The Majestic Bus

First stop for sporty types will most likely be Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly the Brecon Beacons, 15 minutes’ drive) for adventures on foot among wind-sculpted hills and wild moorland. Popular hikes include Pen y Fan (45 minutes), topped by a Bronze Age burial chamber, and the spectacular riverside trails in Waterfall Country (about an hour). Another hiking option is the well-trodden Offa’s Dyke Path, just 20 minutes’ walk from The Majestic Bus across several fields. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, cycle rides include a demanding loop between Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny (around six hours in the saddle). You can also explore the area on horseback (40 minutes’ drive), or get out on the water by kayaking down the River Wye (boat hire is 20 minutes away in Glasbury). Hay-on-Wye (15 minutes) may be world-known as the ‘town of books’ with its famed literary festival in early June, but it’s a lively little spot all year around. There’s a schedule of classical concerts, a buzzy Thursday market and lots of galleries to browse as well as all the bookshops. Hay Castle also does its bit with concerts and exhibitions, and there are loads of pubs and cafés for relaxing after an day of culture.