughtered Lamb pub is just a short drive away. We took a selfie where David and Jack hop off the sheep truck. Fun.
Of course Wales is beautiful, and the cottage is within driving distance to many amazing and historic places, ancient castles and mottes. So much to see and do.
If you're looking for a memorable getaway for two The Bothy Cottage, Hay-On-Wye, in Wales is perfectand highly recommended.
Tell Boris the cat we said, "Hello.”