Hay-on-Wye, known the world over as the capital of second hand books, is a ten-minute drive from The Old Schoolhouse. With numerous specialist book shops and some huge shops such the Cinema Bookshop with 200 000 volumes, it is a real mecca for the booklover. But Hay is not just books - there are lovely boutiques, antique shops, and numerous good cafes, pubs and places to eat. Outside Hay, there is some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK to explore. You can walk from Hay straight up into the lovely Black Mountains. On and off road cycling is spectacular and a week could be spent exploring without going down the same lane twice. Flowing through the middle of the town is the River Wye and hiring a canoe to explore the river. Its a good river for families and the rapids are generally not too difficult. A full days canoe trip will take you from Glasbury to Whitney and normally takes 5 hours with a lunch stop at Hay on Wye.

 Cycling:
There is a really great local bike hire place that does an absolutely excellent service. They are Drover Holidays.  They will deliver bikes to your door for free and pick up at agreed points all over the Hay area. They provide helmets, puncture kits, waterproof maps, whatever you need, and for £5 will even throw in a packed lunch made with local ingredients.

Swimming:
River fanatics will be intrigued by the prospect of wild swimming, and the area has a variety of sites and range of challenges. The cottage’s location is great, because you can go east towards Herefordshire to find the slow, meandering Arrow, Lugg, and Eyton rivers; if you go west into Wales, you find waterfalls and pools in the Usk; and in between, at Bredwardine and Hay, is Britain’s favourite watersport river, the Wye. One of the best rated river beaches is right on the doorstep. The water along the beach is not deep and you can safely paddle, splash about and net fish a good way out. Further out there is a strong current which can be fun to swim against, but parents of young children should check the depth first. There are also little streams that feed into the Wye nearby for very young children, if parents are nervous of the currents. www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming-map will take you to a map you can click on for recommended swims in the area giving location, attractions, and risks.
 In Hay there is wild swimming at Glasbury Bridge and at The Warren [grid SO 222426], a parcel of land purchased by a gathering of Hay residents to prevent it becoming a caravan park in the 1970s. Anyone can still join the Warren Club at the original cost of £13 and fees now go into community initiatives. Its pebble beach has become a favourite spot for picnics, swimmers and canoeists; during the Festival you can find Pimms hampers sprouting like buttercups. Wild swimming also at Lugg Meadows just outside Hereford [HR11JD, grid SO 530414]. The Lugg here a meandering gentle river with deep holes, bends and plenty of shingle beaches.  If you want deeper water and waterfalls try the Usk at Crickhowell where a large pool up to 2 m deep lies beneath the arched medieval bridge of Crickhowell.  Shallow pools for miles along path upriver from bridge offer paddling.  At Pan-Y-fan, near Brecon there is a string of magical shallow waterfalls through fairy woodland under heather covered hillside. Pools up to 1 m. deep. There is a good swim for children and dogs in the river Arrow at the nearby village of Pembridge [HR6 9EY, grid SO 389585].

There is also an outdoor lido at Hay with wonderful countryside views. Open in summer only, closes October.

There are two indoor swimming pools in Hereford – one with wave machine and slides, a baby pool and a diving pool as well as full length lanes for serious exercise.

Canoeing, windsurfing, rowing, sailing:

Paddles and Pedals, 15 Castle Street, Hay, HR3 5DF. single-man Kayak or open Canadian Canoe which will accommodate 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children. Contact Jim or Pat 01497 820604
Celtic Canoes Celtic Lodge, Newport Street, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5BG. Tel / Fax: (01497) 847422
Mobile 07966 505286. Canadian or Kayak & Guided Trips £20 per person per day (£13 half day) Based on 5 persons min.
Llangorse Lake, near Brecon: windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, rowing, pedaloes, toppers, wayfarers, fishing boats for the day and water skiing.


Walking:
Walking is, of course, a big attraction in the region, and the Old Schoolhouse is well situated for that, not only because both the Herefordshire Trail and the Wye Valley Walk run right through the village, but also because the whole village is criss-crossed with public footpaths, so you can walk right from the door. At the top of Bredwardine Hill, is the well-loved Arthur's Stone, an ancient burial site with amazing views across the Golden Valley and towards Hay Bluff. This is a fantastic picnic destination - you work up an appetite and eat in ancient splendour. Down in the village, is the orchard walk, which takes you through common orchard, past Kilvert's church and rectory, onto an easy path parallel to the river, and past the site of former monastic fish ponds and Castle Hill. Then there are all the Hay Bluff, Llantony Valley, and Brecon Beacons walks a little further afield.

Riding and Pony Trekking:
The Brecon Beacons is a major centre for pony trekking on the ancient bridleways and over the hills. There are many centres which cater for this activity and just a few are listed below.
Black Mountain Holidays for trail rides, riding lessons and more. Proprietor: Howard Crighton Castle Farm, Capel-y-Ffin, Abergavenny NP7 7NP (telephone 01873 890650)
Cantref Riding & Trekking Centre, Cantref, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8LR 01874-665223 Treks into the Brecon Beacons and riding lessons. Open all year. Family friendly, all levels.
Llangorse Riding Centre, & Penybryn House, Gilfach Farm, Llangorse, Brecon, Powys, 01874-658272 Fax 01874-658280 Off road trekking, riding and hacking for all abilities.
Llanthony Riding and Trekking - Llanthony Riding and Trekking is based at Court Farm, next to Llanthony Abbey, in the middle of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It offers a choice of riding experiences from simple trekking for novices, to hacks for the confident, and 2-4 day trail rides for the more experienced riders. website:

Trevelog Farm - Pony Trekking, "We are situated deep in the heart of the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Llanthony Valley is famous for its rugged beauty, boasting steep mountainous terrain and open moorland, with miles and miles of bridleways and open countryside to ride. We can offer all lengths of ride from a half days trek to several days riding for the more adventurous. Come and join us in the breathtaking Llanthony Valley for an unforgettable and enjoyable day’s trekking".
Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7NW
Tel: 01873 890216 
Golden Castle Riding Stables  Fiona J. Griffiths BHS A.I. Reg mobile no. 0794 1049485 tel. 01873 810469 days tel/fax. 01874 730987 evenings. Situated on the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons, one of the UK's most breathtaking National Parks, Golden Castle riding stables is a family-run establishment with friendly horses and trained instructors that caters for families and individuals.
Trans Wales Trails, Cwm Fforest Riding Centre Talgarth LD3 0EU ( 01874 711398 Horse riding, pub rides, trail rides, on reliable Welsh Cobs.
FreeRein Horse Riding Holidays Network - individually arranged unescorted trails, guidance and instruction if required, horseback expeditions, route maps and descriptions, luggage delivery and accommodation arrangements if required, hire horses and ponies fully equipped for the trail or bring you own. around Free Rein Horse Riding Holidays, Coach House, Clyro Court, Hereford, HR3 5LE (+44) 1497 821 356

Climbing:
Climbing is a popular sport in the Brecon Beacons, using both natural crags and disused quarries. There are many outdoor centres in the Brecon Beacons which offer climbing courses – here are just a few.

Llangorse Rope Centre: Gilfach Farm Llangorse Brecon Powys LD3 7UH Tel: 01874 658584. Over 300 sqm of indoor natural rock surface suitable for all levels of experience and all ages including children are catered for. Also abseiling, pot holing, rope climbing, zip line, and high wire. Good for beginners or mixed ability. 
Welsh international Climbing Centre Climbs up to 17m high with overhangs up to 8M high, over 2000sqM of climbing surface with 200 pitches. Purpose build climbing centre first in UK to offer real lead climbing. Clubhouse for climbers, health and fitness suite, free car parking and easy access from M4, M50, A465,  A470 near to Brecon Beacons National Park. Taff Bargoed Centre, Trelewis, Treharris, Mid Glamorgan CF46 6RD Tel: 01443 710749.
Brecon Leisure Centre has a range of facilities including an indoor climbing wall. Penlan
Brecon Powys LD3  9SR Tel: 01874 623677 
Golden Valley Training Qualified, experienced & friendly instruction. St. Peter`s Well Cottage, Stockley Hill, Peterchurch, Hereford HR2 0SS
Tel: 01981 550497 Mobile: 07790 502330
Pager: 07626 415229
Black Mountain Activities, Three Cocks Brecon Powys LD3 0SL is an Outdoor Pursuits Centre based in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Offering exciting adventure holidays and activity days to adults and children alike . You are welcome to come from 1 day to 10. Tasting a full range of activities or specialise in a single activity.
www.goldenvalleytraining.co.uk Courses in: rock climbing, abseiling, mountain navigation, trekking, orienteering. Groups/individuals/families.

Gliding, Paragliding, Hang Gliding:  
The hills around Hay are frequented by lovers of air-sports and you could try the following clubs if you would like to find out how to glide.
Black Mountain Gliding Club, The Airfield, Troed yr Harn, Talgarth, Powys, LD3 0EF 
Tel: 01874 711463 (days) 01874 711254 (evenings)   
A gliding club that also offers members a flight in a glider over the Brecon Beacons. Trial lessons for beginners make exciting presents. Five day holiday courses available. The club is located in that part of the Black Mountains featured in a glider flight at the end of the film "On the Black Hill"  based on the novel by Bruce Chatwin. Open all year. Soar above the incomparable scenery of the National Park.
South Wales Gliding Club Club address: The Airfield, Gwernesney, USK, Gwent
Tel: 01291 690536. Secretary: Richard Slater, 3 The Rickfield, Hereford Road, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP5 3HL
Tel: 01600 713664,  
Paraventure  Airsports Edlogan Cwmavon Road Blaenavon Torfaen NP4 9LF
Tel Office: 0845 479 0635
Tel Mobile: 0777 586 5095
Beginner to Pilot courses on SE Wales premier sites; easy access from M4/M5. Tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure trips.
Axis Paragliding & Paramotoring A full time BHPA registered Flying School, Offering Introductory days, Tandem Flights Full Courses, New and second-hand equipment and advice, trips and holidays abroad.
Axis paragliding and Paramotoring 35 Mount Street Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP77DT
01873850111
07970421373
BHPA registered school 351

 Days Out and Rainy Days

A good day out for children and adults is the Owl Centre and small breeds farm park in Kington (HR5 3HF). No tractor rides or gimmicky things, but interesting owls and animals including reindeer and goats; small shop, café, playground. Open everyday 10:30-5:3, winter 10:30-4pm. No credit or debit cards. (tel. 01544 231109).

There is a cinema in Hereford.
ODEON Hereford,
Commercial Road,
Hereford.
HR1 2BJ      Filmline: 0871 22 44 007

You can find ten pin bowling at:
TGS Bowling and Golf
Station Approach
Barrs Court
Hereford
HR1 1BB   01432 352500

There are two leisure pools in Hereford – one with lanes and one with water slide and wave machine, café. Outside the pool is a large playground with and football kicking field. 2011 timetables in leaflet drawer.
Hereford Leisure Pool
St Martins Avenue
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR2 7RQ
Telephone: 0845 24 12 562

There are indoor climbing walls at Llangorse and Welsh Climbing Centre (see under climbing section)

Gardens

The Weir is a National Trust garden very nearby on the road to Hereford. It is a stunning riverside garden with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The garden is spectacular all year round – drifts of spring bulbs give way to wild flowers, followed by autumn colour and the walled garden full of fruit and vegetables. Worth a visit any time of year. Sturdy footwear recommended. No dogs. Picnic area but no café or shop.
The Weir
Swainshill
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4 7QF        Tel. 01981 590509

Hergest Croft Gardens lies on a family estate the heart of the Welsh Marches with stunning views towards the Black Mountains. There are gorgeous flower borders. An old fashioned kitchen garden, Azalea garden, maple grove, and Park Wood - all run by the Banks family, who have managed the estate for generations. The Tearoom is in the Old Dining Room, but teas can also be served on the veranda and outside along the terrace. There is waitress service of delicious home-made cakes, welsh cakes, cream teas, and light lunches. Plants are for sale in the conservatory; and there is also a gift shop.
Hergest Croft hosts special events – a flower fair in May, and garden performances of Shakespeare in the summer.
            Hergest Croft Estate Office
            Ridgebourne Road
            Kington
            Herefordshire
            HR5 3EG          Tel: 01544 230160

Croft Castle and Parkland is a National Trust property at Yarpole, near Leominster.
Home of the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years Croft Castle nestles in peaceful Herefordshire countryside at the heart of a 607-hectare (1,500-acre) estate of woodlands, farm and parkland. Explore the miles of woodland trails, learn about the family who have made Croft so special. See the fine Georgian interiors and family portraits. Relax in the walled garden. Stroll through the woods to the Iron Age hill fort at Croft Ambrey. Croft has more than 300 veteran trees. Walled garden, apples and vines.  Castle-inspired play area for children, family room, events and activities. Waymarked walks across the estate. Dogs: on leads in parkland only

Brockhampton Estate. National Trust. Located only two miles from Bromyard, Brockhampton offers  walks through the ancient woodlands and a sculpture trail. Range of long and short trails to suit all walkers. At the heart of Brockhampton lies Lower Brockhampton, a late 14th-century moated manor house with a beautiful timber-framed gatehouse. Dog friendly with mixture of open fields and wooded walks. Small orchard café.

Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, open from April-September, near the picturesque Black and White village of Pembridge, is a private 3 1/2 acre garden laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds full of  moisture loving plants. It has been featured in Country Life, The English Garden and Country Living, The Times and the Telegraph. There is a café which is open all day serving home-cooked meals and teas. It has plenty of space inside or you can sit by the stream and look across the meadow to the hills. Plants for sale. The gardens are off the A44 between Pembridge & Kington, 20 minutes west of Leominster and 25 minutes north of Hereford.