“Goshawk Lodge” Self Contained Mountain-top cabin

Goshawk Lodge & its mountain top location offers fabulous panoramic views & direct access into Cwmcarn Forest. With numerous biking trails & walking tracks, its great for active people, but also for those who want to "chill". Home to a rare pair of Northern Goshawks, you may well spot them during your visit. With stunning sunsets & clear night skies you're sure to get some great photos! Located near Cardiff & not far from the Brecon Beacons or National Heritage Coastline there is plenty to do The space Goshawk Lodge is a cosy, spacious and well‑equipped mountain cabin with a double bed and heated blanket, a modern kitchen, shower room and toilet, a comfortable reclining sofa and a 42‑inch TV with reliable Starlink broadband. There’s also a dining table with four chairs, ideal for meals or for anyone needing a quiet, relaxing place to work. Outside the entrance is a covered area with a settee and multi‑gym, perfect for a workout or simply sitting back and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The lodge has extensive decking with table, chairs and loungers, offering amazing views across the valley, clear skies for birdwatching, and on cloudless nights, spectacular stargazing. In winter you can unwind in front of the wood‑burner with a film, while in summer you can enjoy the outdoor space, watch the sunsets and later the clear, starlit skies from the deck. The lodge has a dedicated BBQ and fire‑pit area with plenty of wood provided. However, due to current mountain fire‑risk conditions, BBQs, open fires and the fire‑pit may not be available during your stay. We’ll always confirm the latest status before arrival. There is direct access to the forest through a small green gate beside the stone wall in the entrance drive (please take care on the steep stone steps). This leads straight into the Cwmcarn Forest, where you can walk or cycle for miles. A short downhill track from the lodge connects to one of the main forest trails, and from there you can reach the outskirts of Cwmcarn — a quarter of a mile as the crow flies, though steep. By road, the village is 2–3 miles away and has a pub, grocery store, fish and chip shop and several takeaways. As Welsh mains water doesn’t reach this part of the mountain, the lodge uses a rainwater harvesting system. All water is filtered and UV‑treated to a high standard for everyday use, and we also provide plenty of Welsh mineral water for drinking — the local “fountain of eternal youth”. Guest access Guests have full private use of the entire lodge, the large wrap‑around decking with loungers and mountain views, and the spacious private garden with seating, BBQ and fire‑pit area. The outdoor spaces are surrounded by high fencing and trees for maximum privacy, while the open decking on one side provides uninterrupted views across the valley and forest. There is plenty of private parking directly outside the lodge. You also have direct access to the forest through the small green gate by the stone wall, leading into the wider Cwmcarn area for walking and cycling. Other things to note Goshawk Lodge sits in a quiet, little‑known part of the South Wales Valleys — a true hidden gem even to many locals. It’s the ideal escape for city‑based guests who want space, privacy and fresh mountain air. From the lodge you have direct access into the forest and the wider Cwmcarn area, with endless walks, viewpoints and cycling routes right on your doorstep. Less than an hour to the north are the Brecon Beacons and the tranquillity of mid‑Wales. The region is rich in coal‑mining heritage, with old mines, museums and industrial landmarks to explore. We’re only 30 minutes from the capital city of Cardiff, with its castle, museums, shopping, waterfront and vibrant food scene. Around an hour away are the National Heritage coastlines of Southerndown and Ogmore, with dramatic cliffs and wide sandy beaches. A little further west, the Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula offer some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches and coastal walks. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, heritage, wildlife, coastlines or simply relaxing in total peace, there’s plenty to do for every kind of traveller — all from a base that feels wonderfully remote yet surprisingly well connected.