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Pytingwyn Woods

97%
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· Brecon, Powys, Wales · 4 acres
Hosted by David M.
8 RV/tent sites
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Best in Mid Wales: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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Almost-wild camping on the banks of the River Honddu, edging the Brecon Beacons

There’s been an informal campsite of sorts in this grassy dell, bordering the Brecon Beacons, for five or six years now but it’s wild enough not to feature on any maps and (until now) it has been largely untraceable online. In fact, even to call it a campsite can feel like a bit of a stretch. It's really just a small field. Albeit a small field with a fantastic location. That all explains why, much of the year, you can have the place almost to yourself, particularly if you pitch in the light woodland, which covers around half of the four-acre space.

The River Honddu forms the boundary along one edge – it’s great for splashing but, in summer, only deep enough in a handful of places to swim – and you can try fishing for trout, if you’ve brought your tackle. George the horse nibbles at the other side of the campsite, always of interest to young children.

Things remain pretty much wild and unchanged here since the day the place first opened. Don’t expect showers or electricity and, if you’re not alone, you might have to wait to use the one composting loo provided – with only five or six pitches at any one time, it won’t take long.

Though the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons is less than 10 miles from your doorstep, one of the best walks is an easy five-mile circular loop straight from the campsite. Follow the lane and a bridleway up to the top of Pen-y-crug, an Iron-Age hill fort overlooking the Usk Valley with striking views of Pen-y-fan to the south and the Black Mountains away to the east. Then tumble down into the charming town of Brecon, busy with fellow walkers and outdoorsy types, and back along the riverside footpath to your tent.

The site comprises woodland and grassland and people can choose either area.  There is a compost toilet but no mains water or electricity.  The river is clean for bathing, swimming, fishing (trout) and people do boil the water for drinking although most people bring own drinking water.
RV details
Trailer tents, Campervan, and Cars allowed
Vehicles under 6 metres allowed
Generally can drive to pitches in grassland area
Pull-through unit
Generally can drive to pitches in grassland area
Accommodates slideouts
Generally can drive to pitches in grassland area
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Flat
No Caravans, Fifth wheels, and Motorhome
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
Generators not allowed
What to expect
RV/tent site
Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.
6 guests max per site
Campfires allowed
Firewood provided, private
Toilet available
Composting toilet
Pets allowed
Off leash, on leash
Picnic table present
No drinking water
Bring your own water, purify from river or stream
No showers
Bathe in river or stream
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 7:00 AM
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Super Strict (30 Days)
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
4WD recommended
part of the site is only accessible by 4WD in wet weather. Normal times - all vehicles travel all areas without incident. Also, in wet weather the entrance area is accessible and firm for parking although a short walk to choice pitch sites would then be required
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout
97%
63 ratings · 51 reviews
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Paul K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
A wonderful camping experience
Tent · Group trip
It’s as close to a wild camping experience as you’ll get. For £12 a night per person it’s an absolute bargain. Lovely site. The owner is really nice chap. We’ve been twice and we will be going every year until we can’t.
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Steve A.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Great location for wild campers
Tent
Great end to a fabulous day exploring the area on my motorbike. Perfect tranquil location , amazing sunset and the sound of owls .. David got me out of jail , kindly getting me fresh water to sort out my cooking . Great spot , thank you !
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Helen D.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
3 m Class B
Lively relaxing place with sound of the river and birds added bonus was George the horse 🐎 highly recomend
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Elwyn M.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Great riverside spot
Tent
This is a really nice nearly-wild spot. Will definitely visit again.
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Lucas H.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
One of them hidden gem types places
Tent
What a wonderful place. I absoutly loved camping here, everything you want from a wild camp site. There is a nice open field perfect for pitching your tent under the stars, George the horse also lives in the field which is an added bonus 😀 Then there is the ancient woodland, feels mystical and historical (doesn't feel spooky either) Full of amazing old trees. The main attraction for me though was the river running through the woods, the water is crystal clear and looks so unpolluted! Best part is David the owner kindly allows you to fish! Full of beautiful brown trout that river. That brings me onto David the owner, what a lovely guy. I cheekly "checked out" very late because I wanted to spend abit of time fishing and he didn't mind at all, just makes you feel relaxed. He clearly enjoys sharing his beautiful land and I thank him for it. Looking forward to coming back :)
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Eleanor R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Quiet basic rural spot
5 m car
Dark skies, natural location. Lovely horse, peaceful
Location
Brecon, Powys, Wales, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by David M.

Joined in September 2020
From the host
Almost-wild camping on the banks of the River Honddu, edging the Brecon Beacons. Very much a return to nature experience in this ancient woodland which in medieval times was part of the main route to Brecon. A seemingly secluded wilderness yet only 1.5 miles from Brecon Town. Walk across fields and woodland to town or walk 20 minutes to the Crug to see the iron age Fort or further to the Gaer to the remains of the Roman settlement without ever getting in the car.
Food and drink

Brecon has the closest pubs and everything else you need. Brecon Tap (01874 622353) is the place for real ales and a cosy atmosphere (and tasty pies), while The Hours Café and Bookshop (01874 622800) is a rainy-day joy. There's also a big Morrisons and a CoOp, for stocking up and plenty of takeaways.

Nearby attractions

The highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons, Pen-y-fan, is 10 miles from the campsite and is, without doubt, one of the most popular walks in the area, usually finished off with a trip to a good café in nearby Brecon town. You needn't go that far, though. There's a good five-mile circular walk straight from the campsite to the top of Pen-y-crug, an Iron-Age hill fort overlooking the Usk Valley. This route takes in Brecon and also the banks of the Honddu. For rainy days, the town has the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh (01874 613310) and a handful of good art galleries and it's not far to the main National Park Visitor Centre (01874 623366).

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