Whether it's your Dad, Grandad, Uncle, brother, nephew or cousin, the Brecon Beacons have a great choice of gifts on offer if you need some ideas!
1. Black Mountain Smokery - For Christmas they've created a range of luxury food hampers, ranging from a simple 'Taste-for-Two Hamper' that offers up a selection of oak roasted salmon, duck and chicken in an elegant hamper box. Or the 'Luxury Larder Hamper', which is crammed full of three whole sides of smoked salmon, three duck breasts, Welsh cheddar, local chocolates and much more. As a lasting gift, you'll also have the choice of either a bespoke oak presentation platter or a handmade chopping board, both of which are handmade at a local workshop. Sorted!
2. Webbs of Crickhowell. Webbs is a breath of fresh air as a shop that prides itself on making customers feel right at home. You’ll be surprised at what can be found in this corner shop as they stock everything from kitchenware to furniture and even great watches - everything you need under one roof!
3. Penderyn Whisky/ Gin/ Vodka
If your man is more of a person inclined to tasting the finer things in life, the Penderyn Whisky Distillery is a treat. Anything from Single Malt Welsh Whisky to Special Brecon Reserve Gin is available, and if for those really passionate about whisky, take him for a tour of the distillery for a behind the scenes experience!
4. Voucher for Brecon Beacons Experience with a difference
Good Day Out provide days out with a difference. They organise activities as unique, educational and fun ways for people to easily engage with good causes whilst helping them to raise money for charities and other assorted good causes. The concept is similar to buying a goat for a deserving community, but in this happy instance, you also get to play with the goat! A couple of ideas that might work for the men in your life...
Traditional Hedge Laying
Forget smart phones and gadgets this New Years and instead get your man to embrace the old-fashioned to learn about the traditional craft of hedge laying. He will learn the methods passed down through generations using authentic tools for some hands on experience, with the beautiful Brecon Beacons as your backdrop. The hedgerows will be visible for others to admire from the roadside and help protect the local wildlife in a sustainable way. (£85.00 with food included)
Night Sky Observing in International Dark Sky Reserve
For those interested in astronomy this one is for them as the Brecon Beacons was named a Dark Sky Reserve just last year, there is no better time or place to stargaze. The small group will have a very unique experience, beginning with learning about the tools of the astronomers trade, a lesson in the familiar constellations and even the chance to use binoculars and telescopes to navigate via star-maps. He will even try his hand at photographing with high level technology therefore it's guaranteed to be memorable whatever the weather. (£55.00)
Mountain Walk with Navigation Training
Forget the cigarettes and the city smoke for New Years, here he will have the chance to breathe in that priceless fresh air in the ‘last wilderness of the National Park’. The landscape of the Black Mountains, set within Wales’s first European Geopark, is truly mesmerising and beats any cityscape. Not only will he get to amble to his heart’s content but learn basic but invaluable map and compass skills. (£105 for the day, food included.)
5. Brecon Brewing
Established in 2011 by Buster Grant, one of Wales’ best known brewers, Brecon Brewing have created a range of beers full of flavour and character inspired by the dramatic locality, working with the local community and reigniting interest in Brecon. They produce cask real quality real ales and now also have bottled beers for sale in their brewery shop and online.
6. Adventure Gear
Lots of shops in the Brecon Beacons to stock up for your man. You'll find professionals who can help with anything you need. Try Crickhowell Adventure or Gibbs Sports (be sure to print off their 10% discount voucher on the website before you visit the shop!).
