Currently live just west of Swindon, mainly running, riding gravel and a bit of XC (I’m a reformed triathlete).
We have been looking at a relocation to the eastern Brecon Beacons for years (my sister is in Llangorse), and our house will finally be on the market this week.
So I’m after your locals tips for parts of town/ the area that work well for riding/ access to the countryside, as well as anything else you think would be relevant to a young family (me, wife, 2.5 year old) moving to the area.
thanks in advance!
Good choice!
Pretty much the whole town is nice enough, including outlying villages (Llanfoist, Govilon, Gilwern). However, if you are asking where to live, the nicest part of town is probably the Brecon side, west of the cricket club (Cantref), or east of the Hereford Road (Oxford St etc..), or going towards the railway station (Monmouth Road). All have a range of properties, but the western area tends to be bigger houses and older properties. The outlying villages are a wee bit cheaper and are still close enough to be convenient. There is a decent cycle path along the south side of the valley.
The aforementioned Cantref is also where the most sought after primary school is (Cantref School!), but is not the only decent primary (see Llantilio Pertholey, the Catholic School, Welsh medium school, Llanfoist etc..). Our kids went to Llantilio and we were happy with it. The secondary school (also has a primary attached) has been rebuilt, opened late last year and has a good reputation and excellent facilities (just about finished).
Abergavenny is small enough that you can access the countryside and trails from anywhere in the town with ease, but easiest from the west and north sides of town (flanks of the Sugarloaf and Deri).
The trails are mainly XC up-along-down type of rides (1-3 hours), but there is some gnarly bits that you can lace into those rides. Longer rides over the hill into the Black Mountains are absolutely do-able. Plus trail centres in all directions.
Crickhowell is another option which might suit but no railway station, if that's important.
