Grawen Farm

Grawen is probably famous for two things: the stunning scenery surrounding it and the friendliness of its owners. The latter is quickly checked off; seconds after greeting us, one of the family rushes back into the farmhouse to fetch a map they insist we keep to visit the waterfalls, then rounds up passers by to help plan the route. That same warmth still runs through the place today, with the current generation of the family just as quick to greet late arrivals with a smile.

And with the scenery you're simply spoilt. Grawen is based near some of the most beautiful scenery in the Brecon Beacons; fill your days with exploration of the waterfalls along the Hepste Valley, hike the Black Mountains and trek the Beacons themselves. Grawen is popular with youngsters doing their Duke of Edinburgh award, and their exertions should inspire you to conquer some personal milestones. Pen y Fan lies a 10 minute drive from the site and is well worth tackling, as the mountain can be conquered by most fitness levels, and mountain bikers have Bike Park Wales just ten minutes away too. If you fancy some more organised activities the Brecon Mountain Railway is nearby, as well as the Big Pit Mining Museum of Wales (a personal highlight of your author's childhood). Merthyr Tydfil is a few miles away and offers historic shopping and strolling.

However it's worth lingering at the campsite itself. Grawen is deceptively large, with one side trimmed and primed to create a neat commercial feel with well kept facilities, a play area, a laundry and even caravans. But as the site slopes down the valley it becomes wilder, and you'll feel like you're in another place entirely, with the peace only disturbed by the occasional bleating sheep. Even that won't matter, as you'll be exhausted from today and excited about tomorrow as you zip up the tent and dream of rushing rivers and soaring peaks.