There’s a simple pleasure in buying some local produce, packing a rucksack, and heading out to a beautiful spot. Whether you're meeting up with family and friends, fancy some solitude, or are looking to combine a picnic with a long walk, we have a few favourite picnic places to share with you. Several are within walking distance of the cottages.

Canal towpath near bridge 105

Enjoy this gentle stroll with all the family - along the canal to a lovely spot just beyond Gilwern. From the cottages, go through the gate onto the canal towpath, and turn right, under bridge 95A. You’ll have great views of the Usk valley, and there’s a big tree near bridge 105 which will provide shade on sunny days.

1-hour walk from the cottages

Good to know:

• Great for a family treasure hunt, as you’re likely to spot boats, ducks, birds, farm animals and many different types of trees and plants along the route. Try this All About Wildlife guide from the Canal & River Trust.
• The canal towpath is perfect for cycling, too; just remember you’re sharing the space with walkers and anglers
• Borrow our canoe and paddle to bridge 105
• Pubs and public toilets in Gilwern

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Linda Vista Gardens

Originally the private garden of a Victorian Villa, this public park contains specimen trees and shrubs, formal gardens, and lawns where you can enjoy your picnic. Enjoy a walk along the riverbank in the adjoining Castle Meadows, or wander into Abergavenny town centre after your picnic.

25-minute walk from the cottages, or drive and park in Byefield Lane car park

Good to know:

• Great views of the Blorenge mountain; sometimes paragliders launch from the summit‍
• Children will enjoy the play equipment and there’s plenty of space to kick a ball
• ‍Ambika Social café for ice cream, drinks and other picnic treats
• Public toilets

Punch Bowl

Above the cottages, on the side of the Blorenge mountain, is a glacial cwm containing a man-made lake, surrounded by one of the highest ancient woodlands in Britain. If you’re up for an adventurous picnic, this is the one for you. It’s a steep climb from the cottages, straight up the Llanfoist Inclines. Once you’re out of the woods, follow the footpath to the left and stay on the same contour until you reach the lake on your right. Complete a circular walk by taking the left fork uphill away from the lake, and follow the footpath back down the quiet lane to the canal towpath, providing a very easy ending to a beautiful walk.

50-minute strenuous walk from the cottages to the Punchbowl, then another hour or so to complete the circular route back to the cottages

Good to know:

• Apparently, its name comes not from the shape of the hollow in the side of the Blorenge mountain but from the fact that this was a popular venue for illegal bareknuckle boxing in the late 19th century!
• The Llanfoist Inclines form part of Hill’s Tramroad which brought limestone and iron goods from Blaenavon to Llanfoist Wharf, from where canalboats transported the materials to Newport docks. At the start of the walk, there’s a replica dram and an information panel explaining how the counterbalanced inclines worked.
• Expect plenty of birdsong and amazing views

Abergavenny Castle

Picnic tables and benches are dotted around the castle grounds so it’s the perfect place to take the sandwiches you’ve bought in the high street. An added bonus is the town’s museum which is in a Regency building built on top of the Norman motte.

30-minute walk from the cottages, or drive and park in Castle Street car park

Good to know:

• Limited opening hours, so please check when planning your day out
• In the summer, it’s a popular venue for outdoor theatre productions
• Public toilets in Castle Street car park

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Llanthony Priory

A dramatic, remote valley is the setting for the 900-year-old ruins of Llanthony Priory which was once one of Wales’s most magnificent buildings. The stone arches frame a scene which has hardly changed over the centuries, though nowadays both the Priory and the nearby St David’s Church are popular with visitors.

25-minute drive from the cottages

Good to know:

• Picnics are not allowed within the grounds of the Priory but you’ll find plenty of tranquil spots in the surrounding landscape which is criss-crossed with footpaths
• Amazing location for photography – ruins, mountains, wildlife
• Refreshments from Llanthony Priory Hotel which is set amongst the ruins
• Public toilets

Llandegfedd Lake

Why not make your picnic part of an active day in the great outdoors? Llandegfedd Lake is a splendid setting, with plenty to occupy the energetic, while others can simply sit and enjoy watching what’s happening on the water.

25-minute drive from the cottages

Good to know:

• Picnic benches overlooking the lake
• Bookable activities include watersports, archery and mini golf
• There is a variety of walking routes around the lake
• Toilets and café in the visitor centre

Here are even more ideas to help you explore the great outdoors around the cottages.

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