Our small market town of Talgarth nestles beneath the Black Mountains which run along the border between Wales and England and provides an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore both the Black Mountains and the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This is a beautiful area with dramatic scenery, varied wild life and an intriguing past. It is a landscape of contrasts with wild, open moorland, waterfalls, windswept mountains and sheltered valleys, bustling market towns and isolated farmsteads.

View of Talgarth and the Black Mountains

In this rural area farming dominates the landscape which is rich in wildlife habitats with a wonderful variety of plants and animals, some internationally rare. Walking, cycling, mountain biking, horseriding, gliding, hang gliding, canoeing, bird watching or just touring by car are some of the activities for visitors to try. Closeby you will find two nature reserves, the Woodland Trust's Park Wood and Brecknock Wildlife Trust's Pwll y Wrach.

The area has been settled for the last 5000 years and just a mile or so from the town is the oldest long cairn in Southern Britain where a small bone flute, the first musical instrument in the British Isles, was found. The area abounds with prehistoric remains and the town itself was reputedly the chief royal residence of the House of Brycheiniog.

River Ennig at "The Rocks"

Mediaeval Church of St. Ellwye

As the Normans advanced over Wales in the early 11th century, they left a string of fortifications on their path. On a hilltop south of the town are the ruins of Castell Dinas, which would probably have fallen into disuse with the building of Brecon Castle. Bronllys Castle is just to the north. The parish church of St. Gwendoline's is mainly of 13th to 14th century construction on the site of a 5th century Celtic monastery. The Pele Tower in the centre of the town was also built in the 13th/14th century - a defensive residence guarding the river crossing and town.

Talgarth has many fine buildings and the old part of town with its narrow streets and 19th Century architecture evokes a past era. Because of its timeless quality it has been used for film locations.

For years the town held important medical links with the Mid Wales Hospital being situated in the town. The Headquarters of the Local Health Board is still located at Bronllys Hospital, 1 mile away.

River Ennig and Bridge

Cottages in Church Street

Talgarth’s origins are lost in antiquity. It has been a centre for farming communities for centuries, famous for its horse fairs up to the early 20th century and for its livestock market which is still active on Tuesdays and Fridays. Today there are many local clubs and societies, a few of which are a Rugby Club, a toddler group, Luncheon Club for the elderly, a youth club and indoor and outdoor bowls clubs. The town puts on an impressive display of Christmas lights during epiphany, as well as organising the Festival of the Black Mountains on August Bank Holiday weekend.

Talgarth is an excellent base from which to explore the Black Mountains and Wye Valley. It is becoming more and more popular with artists and photographers due to its amazing scenery and historic built environment. Whether you're here for the festival, a holiday or as an artist, we hope ou enjoy your time here and look forward to seeing you again.

 
Y Das, Black Mountains from the town