P’nawn da bawb. I’m going to be staying near Brecon for a week or so in September, Covid-willing. We’re not intending to do a lot of mingling with other humans but I wondered if anyone knows of any shops/cafés etc where Welsh might be spoken. From what else I’ve seen on here it sounds like a fairly anglophone area but I thought I’d ask. 
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Helo Chris, when the Eisteddfod was held in Y Fenny (Abergavenny), 2016 ??, I stayed in a pub in Bwlch, I think the name was " The New Inn" . They served very good meals. The couple who ran the pub didn’t speak Welsh, but after 9.30 pm when the guests who had dinner had left, locals came for a pint and some of them were Welsh speakers. They were all very friendly and willing to speak Welsh with me.
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Brecon used to be Welsh speaking - not so much now. Older people should be OK, though. If you are travelling around and go West you might here it in the villages. If you travel a little further into the west of Powys, Carmarthenshire, or Ceredigion you will be in the Welsh speaking areas.
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Thank you both for the suggestions.
Please let me know how it goes, as I am gently making a list of Welsh speaking places on another topic thread
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I’ve contacted Malcolm Llewelyn who organises Welsh chat session on Friday mornings in Brecon tap but unfortunately they are still not happening at the moment.
There is the Welsh centre in Merthyr - Soar - which would be a lovely journey through the Beacons whichever way you go - perhaps through Talybont - up and over, and past the Pontsticill reservoir on the way there - and the A470 on the way back - or vice versa.
I recommend a trip through Bwlch mentioned above (lovely views all round) - and through Llangynidr (narrow bridge) towards Crickhowell and taking the right turn shortly afterwards signposted Beaufort - oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling on the way up and there is an extraordinary panorama - and a car park of sorts that you can stop at - encompassing the central Beacons on one side, the black mountain and the sugar loaf to the other, with Hay Bluff and Llangors morain lake straight ahead - it’s special.
You will see half a dozen places from there you will want to visit!
Rich 
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Thanks for the comprehensive reply Rich, and for going to the trouble of contacting the local group. I’m hoping we’ll be able to do at least some of the things you mentioned (preferably all!).
@JohnYoung I’m not the most outgoing of people even in my native English but I will let you know if I actually manage any Welsh!
Good idea, even if you just get to soak in some real Welsh it will be great.
My first experience was loitering in a supermarket queue in Carmarthen listening to people at the check out, which ended with a sentence from me.
Actually, you’ve just encouraged me to spend some time discovering more Welsh-speaking areas within easy reach of Swansea.
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Quick update. I was in Pontarddulais this afternoon. Only one M4 Jct past Swansea. Hard to be sure but one word greetings in rain sounded Welsh. Shwmae and Iawn? Rather than Hi and Olright? 
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