Nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, our family recently enjoyed a much-needed four-night retreat at Forest Holidays Garwnant. From the moment we arrived at our Golden Oak cabin (number 8), we were struck by the tranquillity and natural beauty of our surroundings. The philosophy behind Forest Holidays is simple yet powerful – it’s all about reconnecting with nature and escaping the busyness of everyday life. Our stay certainly lived up to this ethos, offering us the perfect blend of family time, outdoor adventure, and peaceful relaxation.
The Golden Oak Cabin Experience
Our Golden Oak cabin was thoughtfully designed to be both luxurious and comfortable, offering all the amenities you need for a truly relaxing stay. Spacious enough for our family of four, the cabin features two bedrooms, a cosy living area with a wood-burning stove, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the surrounding forest. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like the perfect home away from home, a place to unwind in style.
One of the key features of the cabin was the hot tub on the private decking area, where we spent several evenings soaking in the bubbling warmth while gazing out at the woodland. There’s something deeply relaxing about enjoying a glass of wine in the hot tub, with the only sounds being the wind in the trees and the occasional owl hooting in the distance. The cabin also comes equipped with a fully functional kitchen, complete with all the utensils we needed. It was ideal for preparing family meals, and one evening we even had a pizza night, baking fresh pizzas and enjoying a movie with the kids – a rare treat for us all to sit down together like that!
Adventure and Exploration
Garwnant’s location provides the ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, and we were eager to make the most of our time. Early in the trip, we hired bikes from the Forest Retreat and set off for a ride around the nearby reservoir. The scenic route was an easy-going adventure, perfect for our children, aged 10 and 8. The views around the reservoir were simply breathtaking – we cycled through peaceful trails lined with lush greenery, and every now and then, the trees would open up to reveal panoramic views of the shimmering water. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, feeling far removed from the stresses of daily life.
But the real highlight of our outdoor adventures was climbing Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, standing at an impressive 886 metres. The mountain is renowned for its sweeping views, and despite some initial reservations from the kids, we decided to give it a go. The hike took us around four hours in total, taking a steady pace to enjoy the surroundings and, of course, cater to the occasional moans of tired legs. As we climbed, the view got even more spectacular, with the rolling hills and valleys stretching out beneath us. Wild horses, a delightful surprise, ran freely across the path ahead, adding a magical touch to the journey.
As we neared the top, the temperature began to drop and the breeze turned into a bracing wind, making the last stretch a little more challenging. However, the sense of achievement (and that all-important family photo at the summit!) made it all worth it. The kids may have grumbled a bit on the way up, but they were beaming by the time we reached the top – even more so after being rewarded with ice creams at the base! Back at the cabin, we celebrated our mountain conquest with a dip in the hot tub, toasting with wine and beer as the kids splashed about, clearly proud of their accomplishment.
Exploring the Four Waterfalls Walk
The following day, after a restful night’s sleep, we ventured out to explore the nearby Four Waterfalls Walk. This popular trail, known for its series of stunning waterfalls, is a favourite among visitors to the Brecon Beacons. We set out early to beat the crowds, which was a good decision as it’s a busy spot, especially during school holidays. The walk itself was a little more strenuous than expected, with several steep sections and lots of stairs. Recent rain had made some of the paths slippery, adding to the challenge, but it only enhanced the adventure for the kids, who loved navigating the more rugged terrain.
The waterfalls were truly a sight to behold, each one offering something different, from cascading sheets of water to smaller, more tranquil falls. The highlight was the chance to walk behind one of the waterfalls – a refreshing and thrilling experience. We all got a little wet, but it was so worth it for the sense of wonder and connection to nature.
Evenings Under the Stars
Returning to the cabin after our waterfall adventure, we decided to take advantage of the BBQ that comes included with the Golden Oak cabin. The gas grill made cooking a breeze, and we kept things simple with burgers and sausages, dining outside under the Welsh skies. The kids played nearby, enjoying the freedom of the outdoors while we relaxed and soaked in the peaceful evening atmosphere. After dinner, we couldn’t resist another soak in the hot tub. This time, with all the lights turned off, we lay back and gazed up at the sky. The clouds had cleared, and the stars were so bright, seemingly close enough to touch. It was one of those unforgettable moments that only a stay in the heart of nature can provide – no distractions, no technology, just the beauty of the night sky and the warmth of the bubbling water.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Forest Holidays Garwnant was everything we hoped for and more. It allowed us to spend quality time together as a family, immersed in nature, and taking a break from the fast pace of everyday life. Whether it was the excitement of climbing Pen y Fan, the awe-inspiring beauty of the Four Waterfalls Walk, or the simple pleasure of sharing a meal under the stars, every moment felt like a precious memory in the making. For anyone looking for a family getaway that combines adventure, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature, I can’t recommend Forest Holidays Garwnant highly enough. We left feeling refreshed, recharged, and already planning our next visit.
Top 5 Tips for a Memorable Stay at Forest Holidays Garwnant
- Pack for All Weathers: The Welsh weather can be unpredictable, especially when exploring higher altitudes like Pen y Fan, where it gets progressively colder and windier. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes – even in summer – so you can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking or cycling.
- Book Bikes in Advance: If you plan to hire bikes to explore the scenic routes around the reservoir or forest trails, it’s a good idea to book them in advance. This ensures availability, especially during peak holiday periods, and sets you up for a seamless adventure.
- Start Early for the Four Waterfalls Walk: This stunning walk is understandably popular, so aim to arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Bring plenty of snacks and water, as the trail can be more challenging than expected, especially after rain.
- Take Advantage of the Hot Tub: After a day of adventure, the hot tub is the perfect way to relax and unwind. Make sure to bring swimwear and perhaps a robe for added comfort. Don’t forget to turn off the cabin’s lights for some incredible stargazing – the dark skies in this area are ideal for it.
- Stock Up on Essentials: While the Forest Retreat on-site has some basic supplies, it’s a good idea to bring any specific groceries or items you’ll need for your stay. With the cabin’s fully equipped kitchen and BBQ, you’ll have everything you need for self-catering, so plan ahead and bring ingredients for your favourite meals.
These tips will help ensure your family getaway is smooth, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable experiences!
This review is based entirely on my own experiences during the trip, and none of the content has been sponsored or provided in exchange for editorial coverage.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
