NESTLED amid the breathtaking mountains of the Brecon Beacons, Capel-y-ffin hostel, run by Black Mountain Holidays, near Abergavenny, is the ideal base for horse-riding trails and courses.

Whether you are a complete beginner, or have been riding all your life, the centre has courses to suit everyone.

On the riding course you will discover what it is like to look after your own horse for two to six days. Your day begins with catching and feeding your horse before it's back to the hostel for breakfast.

After a detailed demonstration, it's time to groom and tack up, with lessons if necessary, and set off into the heart of the Black Mountains. The pace of these rides cater for every level of experience, and as you become more confident the speed is increased.

Lunch along the way will be taken at a variety of pubs, and the day ends with a meal back at the hostel, with a discussion of how the day has gone.

The five-day trail rides take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales, over the Black Mountains to Brecon. Over the five days a large area of the Brecon Beacons National Park is covered, staying overnight at other hostels before returning to Capel-y-ffin.

From November to March the hostel runs a free winter loan of horses and ponies. You pay expenses and have the use of the horse or pony. A prior visit is needed. For more information call Capel-y-ffin on 01873 890961, or visit www.stayinwales.co.uk. Darren Evans