Pumla
Herefordshire, United Kingdom
Kaya at Blackhill Farm
- Our low price promise from £149 €170 p/n
-
Yurt
Sleeps 2
- One king-size bed
Not suitable for children
Not suitable for pets
Overview
When is a yurt not a yurt? When it’s also a cabin. Between the Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley AONB, and less than two miles from the Welsh border, this hybrid building sets new standards for its purebred canvas brethren. Owners Malik and Emily used their expertise not only as artists, but as travellers and all-round nomads to create Pumla with every detail thought out. Frustrated by the lack of views in conventional yurts, they designed this space to have huge picture windows that stretch the entire front of the building.
Perched on the edge of a dark sky reserve amidst six acres of land, darkness offers the twinkle and glisten of the one or two houses dotted in the distance, and clear night skies above. Pumla means ‘to relax’ in isiXhosa, and you’ll find yourself doing just that. Peek through the binoculars, peruse the books, and enjoy the foraging card pack provided inside. Why not hike straight up the hill to enjoy the marvels of the Cat's Back and the Brecon Beacons, then sit amidst twinkling fairy lights in the huge snazzy tin tub, a nod to the agricultural surrounds as they are often found housing animal feed. Washing in the open with aching muscles, what a glorious sense of satisfaction and freedom. Flip a coin to see who’ll jump out and start lunch or dinner, choosing between the wood burner, fully equipped kitchen or some primeval cooking with the tripod and BBQ grill on the firepit. Dine on local regeneratively farmed meat and bask in the emerging wildflower meadow, part of Emily and Malik's rewilding efforts.
The site is incredibly secluded, and yet, still has access to so much in the local area. Nearby is Neil Powell Butchers, or Hopes of Longtown village shop – just a 10 minute drive to the South. To rustle up an appetite, the site sits below the Cats Back, a stunning mountain ridge that leads you up to Offa’s Dyke and The Brecon Beacons so you can enjoy a short stomp or lengthy expedition right from your door.
Read more
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 4 PM
- Check out: 10 AM
- Please bring a torch, walking boots, swimwear, and an eye mask
- The car park is 100m from the yurt via a field to reach it. Luggage trollies are available
- The paths around the site are unlit to limit light pollution
- Please note that the site is fairly remote and the nearest fuel stations and supermarkets are around 20-30 minutes away
- EV Charging available - 7.4kw output (8hrs for full charge). Guests can connect, charge and pay (65p) using the Monta Charge app. Type 2 connector - please bring your own charging cable.
- There are other spaces on site 50 metres away from the yurt
- Initial firewood provided, with additional available to purchase on site
- Sustainably sourced charcoal available to purchase on site upon arrival
- Good mobile signal depending on network
- Plug sockets available
- The owners kindly ask that guests please adhere to the stated arrival & departure times. Early check ins / late check outs may be possible if arranged in advance at £20 per additional hour. Please contact the owners directly after booking to enquire
- Please note that the accommodation is up a gravel track which is uneven in areas. Drive slowly and cautiously to avoid any damage to your vehicle and we would recommend not arriving in low slung car
Sleeping arrangements
- One king-size bed
Cooking
- Kitchen equipped with a wood burning oven and hob, undercounter fridge/freezer, induction hob, kettle, and toaster
- Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
- BBQ facilities with grill
- Cooking essentials provided such as oil, salt, pepper, spices, and tea
Washing
- Outdoor bath on the deck
- Private wet room with a walk-in shower, sink, and flushing toilet
- Vegan and cruelty-free shampoo, shower gel and conditioner provided
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Bed linen, towels and cosy dressing gowns provided
- The main source of heat comes from the wood-burner
- Electric lighting
- Hot water available throughout
Entertainment
- The outdoor tin bath is located on your private deck where you can soak with panoramic views of the hills
- Binoculars
- Books
- Foraging card deck
- Enjoy communal areas onsite including 7 acres of land with incredible views
Read more
Travel & parking
- There is a concreted parking space near the main farmhouse and a few minutes from the yurts.
- The well-drained stone and strong honeycomb style webbing accessible path to the yurt is 100m and includes a short section of earth, stone, and grass with a varying incline of 1:9 - 1:13. Pumla is the lower of the two yurts, so much less of a climb.
- Kaya is in a designated dark skies area, so while the yurts are equipped with electric lighting and torches, it can be very dark at night. Please bring a torch
- Motion censored lights illuminating directional signs only
Site & space access
- The yurt is accessed via a short wooden ramp and have double doors (74.5cm and 73 cm wide) opening in, with a step and lip (from deck 16.5cm and from inside 6cm). Additional ramp available on request
- There is a spacious deck with stunning views and a bath for two (60cm high with an internal width of 60cm)
- The floors are wooden with doormats and movable rugs. Please let the owner know if you would like the rug to be removed for your stay
- The bed has a king-size mattress 60cm with a low base (length 220cm x width 194cm).
- Kitchen area entrance is 91cm wide and narrowest point in kitchen 89cm, with a work surface 89cm high
- Bathroom doorway is 72cm wide with a shower that has a 2cm lip and is 76cm wide
- Small corner basin with taps with levers, narrowest part of bathroom turning area is 110cm wide
- Shower entrance is 86cm wide
- The BBQ access is over uneven grass to a stone slab and grass area with plants and herbs growing. The owners are happy to bring the BBQ onto the deck upon request. Please note that in windy conditions, it won’t be safe to use if it is on the deck due to embers possibly burning the canvas.
Mobility aid and extra info
- Additional equipment is available on request such as shower stools, raised toilet seats with arms, anti slip mats and a bath board. Please request these at the time of booking
- Neurodiverse guests and general sensory information: The Yurts can be very noisy in adverse weather conditions and there is nowhere to go to get away from the noise. There are no blackout blinds, plus a large circular clear window in the middle of the yurt roof. The owners recommend you bring ear plugs and eye masks if you feel this may be challenging.
- Hard of Hearing and D/d/deaf and Hearing Impaired: The owners can communicate via text/WhatsApp or email.
- Visual Impairment VI: The owners are able to print information in large print and send to you in a Microsoft Word document if required. Please note that the owners have a large print copy of their welcome and safety information. Please request this when booking so that they can make sure it is in your unit. 2 lines are routed into the wood at the end of each section of railing and banister as a signal that that section is ending. There are white lines on the edges/start of any steps
Local Accessible Activities and Facilities
- A comprehensive list of all things local that the owners recommend, will be provided by the owners after booking. It includes local wheelchair friendly outdoor routes, companies that can enable enjoyment of the river and some super tasty food spots. If you would like to see this prior to committing to a stay just get in touch.
We have gathered information from the owner about this space to help you decide if it is the right place for you. We would always encourage you to contact us before booking to discuss your accessibility needs. We’re dedicated to helping everyone access our spaces and enjoy the outdoors. Visit our Disability Inclusive page for more information on our journey.
Getting there
Blackhill Farm, Craswall, Herefordshire (near Hay on Wye) HR2 0PH
///partied.committed.wizards - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to where you need to park so we recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
By car
From Hereford - Leave Hereford on the A465 heading towards Abergavenny. You will pass Belmont Abbey on your right. Take the next right turn (B4349) towards Clehonger and Madley. When you reach Clehonger Village turn left towards Kingstone. Continue on through the village and you will come to a T- junction, turn right on the B4348 towards Vowchurch and Peterchurch. When you reach Vowchurch the road dips and here you turn left towards Turnastone and Michaelchurch Escley. Proceed a further 4 miles until you reach Michaelchurch Escley. At the T-junction turn left, pass the cricket pavilion on your right, and take the next right-hand turn to Craswall. Follow the twisty lane for some mile until you reach a sign for Craswall, continue on down the hill. Turn left at the T junction and continue for a further one mile. You will see a sign for Cwm Mill on your left, we are just before this on your right.
Once you have turned off the 'main road/country lane' head up the concrete drive until you get to a fork. At this point head up the right hand fork, here you will also see a sign that says 'Farmhouse'. This is a gravel drive which is quite uneven after the sharp turn. The owners recommend changing into first gear at the bottom of the hill (after the turn) then taking it steady. At the top, follow the road round to the right and you will arrive at the farmhouse. You are welcome to park in the big area to your left (so that your car is not in your view) or you can go straight ahead and pull in by the gate (steps from your door).
EV Charging available - 7.4kw output (8hrs for full charge). Guests can connect, charge and pay (65p) using the Monta Charge app. Type 2 connector - please bring your own charging cable.
By public transport
The site is off the beaten track but you can get as far as the Michaelchurch turn off by bus which then leaves you with a 15-minute walk to the site. Local public transport however is quite rare and unreliable so the owners don't recommend relying on it. You can get a taxi from all of the major train stations (Abergavenny 32 miles | Hereford 43 miles) and there are electric bikes available for hire on site so you can explore the local area once you've arrived.
The nearest airports are in Cardiff (60 miles) or Bristol (66 miles).
Read more
Food & Drink
At Kaya at Blackhill Farm
On arrival you'll find some delicious breakfast goodies like eggs, butter and croissants (in the freezer) as well as cake and marshmallows. Plus all the basics you'll need such as oil, spices, tea and coffee.
Why not make an order of meat for the BBQ from their local regenerative farm (Wild by Nature) that delivers high quality high welfare cuts directly to the yurt.
Recipe Cards - Hosts have prepared some recipe cards based on their heritage for your stay to help you explore and experiment with local food.
Chocolate Fondue Pack - Emily & Malik can organise a chocolate fondue pack with a medley of yummy treats to dip in chocolate for £12.50 a head, please organise directly with hosts.
Pizza oven is available to hire for £35. Bring your own ingredients or alternatively the hosts can provide you with some award-winning pizza dough, organic mozzarella, delicious tomato sauce and fresh herbs for an additional £15.50 per person. Contact hosts directly to arrange.
Local shops
The nearest shop for basics is 3.5 miles away. Major supermarkets deliver, and hosts are happy to arrange a 1hr time slot with you to accept orders and keep them in the fridge.
Hopes of Longtown - Nearest shop is a 10 minute drive away, selling all sorts of goodies from fresh vegetables to dried beans. Look out for yummy croissants on a Friday!
Wild by Nature - the local farm that will deliver their regeneratively farmed, native breed meat and charcuterie to your accommodation on the day of your arrival. You can order directly on their website and receive 10% discount and free local drop off go to their website and use the code 'BLACKMOUNTAINS' at the checkout.
Neil Powell Butchers - Eywas Harold - Host highly recommend, and will deliver for orders over £25.
Pubs & restaurants
The Bull's Head - a spectacular 10km round walk from the estate for a pub lunch. This is the owner's 'go to' local and it has recently been recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Under the Nut Tree - a friendly, bohemian dinning experience from a little slice of Herefordshire countryside with delicious food and a "bring your own bottle" policy, booking highly recommended. 30 minute drive.
Off-Grid Gourmet - think banqueting table and chatting to fellow guests as multiple dishes of unique and sumptuous treats are served to the table. Near Hay-on-Wye, 25 minute drive.
Read more
Activities
At Kaya at Blackhill Farm
Outdoor bathing options are available at all places at Kaya at Blackhill Farm, a great way to relax and enjoy wild washing!
Walking
7 acres of communal land with stunning views for you to explore - You are free to explore the site with a 15-minute walk to the top for incredible views as you wander through the wildflower meadows. Why not bring a picnic, a book and beverage with you and make an afternoon of it?
From your door you can walk 20 mins up the hill and you are on the glorious Cat's Back ridge, the entry point to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Suffice to say it is extremely beautiful around here and your hosts can advise on different walks, a couple of which they have mapped on the exercise app Strava for you.
Cycling
A four strong fleet of electric bikes are available for hire on site for exploring the local area. On their highest support mode you can expect 3-4 hours battery, but much more if you pick a less hilly route or don't need as much riding assistance. It's enough to get up to nearby Hay Bluff and back which offers spectacular views. The bikes are available on a first book first serve basis directly with the owners, so just get in touch after booking if you are keen to take them out for a spin.
All bikes are hired out with locks, helmets and a puncture repair kit. The owners also provide roadside assistance if needed (more info in their booking terms). £60 a day (20% off for subsequent days).
Stargazing
As Kaya at Blackhill Farm is on the edge of a dark sky reserve (the Brecon Beacons is one of only 7 reserves in the UK), stargazing will be the perfect activity in the evening.
Places to visit
Hay-on-Wye - A historic market town where you can browse the bookshops and enjoy some sumptuous treats (great coffee shops and restaurants)
Hill Billy Gin - Spend the day in the award winning Herefordshire distillery where master distiller will give you all the training needed to distil your own personal bottle of gin
Outdoor & active
Crickhowell Paragliding will meet you at Hay Bluff and fly you down to enjoy the beautiful views
Wye Valley Canoes - there is so much fun to be had on the river, head to Glasbury to hire or book onto a tour
Grange Trekking - have a huge team of horses so they can properly match you to a companion for either half a day or the whole day
If you fancy staying a little longer, the hosts say it is a great base to explore some of the Brecon Beacon's iconic hikes such as the horseshoe ridge circular walk or Pen y Fan.
Nestled in the steep sided Vale of Ewyas lies to the glorious ruins of Llantony priory. Well worth a day trip or even a serious circular hike! (either in active or place to visit)
You can also go wild swimming nearby, or hire a local guide to take you to some of the best local spots at any time of year, or dive in yourselves. The host's favourite wild swimming spot is the Warren in Hay-on-Wye.
Read more
Meet your hosts
Meet Emily and Malik
Emily and Malik moved to the area a couple of years ago in search of clean air, epic views and a place to make inspirational choices. Malik always says, if you can see far you can dream big. Well, Kaya at Blackhill Farm allows them to do both of these. They were blown away by the expansive feeling and wildness of the place and the privilege of being able to walk straight up the hill into the mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Emily and Malik's drive in life has long been enabling others to really connect with themselves and their environment. This has previously been expressed through their charity work tackling isolation through nature and music. Now it's time for a new adventure. Crafting a unique, immersive and creative space that they can share with you. They are both artists, makers, musicians and creative dreamers so the estate Kaya is full of their upcycled creations and artwork to make this unique space feel like home. Kaya (Khaya) actually means home in isiXhosa, Malik’s native tongue.
Emily and Malik love meeting new people and can't wait to welcome you. They're next door if you need anything; recommendations, a lemon, some sugar! Think of them as friendly neighbours.
Wildlife & the environment
The site in total is nearly 9 acres with 7 of these for you to roam. There are ancient oak trees, a wide-open wildflower meadow (regeneration of which is one of their main projects), birds galore - they are still learning about the birds but know there are all sorts of tits, robins, swallows, wagtails, finches...
The site is surrounded by farmland so there are a whole lot of bleating lambs in spring which are seriously cute to watch. The other thing you will see is lots and lots of hills stretching out ahead of you. You can see the Malverns, May Hill, Garway Hill and epic vistas. Driving up you will see the Cat's Back, a narrow ridge that is a seriously cool walk - just wander up the 'garden!' and you will get to its base. From here you can keep going and get onto Hay Bluff, Offa's Dyke and the Brecons in general.
Read more
-
Overview
When is a yurt not a yurt? When it’s also a cabin. Between the Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley AONB, and less than two miles from the Welsh border, this hybrid building sets new standards for its purebred canvas brethren. Owners Malik and Emily used their expertise not only as artists, but as travellers and all-round nomads to create Pumla with every detail thought out. Frustrated by the lack of views in conventional yurts, they designed this space to have huge picture windows that stretch the entire front of the building.
Perched on the edge of a dark sky reserve amidst six acres of land, darkness offers the twinkle and glisten of the one or two houses dotted in the distance, and clear night skies above. Pumla means ‘to relax’ in isiXhosa, and you’ll find yourself doing just that. Peek through the binoculars, peruse the books, and enjoy the foraging card pack provided inside. Why not hike straight up the hill to enjoy the marvels of the Cat's Back and the Brecon Beacons, then sit amidst twinkling fairy lights in the huge snazzy tin tub, a nod to the agricultural surrounds as they are often found housing animal feed. Washing in the open with aching muscles, what a glorious sense of satisfaction and freedom. Flip a coin to see who’ll jump out and start lunch or dinner, choosing between the wood burner, fully equipped kitchen or some primeval cooking with the tripod and BBQ grill on the firepit. Dine on local regeneratively farmed meat and bask in the emerging wildflower meadow, part of Emily and Malik's rewilding efforts.
The site is incredibly secluded, and yet, still has access to so much in the local area. Nearby is Neil Powell Butchers, or Hopes of Longtown village shop – just a 10 minute drive to the South. To rustle up an appetite, the site sits below the Cats Back, a stunning mountain ridge that leads you up to Offa’s Dyke and The Brecon Beacons so you can enjoy a short stomp or lengthy expedition right from your door.
Read more
-
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in: 4 PM
- Check out: 10 AM
- Please bring a torch, walking boots, swimwear, and an eye mask
- The car park is 100m from the yurt via a field to reach it. Luggage trollies are available
- The paths around the site are unlit to limit light pollution
- Please note that the site is fairly remote and the nearest fuel stations and supermarkets are around 20-30 minutes away
- EV Charging available - 7.4kw output (8hrs for full charge). Guests can connect, charge and pay (65p) using the Monta Charge app. Type 2 connector - please bring your own charging cable.
- There are other spaces on site 50 metres away from the yurt
- Initial firewood provided, with additional available to purchase on site
- Sustainably sourced charcoal available to purchase on site upon arrival
- Good mobile signal depending on network
- Plug sockets available
- The owners kindly ask that guests please adhere to the stated arrival & departure times. Early check ins / late check outs may be possible if arranged in advance at £20 per additional hour. Please contact the owners directly after booking to enquire
- Please note that the accommodation is up a gravel track which is uneven in areas. Drive slowly and cautiously to avoid any damage to your vehicle and we would recommend not arriving in low slung car
Sleeping arrangements
- One king-size bed
Cooking
- Kitchen equipped with a wood burning oven and hob, undercounter fridge/freezer, induction hob, kettle, and toaster
- Cooking utensils, crockery and glassware provided
- BBQ facilities with grill
- Cooking essentials provided such as oil, salt, pepper, spices, and tea
Washing
- Outdoor bath on the deck
- Private wet room with a walk-in shower, sink, and flushing toilet
- Vegan and cruelty-free shampoo, shower gel and conditioner provided
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Bed linen, towels and cosy dressing gowns provided
- The main source of heat comes from the wood-burner
- Electric lighting
- Hot water available throughout
Entertainment
- The outdoor tin bath is located on your private deck where you can soak with panoramic views of the hills
- Binoculars
- Books
- Foraging card deck
- Enjoy communal areas onsite including 7 acres of land with incredible views
-
Accessibility
Travel & parking
- There is a concreted parking space near the main farmhouse and a few minutes from the yurts.
- The well-drained stone and strong honeycomb style webbing accessible path to the yurt is 100m and includes a short section of earth, stone, and grass with a varying incline of 1:9 - 1:13. Pumla is the lower of the two yurts, so much less of a climb.
- Kaya is in a designated dark skies area, so while the yurts are equipped with electric lighting and torches, it can be very dark at night. Please bring a torch
- Motion censored lights illuminating directional signs only
Site & space access
- The yurt is accessed via a short wooden ramp and have double doors (74.5cm and 73 cm wide) opening in, with a step and lip (from deck 16.5cm and from inside 6cm). Additional ramp available on request
- There is a spacious deck with stunning views and a bath for two (60cm high with an internal width of 60cm)
- The floors are wooden with doormats and movable rugs. Please let the owner know if you would like the rug to be removed for your stay
- The bed has a king-size mattress 60cm with a low base (length 220cm x width 194cm).
- Kitchen area entrance is 91cm wide and narrowest point in kitchen 89cm, with a work surface 89cm high
- Bathroom doorway is 72cm wide with a shower that has a 2cm lip and is 76cm wide
- Small corner basin with taps with levers, narrowest part of bathroom turning area is 110cm wide
- Shower entrance is 86cm wide
- The BBQ access is over uneven grass to a stone slab and grass area with plants and herbs growing. The owners are happy to bring the BBQ onto the deck upon request. Please note that in windy conditions, it won’t be safe to use if it is on the deck due to embers possibly burning the canvas.
Mobility aid and extra info
- Additional equipment is available on request such as shower stools, raised toilet seats with arms, anti slip mats and a bath board. Please request these at the time of booking
- Neurodiverse guests and general sensory information: The Yurts can be very noisy in adverse weather conditions and there is nowhere to go to get away from the noise. There are no blackout blinds, plus a large circular clear window in the middle of the yurt roof. The owners recommend you bring ear plugs and eye masks if you feel this may be challenging.
- Hard of Hearing and D/d/deaf and Hearing Impaired: The owners can communicate via text/WhatsApp or email.
- Visual Impairment VI: The owners are able to print information in large print and send to you in a Microsoft Word document if required. Please note that the owners have a large print copy of their welcome and safety information. Please request this when booking so that they can make sure it is in your unit. 2 lines are routed into the wood at the end of each section of railing and banister as a signal that that section is ending. There are white lines on the edges/start of any steps
Local Accessible Activities and Facilities
- A comprehensive list of all things local that the owners recommend, will be provided by the owners after booking. It includes local wheelchair friendly outdoor routes, companies that can enable enjoyment of the river and some super tasty food spots. If you would like to see this prior to committing to a stay just get in touch.
We have gathered information from the owner about this space to help you decide if it is the right place for you. We would always encourage you to contact us before booking to discuss your accessibility needs. We’re dedicated to helping everyone access our spaces and enjoy the outdoors. Visit our Disability Inclusive page for more information on our journey.
-
Location
Getting there
Blackhill Farm, Craswall, Herefordshire (near Hay on Wye) HR2 0PH
///partied.committed.wizards - What3Words is a new more accurate version of a postcode. This will take you directly to where you need to park so we recommend using this in your Sat Nav, but always remember to look at the owners’ directions too!
By car
From Hereford - Leave Hereford on the A465 heading towards Abergavenny. You will pass Belmont Abbey on your right. Take the next right turn (B4349) towards Clehonger and Madley. When you reach Clehonger Village turn left towards Kingstone. Continue on through the village and you will come to a T- junction, turn right on the B4348 towards Vowchurch and Peterchurch. When you reach Vowchurch the road dips and here you turn left towards Turnastone and Michaelchurch Escley. Proceed a further 4 miles until you reach Michaelchurch Escley. At the T-junction turn left, pass the cricket pavilion on your right, and take the next right-hand turn to Craswall. Follow the twisty lane for some mile until you reach a sign for Craswall, continue on down the hill. Turn left at the T junction and continue for a further one mile. You will see a sign for Cwm Mill on your left, we are just before this on your right.
Once you have turned off the 'main road/country lane' head up the concrete drive until you get to a fork. At this point head up the right hand fork, here you will also see a sign that says 'Farmhouse'. This is a gravel drive which is quite uneven after the sharp turn. The owners recommend changing into first gear at the bottom of the hill (after the turn) then taking it steady. At the top, follow the road round to the right and you will arrive at the farmhouse. You are welcome to park in the big area to your left (so that your car is not in your view) or you can go straight ahead and pull in by the gate (steps from your door).EV Charging available - 7.4kw output (8hrs for full charge). Guests can connect, charge and pay (65p) using the Monta Charge app. Type 2 connector - please bring your own charging cable.
By public transport
The site is off the beaten track but you can get as far as the Michaelchurch turn off by bus which then leaves you with a 15-minute walk to the site. Local public transport however is quite rare and unreliable so the owners don't recommend relying on it. You can get a taxi from all of the major train stations (Abergavenny 32 miles | Hereford 43 miles) and there are electric bikes available for hire on site so you can explore the local area once you've arrived.
The nearest airports are in Cardiff (60 miles) or Bristol (66 miles). -
Food & Drink
At Kaya at Blackhill Farm
On arrival you'll find some delicious breakfast goodies like eggs, butter and croissants (in the freezer) as well as cake and marshmallows. Plus all the basics you'll need such as oil, spices, tea and coffee.
Why not make an order of meat for the BBQ from their local regenerative farm (Wild by Nature) that delivers high quality high welfare cuts directly to the yurt.
Recipe Cards - Hosts have prepared some recipe cards based on their heritage for your stay to help you explore and experiment with local food.
Chocolate Fondue Pack - Emily & Malik can organise a chocolate fondue pack with a medley of yummy treats to dip in chocolate for £12.50 a head, please organise directly with hosts.
Pizza oven is available to hire for £35. Bring your own ingredients or alternatively the hosts can provide you with some award-winning pizza dough, organic mozzarella, delicious tomato sauce and fresh herbs for an additional £15.50 per person. Contact hosts directly to arrange.
Local shops
The nearest shop for basics is 3.5 miles away. Major supermarkets deliver, and hosts are happy to arrange a 1hr time slot with you to accept orders and keep them in the fridge.
Hopes of Longtown - Nearest shop is a 10 minute drive away, selling all sorts of goodies from fresh vegetables to dried beans. Look out for yummy croissants on a Friday!
Wild by Nature - the local farm that will deliver their regeneratively farmed, native breed meat and charcuterie to your accommodation on the day of your arrival. You can order directly on their website and receive 10% discount and free local drop off go to their website and use the code 'BLACKMOUNTAINS' at the checkout.
Neil Powell Butchers - Eywas Harold - Host highly recommend, and will deliver for orders over £25.
Pubs & restaurants
The Bull's Head - a spectacular 10km round walk from the estate for a pub lunch. This is the owner's 'go to' local and it has recently been recognised by the Michelin Guide.
Under the Nut Tree - a friendly, bohemian dinning experience from a little slice of Herefordshire countryside with delicious food and a "bring your own bottle" policy, booking highly recommended. 30 minute drive.
Off-Grid Gourmet - think banqueting table and chatting to fellow guests as multiple dishes of unique and sumptuous treats are served to the table. Near Hay-on-Wye, 25 minute drive.
-
Experiences
At Kaya at Blackhill Farm
Outdoor bathing options are available at all places at Kaya at Blackhill Farm, a great way to relax and enjoy wild washing!
Walking
7 acres of communal land with stunning views for you to explore - You are free to explore the site with a 15-minute walk to the top for incredible views as you wander through the wildflower meadows. Why not bring a picnic, a book and beverage with you and make an afternoon of it?
From your door you can walk 20 mins up the hill and you are on the glorious Cat's Back ridge, the entry point to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Suffice to say it is extremely beautiful around here and your hosts can advise on different walks, a couple of which they have mapped on the exercise app Strava for you.
Cycling
A four strong fleet of electric bikes are available for hire on site for exploring the local area. On their highest support mode you can expect 3-4 hours battery, but much more if you pick a less hilly route or don't need as much riding assistance. It's enough to get up to nearby Hay Bluff and back which offers spectacular views. The bikes are available on a first book first serve basis directly with the owners, so just get in touch after booking if you are keen to take them out for a spin.
All bikes are hired out with locks, helmets and a puncture repair kit. The owners also provide roadside assistance if needed (more info in their booking terms). £60 a day (20% off for subsequent days).
Stargazing
As Kaya at Blackhill Farm is on the edge of a dark sky reserve (the Brecon Beacons is one of only 7 reserves in the UK), stargazing will be the perfect activity in the evening.
Places to visit
Hay-on-Wye - A historic market town where you can browse the bookshops and enjoy some sumptuous treats (great coffee shops and restaurants)
Hill Billy Gin - Spend the day in the award winning Herefordshire distillery where master distiller will give you all the training needed to distil your own personal bottle of gin
Outdoor & active
Crickhowell Paragliding will meet you at Hay Bluff and fly you down to enjoy the beautiful views
Wye Valley Canoes - there is so much fun to be had on the river, head to Glasbury to hire or book onto a tour
Grange Trekking - have a huge team of horses so they can properly match you to a companion for either half a day or the whole day
If you fancy staying a little longer, the hosts say it is a great base to explore some of the Brecon Beacon's iconic hikes such as the horseshoe ridge circular walk or Pen y Fan.
Nestled in the steep sided Vale of Ewyas lies to the glorious ruins of Llantony priory. Well worth a day trip or even a serious circular hike! (either in active or place to visit)
You can also go wild swimming nearby, or hire a local guide to take you to some of the best local spots at any time of year, or dive in yourselves. The host's favourite wild swimming spot is the Warren in Hay-on-Wye.
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Your Hosts
Meet Emily and Malik
Emily and Malik moved to the area a couple of years ago in search of clean air, epic views and a place to make inspirational choices. Malik always says, if you can see far you can dream big. Well, Kaya at Blackhill Farm allows them to do both of these. They were blown away by the expansive feeling and wildness of the place and the privilege of being able to walk straight up the hill into the mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Emily and Malik's drive in life has long been enabling others to really connect with themselves and their environment. This has previously been expressed through their charity work tackling isolation through nature and music. Now it's time for a new adventure. Crafting a unique, immersive and creative space that they can share with you. They are both artists, makers, musicians and creative dreamers so the estate Kaya is full of their upcycled creations and artwork to make this unique space feel like home. Kaya (Khaya) actually means home in isiXhosa, Malik’s native tongue.
Emily and Malik love meeting new people and can't wait to welcome you. They're next door if you need anything; recommendations, a lemon, some sugar! Think of them as friendly neighbours.
Wildlife & the environment
The site in total is nearly 9 acres with 7 of these for you to roam. There are ancient oak trees, a wide-open wildflower meadow (regeneration of which is one of their main projects), birds galore - they are still learning about the birds but know there are all sorts of tits, robins, swallows, wagtails, finches...
The site is surrounded by farmland so there are a whole lot of bleating lambs in spring which are seriously cute to watch. The other thing you will see is lots and lots of hills stretching out ahead of you. You can see the Malverns, May Hill, Garway Hill and epic vistas. Driving up you will see the Cat's Back, a narrow ridge that is a seriously cool walk - just wander up the 'garden!' and you will get to its base. From here you can keep going and get onto Hay Bluff, Offa's Dyke and the Brecons in general. -
Reviews
Our guests say...
Charlotte
We stayed at Pumla for our honeymoon. It was the most gorgeous and incredible stay! Fully equipped little kitchen, lovely products, soft linens etc. we used it as a base to go walking, and the routes from the location didn’t disappoint at all! We walked up hay bluff and had an outdoor bath in the sunshine. There were east to access Strava walking routes set up for us and the host was easy to contact and helpful. It was idyllic and we’d go back in a heartbeat.
05/08/2024Liv
Absolutely incredible! The yurt was ultimate luxury, the small additions of local goods were so nice! The hosts were friendly and spoke to us every time they were around. The location is great. Would 1000% return!
15/05/2024Kaylee
Our 2 night stay was incredible. The yurt was clean, and designed and decorated beautifully with everything we needed for a comfortable stay, without taking away the feeling of being in a yurt in nature. The bed was really comfortable with the most amazing view, the shower was nice and hot, the kitchen had everything we needed, and it was just so relaxed with views for miles. The only noise around were birds and sheep which just felt so peaceful.
06/05/2024Martina
We had the most lovely time staying at Pumla. The yurt was clean and well equipped with beautiful things to help us relax and enjoy our stay. The atmosphere of the location was relaxing and felt special & secluded.
26/04/2024Robert
We had a wonderful stay at Pumla, the facilities were brilliant, the big log burner kept us toasty despite the weather and the outdoor bath was awesome! We also did one of the walks suggested which was brilliant!
20/12/2023Isobel
Absolute bliss in a idyllic setting.
04/09/2023Michele
We thought the whole yurt experience was delightful. The location was so peaceful and allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature. The yurt had all the mod cons you need with excellent outdoor facilities too.
01/09/2023Iain
We had a fantastic time staying at Pumla and our hosts were very communicative to make sure our stay was as good as it could possible be. They also made sure we had lots of ideas of where to go and what to do which meant we made the most of our weekend. We would love to go back again!
18/08/2023Camilla
We had such a wonderful relaxing stay at Pumla. The yurt, the special touches, the scenery were all magical and we wished we could have stayed longer. We’ll definitely be back.
31/07/2023Amber
We had the perfect couple of days, the yurt was so relaxing and set in a beautiful wild flower meadow!
24/05/2023Alice
Wow what a beautiful retreat, perfect for our minimoon. Traquil, relaxing and in the most gorgeous setting.
22/05/2023Hannah
From the moment we arrived at this beautiful location and were warmly greeted by the owners we knew we were going to love being here. We were blessed with incredible weather but the setting and the yurt itself were stunning with beautiful views across the valley beyond and breathtaking walks right from our doorstep. We cooked every single meal on the firepit outside, soaked in the outdoor bath to ease our tired leg muscles and relished in the peace and tranquility. It was literally a slice of heaven
17/05/2023Melissa
Our stay at the pulma was so nice we had a really good time and would definitely recommend
26/04/2023Leala
Our stay was beautiful. The surroundings and views around the yurt were breathtaking and watching the baby lambs skip around the field was a joy. The outdoor bath was an added luxury which was enjoyed at night whilst stargazing. Although we had horrendous weather for our stay, this didn’t dampen the stay and made the yurt feel even more cosy. The selection of games made the rainy days much more enjoyable. We would highly recommend this stay to anyone needing a break from the rush of everyday life.
10/04/2023Carly
Kaya is a beautiful, peaceful location - perfect for recharging. Pumla had everything we needed and more. Lovingly put together by Emily and Malik, they were great hosts.
07/04/2023Emma
Incredible place. Incredible views and even better hosts. Very relaxing and it's tailored to suit anything you need. Very impressive accomodation. Very well looked after
17/03/2023Kyle
Wow! What can I say, the most amazing weekend in pumla, never stayed somewhere so relaxing and feeling at one with nature! I can’t wait to come back
24/02/2023Charlotte
We had a lovely warm welcome on arrival. The yurt was beautifully kitted out and we felt immediately relaxed. The outdoor bath was a lovely touch. We enjoyed walks from the door in spectacular countryside.
10/02/2023Jane
We stayed in February for our anniversary and it was lovely and relaxing. The views are stunning and the outside bath was amazing at night under the stars. We walked over to the Bulls Head for lunch, as recommended, which was amazing. The hosts were lovely and friendly and the yurt comfy and cozy, exactly as described with little treats provided.
03/02/2023Natalie
We had the perfect stay at Pumla. Despite the chilly weather and snow the yurt was warm, cosy and luxurious and had the most incredible views. We loved being in such a peaceful place surrounded by nature. The clear skies each night meant we were lucky to see an endless amount of stars which was amazing. Emily and Malik were great hosts, very helpful, friendly and thoughtful. They have provided all that you might need and more. We definitely hope to come back to this magical place!
16/01/2023Matt
Have been daydreaming of this place and it's almost been a year since we visited.
16/12/2022Alexandra
Our stay at Pumla was so perfect it was really difficult to pack up and check out! Every day starts by waking up to the golden sun pouring in over the stunning view from bed with a coffee. Every night ended by staring up at the stars from a bed so comfy I’ll be thinking about it for months. SUCH a gorgeous bubble with everything you could need, it feels luxurious but also cosy and homey. The bath is hugee! We loved pumla so much - thanks Emily, Malik and Irie-Rose for everything :)
14/12/2022Ffion
My wife and I had the most magical stay at Pumla. This yurt truly is a little slice of heaven. We both run two businesses and we get very busy and stressed. It sometimes takes us a week or so to switch off, but from our first night we managed to totally unwind. There is something very beautiful and unique about this place. We went away for our Anniversay, but also a Baby-moon for my wife, and our hosts really looked after us. Even when we desperately needed a potato masher! Watching sunrise from the yurt is a memory we will never forget.
07/10/2022James
Incredible yurt and great location. So much thought has gone into the yurt and there were some lovely touches to welcome us. We loved our stay and are already looking forward to returning!
05/10/2022Eleanor
Never have we stayed at a more Idyllic location. From the minute of booking to check out, we were made to feel so welcomed by owners Emily & Malik. The photographs of Pumla Yurt do not do this stunning place justice as it is even more tranquil in person. The decor, the personal touches, the welcome pack and small token gestures like pasties in the freezer just made the experience that much more enjoyable. The setting was so peaceful, the views stunning and the relaxation elements of the outdoor bath tub and indoor log burner made for the perfect getaway!
23/09/2022Danielle
We booked Pumla to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary... and we left having made some amazing memories. Everything about our stay was perfect and Emily and Malik are wonderful hosts. The view from the top of the field is breathtaking but so is the amazing sunrise whilst snuggled up in bed. A truly special place xx
16/09/2022Kelly
We had the best couple of days staying at Pumla at Blackhill Farm. The yurt is absolutely beautiful and we particularly loved taking a soak in the outside bath tub while watching the stars! Emily and Malik were also the most welcoming hosts, helping us to find local walks and things to do. They even posted back my charger which I left behind (thank you!).
24/08/2022Lauren
Had the most amazing weekend at Pumla. The Yurt surpassed all my expectations. Emily and Malik have thought of everything and were such wonderful hosts. It was a little haven to utterly relax in. I most enjoyed the tranquility to cook on the fire pit, sit under the stars and to walk up to the Cats back and admire the stunning views.
12/08/2022Catherine
We absolutely loved our stay at Pumla and didn't want to leave. The attention to detail of the yurt interior was beautiful, with such a spectacular view to wake up to. We specifically loved the big bath tub as well as the fire pit where we enjoyed eating, drinking and roasting complimentary marshmallows. Emily and Malik were incredibly welcoming and helpful whenever we needed anything. The walk to the Bull's Head pub was also stunning, trailing alongside the Cat's Back in the Brecon Beacons. We highly recommend Pumla and hope to come back!
27/07/2022Ellie
When we arrived we were met by Emily,who was very nice.Emily then took us to the yurt,which is amazing.The layout and views are incredible. Waking up to the view is magical. I wanted to come and try the log fuelled hot tub and it was superb.We spent hours chilling. There is also a bbq pit.Which again we used,sat in a small rockery table and seating. We only ventured out twice to pop to the local shop and a few beers in the neighbouring pub. We really didn’t feel the need to leave. We were sorry to go. Most definitely recommend.
10/06/2022Matt
Pumla was amazing. The Yurt was beyond our expectations and Emily was so welcoming. Unfortunately the weather was against us so was unable to stargaze. However, this didn't stop us from enjoying our stay.
03/06/2022Sandra
This yurt is extremely unique, with floor to ceiling windows curving around the front of the yurt. Cook inside the well-equipped kitchen, lounge in the wood-fired hot tub, cosy up inside by the wood-burner and then stargaze from bed through the ceiling light. If you fancy leaving the yurt, climb the Cat's Back hike straight from your yurt, and then come back and rest in this beautiful space.
17/05/2022Siri, Canopy & Stars
Reviews
We spent a two night mid-week getaway in the most delightful yurt.
23/10/2024Charlotte
We stayed at Pumla for our honeymoon. It was the most gorgeous and incredible stay! Fully equipped little kitchen, lovely products, soft linens etc. we used it as a base to go walking, and the routes from the location didn’t disappoint at all! We walked up hay bluff and had an outdoor bath in the sunshine. There were east to access Strava walking routes set up for us and the host was easy to contact and helpful. It was idyllic and we’d go back in a heartbeat.
05/08/2024Liv
Absolutely incredible! The yurt was ultimate luxury, the small additions of local goods were so nice! The hosts were friendly and spoke to us every time they were around. The location is great. Would 1000% return!
15/05/2024Kaylee
Our 2 night stay was incredible. The yurt was clean, and designed and decorated beautifully with everything we needed for a comfortable stay, without taking away the feeling of being in a yurt in nature. The bed was really comfortable with the most amazing view, the shower was nice and hot, the kitchen had everything we needed, and it was just so relaxed with views for miles. The only noise around were birds and sheep which just felt so peaceful.
06/05/2024Martina
We had the most lovely time staying at Pumla. The yurt was clean and well equipped with beautiful things to help us relax and enjoy our stay. The atmosphere of the location was relaxing and felt special & secluded.
26/04/2024Robert
We had a wonderful stay at Pumla, the facilities were brilliant, the big log burner kept us toasty despite the weather and the outdoor bath was awesome! We also did one of the walks suggested which was brilliant!
20/12/2023Isobel
Absolute bliss in a idyllic setting.
04/09/2023Michele
We thought the whole yurt experience was delightful. The location was so peaceful and allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature. The yurt had all the mod cons you need with excellent outdoor facilities too.
01/09/2023Iain
We had a fantastic time staying at Pumla and our hosts were very communicative to make sure our stay was as good as it could possible be. They also made sure we had lots of ideas of where to go and what to do which meant we made the most of our weekend. We would love to go back again!
18/08/2023Camilla
We had such a wonderful relaxing stay at Pumla. The yurt, the special touches, the scenery were all magical and we wished we could have stayed longer. We’ll definitely be back.
31/07/2023Amber
We had the perfect couple of days, the yurt was so relaxing and set in a beautiful wild flower meadow!
24/05/2023Alice
Wow what a beautiful retreat, perfect for our minimoon. Traquil, relaxing and in the most gorgeous setting.
22/05/2023Hannah
From the moment we arrived at this beautiful location and were warmly greeted by the owners we knew we were going to love being here. We were blessed with incredible weather but the setting and the yurt itself were stunning with beautiful views across the valley beyond and breathtaking walks right from our doorstep. We cooked every single meal on the firepit outside, soaked in the outdoor bath to ease our tired leg muscles and relished in the peace and tranquility. It was literally a slice of heaven
17/05/2023Melissa
Our stay at the pulma was so nice we had a really good time and would definitely recommend
26/04/2023Leala
Our stay was beautiful. The surroundings and views around the yurt were breathtaking and watching the baby lambs skip around the field was a joy. The outdoor bath was an added luxury which was enjoyed at night whilst stargazing. Although we had horrendous weather for our stay, this didn’t dampen the stay and made the yurt feel even more cosy. The selection of games made the rainy days much more enjoyable. We would highly recommend this stay to anyone needing a break from the rush of everyday life.
10/04/2023Carly
Kaya is a beautiful, peaceful location - perfect for recharging. Pumla had everything we needed and more. Lovingly put together by Emily and Malik, they were great hosts.
07/04/2023Emma
Incredible place. Incredible views and even better hosts. Very relaxing and it's tailored to suit anything you need. Very impressive accomodation. Very well looked after
17/03/2023Kyle
Wow! What can I say, the most amazing weekend in pumla, never stayed somewhere so relaxing and feeling at one with nature! I can’t wait to come back
24/02/2023Charlotte
We had a lovely warm welcome on arrival. The yurt was beautifully kitted out and we felt immediately relaxed. The outdoor bath was a lovely touch. We enjoyed walks from the door in spectacular countryside.
10/02/2023Jane
We stayed in February for our anniversary and it was lovely and relaxing. The views are stunning and the outside bath was amazing at night under the stars. We walked over to the Bulls Head for lunch, as recommended, which was amazing. The hosts were lovely and friendly and the yurt comfy and cozy, exactly as described with little treats provided.
03/02/2023Natalie
We had the perfect stay at Pumla. Despite the chilly weather and snow the yurt was warm, cosy and luxurious and had the most incredible views. We loved being in such a peaceful place surrounded by nature. The clear skies each night meant we were lucky to see an endless amount of stars which was amazing. Emily and Malik were great hosts, very helpful, friendly and thoughtful. They have provided all that you might need and more. We definitely hope to come back to this magical place!
16/01/2023Matt
Have been daydreaming of this place and it's almost been a year since we visited.
16/12/2022Alexandra
Our stay at Pumla was so perfect it was really difficult to pack up and check out! Every day starts by waking up to the golden sun pouring in over the stunning view from bed with a coffee. Every night ended by staring up at the stars from a bed so comfy I’ll be thinking about it for months. SUCH a gorgeous bubble with everything you could need, it feels luxurious but also cosy and homey. The bath is hugee! We loved pumla so much - thanks Emily, Malik and Irie-Rose for everything :)
14/12/2022Ffion
My wife and I had the most magical stay at Pumla. This yurt truly is a little slice of heaven. We both run two businesses and we get very busy and stressed. It sometimes takes us a week or so to switch off, but from our first night we managed to totally unwind. There is something very beautiful and unique about this place. We went away for our Anniversay, but also a Baby-moon for my wife, and our hosts really looked after us. Even when we desperately needed a potato masher! Watching sunrise from the yurt is a memory we will never forget.
07/10/2022James
Incredible yurt and great location. So much thought has gone into the yurt and there were some lovely touches to welcome us. We loved our stay and are already looking forward to returning!
05/10/2022Eleanor
Never have we stayed at a more Idyllic location. From the minute of booking to check out, we were made to feel so welcomed by owners Emily & Malik. The photographs of Pumla Yurt do not do this stunning place justice as it is even more tranquil in person. The decor, the personal touches, the welcome pack and small token gestures like pasties in the freezer just made the experience that much more enjoyable. The setting was so peaceful, the views stunning and the relaxation elements of the outdoor bath tub and indoor log burner made for the perfect getaway!
23/09/2022Danielle
We booked Pumla to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary... and we left having made some amazing memories. Everything about our stay was perfect and Emily and Malik are wonderful hosts. The view from the top of the field is breathtaking but so is the amazing sunrise whilst snuggled up in bed. A truly special place xx
16/09/2022Kelly
We had the best couple of days staying at Pumla at Blackhill Farm. The yurt is absolutely beautiful and we particularly loved taking a soak in the outside bath tub while watching the stars! Emily and Malik were also the most welcoming hosts, helping us to find local walks and things to do. They even posted back my charger which I left behind (thank you!).
24/08/2022Lauren
Had the most amazing weekend at Pumla. The Yurt surpassed all my expectations. Emily and Malik have thought of everything and were such wonderful hosts. It was a little haven to utterly relax in. I most enjoyed the tranquility to cook on the fire pit, sit under the stars and to walk up to the Cats back and admire the stunning views.
12/08/2022Catherine
We absolutely loved our stay at Pumla and didn't want to leave. The attention to detail of the yurt interior was beautiful, with such a spectacular view to wake up to. We specifically loved the big bath tub as well as the fire pit where we enjoyed eating, drinking and roasting complimentary marshmallows. Emily and Malik were incredibly welcoming and helpful whenever we needed anything. The walk to the Bull's Head pub was also stunning, trailing alongside the Cat's Back in the Brecon Beacons. We highly recommend Pumla and hope to come back!
27/07/2022Ellie
When we arrived we were met by Emily,who was very nice.Emily then took us to the yurt,which is amazing.The layout and views are incredible. Waking up to the view is magical. I wanted to come and try the log fuelled hot tub and it was superb.We spent hours chilling. There is also a bbq pit.Which again we used,sat in a small rockery table and seating. We only ventured out twice to pop to the local shop and a few beers in the neighbouring pub. We really didn’t feel the need to leave. We were sorry to go. Most definitely recommend.
10/06/2022Matt
Pumla was amazing. The Yurt was beyond our expectations and Emily was so welcoming. Unfortunately the weather was against us so was unable to stargaze. However, this didn't stop us from enjoying our stay.
03/06/2022Sandra
This yurt is extremely unique, with floor to ceiling windows curving around the front of the yurt. Cook inside the well-equipped kitchen, lounge in the wood-fired hot tub, cosy up inside by the wood-burner and then stargaze from bed through the ceiling light. If you fancy leaving the yurt, climb the Cat's Back hike straight from your yurt, and then come back and rest in this beautiful space.
17/05/2022Siri, Canopy & Stars
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We spent a two night mid-week getaway in the most delightful yurt.
23/10/2024