Vale of Ewyas 

Much less visited than many of the highlights of this part of Wales, the Vale of Ewyas is a hidden gem. Lying just a few miles to the north of Abergavenny it follows the course of the River Honddu and there are pretty hamlets and villages with interesting churches.

Partrishow has a lovely 11th century church with some interesting artifacts such as a 16th century intricately carved "rood screen" and pictures painted on the walls, while the church at Cwmyoy is a very disorientating place - suffering subsidence over the years it leans considerably!

At the top of the valley, the tiny hamlet of Llanthony is the setting for Llanthony Priory, founded in 1100 by William de Lacy who was so transfixed by the beauty of the place he built a hermitage and took to the life of a spiritual recluse, attracting others of similar persuasion. Much of the building still remains - the walls and arches are still standing and it is not hard to see why Mr de Lacy felt his calling here.

There are a couple of good places to stay in Llanthony and a good pub; there is also a youth hostel a few miles further up the valley above Capel-y-Ffin.