The Harp, Old Radnor

The Mid Wales borderlands country lane ends in an expanse of green sloping away to the Radnor Valley. But this is one backwater dead-end where you do not simply turn around and reset the GPS. For opposite is this 15th-century stone longhouse, a vista-rich tavern from yesteryear unspoilt from aged oak beams to slate floor and dripping in character. With the Offa’s Dyke Path passing close by, hikers as well as locals visit to drink in views from the tree-shaded valley-facing beer garden, huddle around the crackling open fire.

Some may be fortunate enough to stay. The five rooms look out on either the hills or the garden, all country farmhouse elegant with fabrics lending either a blackberry or iceberg-blue tone. All rooms get en suite or private bathrooms, Flatscreen TVs and wifi. The oak four-poster bed in Room 1 and the equally fetching wrought-iron beds in Room 2 and 4 make these digs particularly appealing. Because The Harp is out-of-the-way, clientele often like to properly appreciate the experience and extend the drink into a meal into a sojourn of a night or three. Three night’s stay or more gets guest a discount.

Thoughtful food reaches far beyond pub classics, featuring dishes such as Gressingham duck with fennel cassoulet, garlic and pepper sausage, pancetta and butterbeans. The likes of just-across-the-border Herefordshire’s Wye Valley HPA or Shropshire’s Ludlow Brewery Gold grace the hand-pumps, and the real ale selection is renowned. Local producers are evident throughout the menu, Welsh cheeses to Herefordshire ciders.

What to do on your stay? Walk, walk, walk: the surrounding hills are calling you. Whilst inviting, quirky towns like Presteigne nestle beneath.