Kite Hill Yurts
UK Wales Mid Wales Powys Builth Wells
Like an ode to their previously nomadic lifestyle, the Mongolian yurt seems the perfect structure for Lisa and Jerry to have built here on their Welsh version of the Mongolian Steppe. The yurts’ perch atop a ribbon of hills on the west bank of the River Wye is like a final, long-awaited destination at the end of the couple’s travels, a three year spell that saw them take an old Land Rover from Namibia and gradually make their way back to the UK.
Their longest settling along the way was living on a mountain plateau in the middle of Africa, managing a 3,000km² wildlife reserve. It seems no surprise, then, that when it came to settling back into British life they were drawn not to their old city jobs but, instead, to the hills and the wildlife of Wales’ Black Mountains a few miles north of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The two yurts at Kite Hill nest themselves among lush, long grass – a would-be savannah carpet were it not for the dandelions and buttercups that grow in abundance and the mature, native hedgerows that surround the field. The view beyond, of forests, fields and a nobbled spine of green hills, is as British as they come too. Though giraffes and monkeys would surely be in their element here, given the great thickness of trees that flank the far side of the meadow.
Inside, the yurts are beautifully finished – luxurious but with a rustic feel. They feature chunky wooden bedsteads, bedside tables and small, tea-light lanterns that cast warm colours up the canvas walls. The natural colour of the wood adds further warmth, plus there’s the more literal warmth of a toasty log burning stove that heats the whole abode. The traditionally painted door is matched by the ornate central crown that allows glampers to gaze up at the Milky Way from within the snug comfort of the yurt. When the sky is clear this dark, light pollution-free area is simply magical.
A private deck adjoins each yurt with its own mini kitchen cabin and an eco-friendly composting toilet, while both yurts also share a larger cabin where there is a large, luxury shower and another kitchen space, equipped with a fridge and oven (among other things). It’s here that you will also find books, games and a collection of OS maps for planning your days out and about.
The best place to start is with a simple walk up the hill to the highest meadow in the campsite rewarding you with a gorgeous 270 degree panorama up and down the valley. You can also walk straight onto the Wye Valley Way route, traipsing across the adjoining 5000-acre moorland to the gorgeous lake of Pant y Llyn. Bring some binoculars to spot the best of the birds. And keep your eyes peeled for those monkeys and giraffes too. You can but hope.
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Details
Facilities
WITH THE CURRENT UNCERTAINTY AROUND WHEN WE MAY BE ABLE TO OPEN WE ARE NOT TAKING BOOKINGS/PAYMENTS AT THE MOMENT. BUT IF YOU’D LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR DATES WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO PENCIL YOU IN AND GIVE YOU FIRST REFUSAL ON THEM WHEN BOOKINGS OPEN. CONTACT US ON info@kitehillyurts.co.uk.
The yurts, lit by tea lights and lanterns, have wood-burning stoves, armchairs, beds and bedside tables, outdoor decks with seating and picnic table, a fire pit and a Weber BBQ. The Cabin, shared by both yurts, has a kitchen including a sink with hot water for washing up, a fridge for each yurt, a combi oven/ microwave/ grill, a kettle and toaster. Each yurt also has its own fully equipped kitchen hut with gas hob, table and chairs. Private composting toilet for each yurt. Excellent shower room and shower (big enough to share), also with a basin and hairdryer. Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and handwash all provided. There is a selection of games for inside and out, plenty of tourist information and OS maps to plan your day, and a small honesty shop.
Suitable For
Just glampers. Couples and families – yes. Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs – no.Nearby
Take a picnic up to the farm's top meadow and enjoy the stunning views out over the Black Mountains and Wye Valley. Or explore the 5000 acres of moorland that adjoin the farm, listen for the curlews, look out for wild ponies or sit and ponder on the shores of the beautiful hilltop lake. Visit the beautiful Elan Valley and hire bikes to ride round the numerous lakes, then watch the red kites being fed at Gigrin Farm. Two charming market towns, Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, are around 25 minutes drive away. Brecon hosts the Jazz Festival in August and Hay the Hay Festival in May/June. Builth Wells, a 15 minute drive away, or a 4 mile walk from the site along the Wye Valley Way, is a lovely quirky town with plenty of independent shops and it’s own little cinema and arts centre. For the energetic, horse riding is available from the Ellesmere Riding Centre (01874 658252) at Llangorse, or you can canoe down the Wye from Glasbury with Wye Valley Canoe Centre (01497 847213), plus, of course, there's cycling, mountain biking and hiking to be enjoyed in Brecon Beacons National Park. If you are feeling lazy just sit back and enjoy the views and keep watch for the hares and owls who are regular visitors to the yurt field.
Food & Drink
Lots of great options nearby including the Griffin at Felinfach, a several time winner of Best Dining Pub in Wales, and the Three Horseshoes In Groesfford. There is also a great variety of excellent independent cafés, pubs and restaurants in Brecon and Hay. If you’re cooking for yourself, Builth Wells is handy for restocking with a couple of supermarkets and a prize winning local butchers. Maybe try a 'low ‘n slow’ roast on the Weber BBQ.
Opening Times
April–September.
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- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
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The Owner Says
Accommodation
A pair of traditional 5m Mongolian yurts, each sleeping up to 5 people.
Curlew
Skylark
Location
Getting There
Driving from the direction of Brecon/Hay towards Builth Wells on the A470, pass through the village of Erwood. Continue for about a mile and take a left turn sign-posted Dol-llyn-wydd. Head up the steep single track country lane for about 2 miles. Look for a sign to Kite Hill Yurts to your left. When you cross the second cattle grid turn immediately right at the dormer bungalow, signed to Kite Hill Yurts. Park by the farmhouse and they will transport your luggage to your yurt for you. N.B. most SatNavs and Google Maps will take you to the neighbouring farm.
Railway station at Builth Road (0845 748 4950; 4½ miles). Buses to Builth Wells from Cardiff or Brecon.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 1 reviews
Deeply relaxing.
Why book with Glampingly?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions