Brecon Beacons
Why we love the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
For many travellers, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is their first glimpse of rural Wales – and oh, what a sight to behold. Its strapping peaks loom over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors; a land laced with waterfalls, rivers and fern-filled gorges. Naturally, it’s a magnet for hikers and cyclists, campers and thrill-seekers, while its towns serve up history, culture and fabulous food.
The national park boundary loops from the border with England, deep into south Wales, and encircles four vast mountain ranges. Here, simple pleasures are paramount: wildflower-strewn trails, country pubs with log fires and dark skies full of stars.
From horse riding trips to hot air balloon flights, here’s how to find your own adventure in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).
Lace up your walking boots
The whole national park is pure hiking heaven, with everything from riverside rambles to cloud-grazing summits. For a challenge, look to peaks such as Pen Y Fan, Cribyn and Fan Fawr, or go long-distance on the 99 mile (159 km) Beacons Way. Its ‘Miles Without Stiles’ trails are wheelchair accessible, too.
Feel the rush of the river
Leave dry land behind! Whether you’re rafting white-water rapids, canoeing a tranquil canal or discovering the joys of wild swimming, there are endless ways to make a splash. Llangorse Lake has paddleboards and pedalos for hire, while the Wye and Usk rivers are renowned for glorious kayaking.
Think differently in Hay
Hay-on-Wye is no sleepy rural town. In summer, the world’s top authors and thinkers arrive for Hay Festival, a world-leading fiesta of culture – and the streets are full of bookshops, vintage boutiques and excellent restaurants. It’s always buzzing, and sits on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons.
Hunt for wild treasures
Hungry for a new challenge? A bushcraft course reveals the rich bounty of food, supplies and shelters in the wild – and you’ll see the national park from a whole new perspective. Or, test your treasure-hunting skills on a geocaching trail, following GPS coordinates to secret rural locations.
Go deeper, explore further
Believe it or not, some of the park’s most epic scenery lies beneath your feet. Discover cathedral-like caverns, underground waterfalls and exquisite natural formations at the National Showcaves Centre For Wales – or, to venture even deeper, join a potholing trip with a specialist tour operator.
Get starry-eyed after dark
When night falls, the adventures don’t stop. The Brecon Beacons is one of Wales’ Dark Sky Reserves, praised for its big vistas and low light pollution. For the best views, head to the National Park Visitor Centre, Usk Reservoir or Llanthony Priory. There are stargazing and astrophotography tours too.
Learn more about stargazing in Brecon
Brecon Beacons
From rolling valleys and sweeping peaks to dramatic waterfalls, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)National Park in South Wales is overflowing with natural wonders, culture and heritage.
Explore the Big Pit National Coal Museum to unearth Wales’ rich mining legacy or marvel at the caves and underground waterfalls at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales.
Enjoy a taste of Wales at the Abergavenny Food Festival, or tour the Penderyn Distillery, home of single-malt Welsh whisky.
Go kayaking on the River Wye, paddle-boarding on Llangorse Lake, or hike the 99-mile (159km) Beacons Way.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)was the first location in Wales to be given International Dark Sky Reserve status (in 2013) for the outstanding quality of its night sky and low light pollution, with the Usk Reservoir and Llanthony Priory great spots for stargazing.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- South Wales was the world’s leading producer of iron and coal in the 19th century, with the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Book enthusiasts from all over the world head to Hay-on-Wye in Powys for its many independent bookshops and famous literary festival, held each year in May.
- Four of Britain’s five longest limestone cave systems can be found in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, with tracks and trails making them easy to explore.
- With over 600 miles (966km) of bridle paths and tracks, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)offers great horse riding territory.
Things to do in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Featured things to do
Trail blazing
Calling all adrenaline seekers! BikePark Wales in Merthyr Tydfil, close to the Brecon Beacons, boasts more than 40 epic downhill cycling tracks – a natural rollercoaster that’ll leave you buzzing.
Learn more about BikePark Wales
Sky sailing
With the wind in your hair and the peaks at your feet, summer is the perfect time for gliding, a tandem paragliding flight or a hot air balloon ride.
Learn more about flying in the Brecon Beacons
Riding out
With crunchy leaves underfoot and a cool nip in the air, it’s prime hiking and horse riding season – or join a foraging trip to feast on wild berries.
Learn more about horse riding in the Brecon Beacons
Tuck in
From hearty lamb cawl (soup) and naughty cream teas, to a warming dram of whisky in Penderyn Distillery, winter is full of foodie joys.
Learn more about food and drink in the Brecon BeaconsPlaces to stay in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Manor hotels
Fine dining, rich history and plenty of luxury: the national park’s country house hotels are a real treat. Ideal for a few days of pure relaxation.
Bed and breakfasts and bunkhouses
On the trail? Kick off your muddy boots at a rural bed and breakfast or bunkhouse, and tuck into a big Welsh breakfast to fuel your day in the peaks.
Stargazy camping
As a Dark Sky Reserve, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is renowned for its stargazing – so pitch up your tent for a front-row view.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
The national park spans the south Wales counties of Carmarthenshire, Powys and Monmouthshire. The rail stations in Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery – all on the park’s periphery – offer direct services between Cardiff, Manchester and the Midlands. Cardiff Airport is the closest international hub, and Heathrow Airport is a two- to three-hour drive away.
Getting around
Travelling from A to B in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is all part of the adventure – whether you’re driving through the valleys or touring the villages by bus. Getting around on public transport can be tricky, but car hire is available from all the main towns, so it’s easy to pick up some wheels for a few days. Alternatively, why not use one of the local taxi services whose drivers have taken part in the National Park Knowledge training scheme to explore the park?
By car
It’s the simplest way to get around, especially in winter. Going electric? There are EV chargers in Brecon, Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil.
By public transport
Trains only serve the edge of the national park, but the bus network runs right through its heart – and all the way to Hereford and Cardiff, too.
By boat
Explore the peaceful waters of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal on a day cruise or canal boating holiday, with self-drive vessels available to hire.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)?
Planning a business event in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)?
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