Journal

Stories from the Black Mountain

Notes from the landscape, local history, slow stays and the little details that make this corner of Wales special.

BMe Christmas Journal Logo
Accommodation
7 Sep 2026

Christmas at Gablebach Cottage

experience Christmas at Gablebach Cottage; a real tree, traditional greenery, an Aga-warmed kitchen and crisp views across the Welsh countryside.

Logo for The cottage chronicles at Black Mountain Escapes
The Cottage Chronicles
2 Sep 2026

When the Aga goes back on.

Days start cooler, the night skies look spectacular, birds migrate and the evenings have a chill in the air. Time to turn the age back on!

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The Cottage Chronicles 🐶 Dog Friendly
28 Aug 2026

Autumn in the Welsh Countryside

Crisp country walks, golden landscapes and cosy fireside evenings. Discover the simple pleasures of an autumn escape in rural Wales.

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The Cottage Chronicles
27 Aug 2026

In Search of the Perfect Dog Shower

We didn't want to just have a hosepipe to wash our dog guests; we thought we could do better than that! So we installed a luxury dog shower

Small waterfall and mountain stream near Llyn y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons
Guest Guides
27 Aug 2026

Llyn Y Fan Fach & Llyn Y fan Fawr

Discover one of the best walking routes in the area. Llyn y Fan Fach, where local legend and the beauty of the Black Mountain come together.

Traditional Aga and handcrafted kitchen at Gablebach cottage in rural Wales
Lifestyle
27 Aug 2026

Cooking on the Aga: A User Friendly Guide

Intimidated by the Aga? Learn it's simple secrets, try our hearty chicken casserole, and discover why one Gablebach guest wanted one of their own.

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The Cottage Chronicles
27 Aug 2026

Late Summer to Autumn at Black Mountain Escapes

Preparing for cosy days in the Welsh Countryside

Fallow food festival 2026 logo
Eat & Drink
21 Aug 2026

Fallow Food Festival 2026

Fallow: A New Celebration of Carmarthenshire Food and Farming Spend a summer Sunday meeting Carmarthenshire’s growers, makers and cooks at a new gathering rooted in the Tywi Valley

Black Mountain Pass A4069 at sunset, near Black Mountain Escapes, Wales
Explore
15 Aug 2026

The Black Mountain Pass (A4069): One of Wales’ Most Scenic Drives

The Black Mountain Pass, carrying the A4069 between Llangadog and Brynamman, is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic drives in Wales —…

Deli counter of Wrights food emporium in Llanarthne
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
14 Aug 2026

Wrights Food Emporium – Llanarthne

Discover Wright's Food Emporium in Llanarthne, where seasonal Welsh food, artisan produce and warm hospitality coexist together.

Suitcase and weekend bag waiting outside the entrance to Gablebach Cottage
The Cottage Chronicles
14 Aug 2026

Between Arrivals and farewells

There is a rhythm to August that only those who live in the countryside truly understand. From village shows, ripening blackberries to gold fields. this is a little glimpse behind the scenes of August here in Llangadog.

Vintage typewriter set up for writing during a creative retreat
Slow Living
14 Aug 2026

Creative Retreats in Wales

Find Inspiration at Black Mountain Escapes, Llangadog. Where history, nature and creativity meet.

Colourful independent shops on a sunny street in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Eat & Drink
14 Aug 2026

A Foodie’s Guide to Llandeilo, Llandovery & Llangadog

Discover the best brunches, lunches, cafés and restaurants in Llandeilo, Llandovery and Llangadog. From artisan bakeries to Michelin-recommended dining, here’s our favourite places to eat near Black Mountain Escapes.

Colourful shops and buildings in Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Explore
14 Aug 2026

A Perfect Day Out In Narberth.

Narberth is one of Pembrokeshire's most charming market towns. Steeped in history, the area played a part in the Rebecca Riots of 1839 -1843 where farmers and agricultural workers across West Wales protested against costly tolls and wider rural hardship.

Ripe strawberries growing in a terracotta pot in a cottage garden
The Cottage Chronicles
14 Aug 2026

A slow summer day in the garden

Summer days, spent doing simple of things - gardening, a walk with the dogs and supper outside as the evening light settles over the valley

Waterfall in Waterfall Country, Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
Explore
14 Aug 2026

The Best Waterfalls Near Black Mountain Escapes

Some of the most beautiful days out from Black Mountain Escapes are found beside the waterfalls. Hidden among the valleys, woodland and dramatic landscapes surrounding Llangadog are some truly spectacular waterfalls - from gentle cascades to magnificent 90Ft Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales.

Fresh coffee and homemade cake served at Blossoms Café in Llangadog.
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
5 Aug 2026

Blossoms Café

A cosy village café in the heart of Llangadog, serving homemade cakes, freshly prepared lunches and excellent coffee.

The Red Lion in Llangadog, a traditional Welsh village pub serving home-style food, local ales and a warm welcome.
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
5 Aug 2026

The Red Lion

Just minutes from Black Mountain Escapes, The Red Lion is a welcoming village pub serving hearty food, local ales and warm hospitality.

The blue frontage of The King’s Head Inn in Llandovery, a traditional Welsh pub serving food and local ales.
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
5 Aug 2026

The Kings Head

A welcoming coaching inn in the heart of Llandovery, serving classic Welsh pub food, local produce and generous hospitality.

Image of the iconic orange pub in Llandovery - The Bear
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
5 Aug 2026

The Bear Inn

A favourite with locals, walkers and visitors alike, The Bear Inn is one of the most dog friendly pubs in the area.

Aerial twilight view of Gablebach Cottage glowing warmly with illuminated patio and candlelit outdoor seating beneath the Black Mountain
Explore
29 Jul 2026

When the Stars Come Out

A gentle introduction to stargazing beneath the Black Mountain, with simple tips for enjoying the night sky from your cottage or further afield.

Aerial view of Aberglasney Gardens, showing the historic mansion, formal gardens and surrounding Carmarthenshire countryside.
Explore 🐶 Dog Friendly
27 Jul 2026

A Day Among the Gardens of Aberglasney

Discover one of Wales’ finest gardens, home to the UK’s only fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden and beautiful seasonal displays.

Wild by Nature. A bee collecting pollen from a bright yellow sunflower in the gardens at Black Mountain Escapes.
The Cottage Chronicles
26 Jul 2026

Wild by Nature

Discover the simple philosophy that shapes life at Black Mountain Escapes, where slower days, shared meals and nature come first.

Cyclists riding through the Welsh countryside celebrating the Tour de France coming to Wales in 2027 near the Black Mountain
Local Stories
6 Jul 2026

The Tour de France Comes to Wales

The Tour de France is coming to Wales for the first time. Discover the roads, landscapes and excitement waiting in the mountains.

Horse Holidays in Wales - Horse grazing at sunset near Black Mountain Escapes, a horse-friendly holiday destination in the Welsh countryside.
Guest Guides
3 Jul 2026

Bring Your Horse to Black Mountain Escapes

Bring your horse to Black Mountain Escapes and discover scenic riding routes, stabling, grazing and unforgettable Welsh countryside.

Vintage Cinema Date Night - Interior of Brynamman Public Hall Cinema showing the vintage auditorium and traditional red theatre seating.
Explore
2 Jul 2026

Vintage Cinema Date Night

Step back in time with a nostalgic evening at Brynamman Cinema, where velvet curtains, interval ice cream and Welsh heritage await.

Y Polyn restaurant in Capel Dewi near Black Mountain Escapes
Eat & Drink
2 Jul 2026

Y Polyn

The setting is understated and welcoming, allowing the food to take centre stage.

Exterior of Y Castell pub in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire
Eat & Drink 🐶 Dog Friendly
1 Jul 2026

Y Castell

A beautifully restored Georgian coaching inn located just moments from Black Mountain Escapes.

Romantic breaks in Wales - showing a Covered outdoor hot tub at Y Golchdy overlooking the Welsh countryside at golden hour with champagne glasses ready to enjoy.
Slow Living
29 Jun 2026

A Romantic Escape to the Towy Valley

Slow mornings, riverside walks, cosy pubs and stargazing beneath Wales’ darkest skies. Discover an unforgettable escape in the Towy Valley.

Antique Treasure Hunting - Vintage typewriter and antique furnishings inside Gablebach cottage in rural Wales
Guest Guides
26 May 2026

Antique Treasure Hunting

Discover antique shops, vintage markets and hidden treasures across Carmarthenshire, all within easy reach of Black Mountain Escapes.