Sennybridge: River Landscapes, the Epynt Way and History

Sennybridge lies where the River Senni flows into the Usk. This confluence defines the village’s geographical setting, while the surrounding area offers several focal points for a trip: the Epynt Way, the upland moorland of Mynydd Epynt and historic buildings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sennybridge, walking, heritage or an event on the calendar can shape the focus of your stay.

Walking the Epynt Way

The Epynt Way is a 65 km long-distance walking route around the Sennybridge Training Area. The sections of the route that pass through the danger area may be used on foot, on horseback or by bicycle during military use, subject to MOD permission. A specific landscape is described for the first section: it passes through upland moorland on the north-eastern edge of the training area. The total length and this section provide two different points of reference—the extent of the long-distance route and the character of its first section.

Disgwylfa farmhouse now serves as the Epynt Way Visitor Centre. Displays there provide information about the history, geology, flora and fauna of Epynt. The centre also offers free parking, toilets and picnic benches. As visitor facilities may change, it is advisable to check what is available before visiting.

Buildings and history

Castell Du, also known as Rhyd y Briw, consists of the remains of a medieval castle south-west of Sennybridge. The castle overlooks the crossing of the River Senni at its confluence with the Usk. Rhydybriw Church is on the north bank of the Usk, opposite Sennybridge. The small post-medieval Chapel of Ease and the present-day church building date from different periods: the present-day building was constructed around 1860.

Another listed building is Castle House, which is Grade II listed. It was listed on 28 October 2005. The history of the Brecon Forest Tramroad is also part of the village’s history: Sennybridge became significant in the early 19th century because of its terminus depot. The depot operated from 1823 until the line closed in 1867. The castle remains and the tramroad thus point to very different historical periods.

River landscapes and Mynydd Epynt

The River Usk flows through Sennybridge. Downstream of Usk Reservoir, it is designated both as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The geographical relationship is precise: the river passes through the village, while the designations mentioned apply to the stretch downstream of the reservoir.

Most of the Sennybridge Training Area lies on Mynydd Epynt. Mynydd Epynt is a wild plateau, mostly covered with blanket bog and grass and cut through by streams. The continued existence of the training area has preserved a historic landscape that reflects conditions before 1939 and has not been altered by modern farming methods. Together with the upland moorland on the north-eastern edge, this gives a clear picture of the landscape associated with Sennybridge and Epynt.

Experiences and when to visit

Good Day Out offers walks with pigs in the Senni Valley and an associated picnic experience called “Piggy Walking with a Pig-Nic”. All experiences must be booked in advance. An agricultural show is also held each year in September at Dickson’s Field in Sennybridge; the exact dates may vary.

These two offerings call for different kinds of planning: Good Day Out experiences require advance booking, while the agricultural show takes place in September. If you want to plan your trip around the show, check the exact date before arranging your stay.

Discover more destinations: Newtown, Cwmdu, Llanwrtyd Wells, Bwlch, Brecon, Llangammarch Wells, Montgomery, Pencelli

For the wider travel overview: Powys.