Lower Swan Bank, Hay-On-Wye

Herefordshire. Sleeps up to 4

Lower Swan Bank is a comfortable "olde worlde" cottage dating from the 1780's. Up steps at the back of the cottage is a small terraced garden - somewhere peaceful to escape the bizz of this vibrant little town.

With its excellent location in the centre of Hay on Wye means that guests can enjoy a huge variety of wonderful cafes, restaurants and pubs, not to mention the charming shopping facilities in this small town. The landscape surrounding Hay could not be more dramatic or diverse, and visitors to Lower Swan Bank will be spoilt for choice by the range of outdoor activities and wonderful walking and cycling routes available locally. Hay is well know for its second-hand bookshops and the Literary Festival but there is far more to enjoy with its Norman castle walls rising imperiously over the River Wye. Try an excellent expresso coffee or an ice cream made with sheeps' milk from Shepherds Ice Cream Parlour. Visit the tiny chandelier shop that twinkles down a side street or visit The Old Electric Shop where you can buy locally roasted coffee or industrial "retro" furniture and clothes. In Hay-on-Wye there is something interesting around every corner.

Accommodation:

Sleeps 4 - 2 double bedrooms

The kitchen is fitted with an electric cooker, microwave, washing machine and a dining table and chairs. Comfortable chairs are set around a gas fire. TV, CD and a radio. There is a small utility area which houses a fridge and small tumble dryer.

A further sitting room has a comfortable sofa and chairs as well as a TV and DVD player.

Upstairs

Bedroom 1: A Master bedroom with a lovely, restored iron bedstead,

Bedroom 2: A second pretty bedroom with a double bed.

Bathroom: With toilet, handbasin and bath

Useful Information:

Hay-on-Wye - on your doorstep

Lower Swan Bank sits at one end of the little town of Hay-on-Wye. Just across the road is The Swan Hotel which has a good restaurant and the famous Cinema Bookshop, the UK's largest second-hand bookshop, is a stone's throw away. The 'Town of Books' is fascinating, the shops here will not only provide for all your practical needs but also offer hours of browsing. There are boutique clothes shops, antique dealers, retailer's catering for crafts and interiors amongst many other things. There are some excellent pubs and restaurants and the most wonderful, old-fashioned sweetie shop. The little shops sit along quaint, narrow streets with the stunning and picturesque backdrop of Hay's 12th century, partially ruined castle.

An area rich in history

Hay-on-Wye sits next to the river and the Welsh/English border, so is a great spot for those looking to explore Herefordshire or the Wye Valley walk and Offa's Dyke path. As a result of its position on the border, Hay has a colourful history and has two Norman castles to discover. Battles raged in and around Hay from as early as 1070 when William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford and friend of William the Conqueror fortified the town following his successful defeats of three Welsh Kings. Since that time this area has been an important strategic town in the battle for control of Wales. Many of Hay's bookshops carry information on the history of Hay and a walk to the site of the original castle and a tour of the partially restored second castle will provide further insights.

An outdoor enthusiast's paradise

For those looking for an active holiday this location offers a huge choice of outdoor activities and sports. With some of the best cycle routes in the region you'll be spoilt for choice. The incredible Gospel Pass is on your doorstep allowing direct routes into the Llanthony Valley, Offa's Dyke Path, and the National Cycle Route 42. Lower Swan Bank is also ideally located near footpaths leading up to Hay Bluff or across the fields to Llanigon. Many of these routes double as excellent horse riding or hill walking tracks and the views from almost any point will take your breath away.

With the River Usk a few minutes walk away water enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing and fishing. Further activities such as hang gliding, shooting, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge-walking, rafting, pot-holing, golf, off-road driving, paint-balling, orienteering and quad-biking can all be arranged locally - this is a real hotspot for outdoor activities.

Set amidst an atmospheric and dramatic landscape

Just a stone's throw from Lower Swan Bank is the quiet road that leads up to the famed Gospel Pass and the village of Llanthony beyond. The 12th century cleric Giraldus Cambrensis commented on the area's "hushed atmosphere" and this is still noticeable today with strange acoustics due to the closeness of the hills on all sides. The uniquely spiritual atmosphere here has drawn artists, monks, writers and mystics to make this area their home for many hundreds of years. The Gospel Pass itself has been a way through the Vale of Erywas since the time of Iron Age Man and taking the route through the mountains yourself you are stuck by how little the area must have changed since those times.

Take the short trip down to Llanthony Priory one of the earliest monasteries founded in Britain. Entry is free but take a little money and treat yourself to a pint or glass of something cool from the bar at the hotel situated on site and sit in the peaceful and atmospheric grounds of this 13th century ruin.

Hay-on-Wye on your doorstep, Brecon 12 miles.

If you would like to speak to someone who has visited this property please ask for: Elizabeth, Edwina, Carolyn or Andria

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