Activities
Outdoor & active
The Upper Towy Valley, surrounded by the Cambrian mountains and only 40 mins drive from the Brecon Beacons, has many opportunities for walkers, mountain bikers and those of an outdoors disposition. It all starts as soon as you step outside the Cabin, with some great walking possibilities. You can even canoe, kayak or fish on the river at the end of the drive.
Here are just a few of the many options, outdoors...
There are stunning walks in every direction from the Cabin - or drive to the Llyn Brianne reservoir and start from there.
There is a bike trail at Cwm Rhaeadr and also a pushchair and wheelchair friendly walk.
It's possible to go horse riding along the many bridle paths that are nearby.
The Dinas Nature Reserve has a lovely circular walk among the waterfalls of the upper Towy valley. Run by the RSPB, it's a fantastic place for bird watchers and it seems also Welsh fugitives. Legend has it that Twm Sion Cati, the Welsh outlaw, hid in the caves here. Also, just past Pwllpriddog Farm notice the heavily pollarded hollow oak tree on the side of the road. Reputed to have been planted in the 12th century, when much of the valley was owned by the Abbey Strata of Florida. If true, it would make this tree and two others like it on the Dinas reserve, over 700 years old.
Places to visit
Castles - the region has several castles that are open to the public.
The spectacular Carreg Cennen sits high on a rocky crag with magnificent views of the Black Mountain and Towy Valley. The dark cave beneath the castle is worth exploring too.
Dinefwr Castle, a 20 minute drive away, dates from the 9th century and is considered one of the most important castles in Wales. It's in the grounds of Dinefwr Park, also home to Newton House. The Park is a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll. Watch out for the many deer. There are events held within the park from March to November.
In the surrounding area there are many old lead and gold mines, drovers trails and ancient shelters waiting to be discovered on long walks.
Parks, gardens & nature reserves
There are a number of parks, gardens and nature reserves within easy reach of Nant yr Onnen.
The ancient gardens of Aberglasney are delightful. In a few hours you can discover its pools, cloister walk and ancient Yew tunnels as well as many rare plants.
The National Botanic Gardens of Wales boast numerous attractions including the world's largest single span greenhouse, a Mediterranean garden, and the Wallace garden honouring famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russell Wallace.
Dinefwr Park is an 18th-century landscaped park with nature reserve, bog wood and deer park surrounding the carefully restored Newton House. Home to the ancient herd of Dinefwr White Park cattle.
An RSPB nature reserve borders Nant yr Onnen and there's a Red Kite feeding station nearby.
Although it might feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, there are beautiful beaches 1 hour away, both to the West and South.
Local towns & villages
Llandovery is a good place to while away an afternoon. The town is bordered by the River Towy and the River Bran. In the Heritage Centre next to Llandovery Castle you can learn about Twm Sion Cati and William Williams, famous for being an outlaw and writing Welsh hymns respectively. You can also learn about the history and myths surrounding the Physicians of Myddfai. Other things to see in the town include Llanfair church, the site of the old drovers bank, Bank of the Black Ox, Llandovery College and the old printing works.
Llandeilo has a number of excellent pubs, cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
Rhandirmwyn and Cilycwm Village Shows in August are definitely worth a visit for a heady mix of eating, drinking and old-fashioned fun. The sheep dog trials are a highlight.