TY DONKEY | Self Catering Cabin | Crickhowell, Mid Wales
Ty Donkey is a handmade , oak framed cabin set in the Grwyney Fechan valley in the Black Mountains . Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children 8 years and under (2 small bunk beds).
The cabin has a log burner, bedding and towels are provided. Electric lighting is available through a solar panel and small battery bank. Free standing bath ,hot water and a flushing loo are situated in a converted railway carriage. ( please note that hot water can be temperamental when temperatures drop very low in winter) .
Cooking facilities : 2 burner gas hob, fire pit barbecue .
Our aim with everything we do is to tread lightly on the planet as much as possible. All our electricity is made by us from renewable sources, all heat and a lot of cooking depends on our wood supply. We aim to plant enough trees over the next decade (9000 in Winter 2016/17) to improve the environment in the countless ways that they do. ( speak to Keith about this!)We take responsibility for our own waste , recycling, composting and burning appropriately. We ask our guests to do the same whilst staying here as we have no rubbish collection facility.
We do our best for our wildlife, we are currently involved in badger vaccination programs , tree planting initiatives and try at all times to keep the river healthy to support the spawning salmon our otters to name a couple of local species. We really appreciate our guests as the income from Ty donkey and our yurt allows us to do this work.
Our tips for things to do!
The best things are free: This is walkers and mountain bikers heaven…Ty Donkey is situated in the Grwyney Fechan valley which is enclosed by the well known 17 mile Llanbedr horseshoe walk – 17 miles of open mountain beginning and ending at Ty Donkey ! This route can be walked , run or ridden by horse or mountain bike. Just below Ty Donkey we have the honour of a stretch of private river which can range from babbling stream in the summer to raging torrent. We have trout , salmon and otters in the river. Guests may fish but we ask to leave the salmon in peace as they come upstream via us to lay eggs before they die completing their epic life cycle! There is a natural spa pool – ‘The Whirly Pool’ – within our boundaries which guests are welcome to brave and enjoy !
Local festivals: Crickhowell walking festival : Feb/March Hay on Wye literary festival : May/June Green Man music festival : August Abergavenny food festival : September
Great food: The Walnut Tree , Chapel and Angel Bakery, Abergavenny. All owned by same local family. Pizzorante, Abergavenny , family run Italian restaurant , extremely child friendly and fun.
Warmest welcome: The Dragons Head, Llangenny. 45 mins walk from tŷ donkey. Honest and filling pub grub. Dogs, kids and muddy boots welcome. Wonderful hosts . Check opening hours .
Crickhowell is renowned for keeping business local , there are no chain stores on the high street and it boasts its own local , independent book shop ‘Bookish’ which also holds book signings , music events, kids events . Lovely coffee and cake and warm welcome in Latte-Da . Food and drink at all hours and cosy setting in The Bear. 2 great butchers on the high street also selling other food supplies . Grenfells can usually meet all grocery needs , good gluten free food available here too.
Stunning drive : To Hay on Wye via Llanthony abbey (pub food and great walks) and Capel-y-Ffin church. Try shepherds ice cream parlour selling locally made sheeps milk ice cream and the old electric shop for vintage chic inspiration , music events and cocktails in the evenings open Tues- Sundays.
Dogs: We love our dogs and welcome guests with dogs to Ty Donkey however through experience we must ask that dogs remain outside the cabin at all times. Well behaved dogs may sleep in the bathroom or if guests have a dog cage that may be brought inside the cabin but please, no loose dogs inside Ty Donkey.
In our 8 years of letting experience we have found that our guests appreciate ‘hands off’ hosts so we will leave you in peace unless you need us. There is no key so no need for official arrival arrangements , arrive any time after 4 pm and please check out by 10 am on leaving . Em and Keith are always happy to give advice on good places to go locally and ready to help with any problems.
Our produce to which you are welcome free of charge where available: We provide plentiful firewood , use respectfully please. We have chickens – please ask if you would like some eggs. There is often plentiful veg in the garden again , please ask if you would like some! In autumn there is an abundance of apples in the orchard surrounding the cabin – help yourselves ! Your water at the cabin is spring water from a spring on our ground , it is filtered for guests safety – enjoy its purity!
Most of all enjoy Ty Donkey
Les Moore and his French Quarter Band - Blueberry Hill
Les Moore and his French Quarter Band Live in Manchester, England 2010 with Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill. One of Laura's favourites. British traditional Dixieland New Orleans jazz style.
