Brecon Beacons Walks
Established as a national park in 1957, Brecon Beacons National Park is a beautifully scenic stretch of terrain in the south of Wales that features a wide variety of landscapes from rugged mountain ranges to rolling countryside, open moorland, and ancient forests. It was the third national park to be designated in Wales, following Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire Coast in 1951 and 1952, respectively.
The park can largely be divided into four sections, with the Black Mountain range in the west, Fforest Fawr and the Brecon Beacons in the centre, and the confusingly titled Black Mountains to the east. The highest point in the park, Pen-y-Fan at 886 m, is one of the most popular walking destinations in Southern Britain, as it offers sweeping views that extend out across the Bristol Channel to Exmoor.
Thanks largely to the diversity and natural beauty of its terrain, Brecon Beacons National Park is an area popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, seeing an approximate 4.4 million visitors who spend an average of £278 million each year. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has thus been tasked with conservation and enhancement efforts to ensure that the environment there is both looked after and suitable for enjoyment by the public. For those looking to experience the beautifully wild landscape of Wales, Brecon Beacons National Park is a great place to do so.
10 Best Walking Routes In Brecon Beacons National Park
The stunningly diverse landscape of Brecon Beacons National Park makes it an ideal area to explore if you are looking for an amazing walking excursion in the United Kingdom. A mixture of rolling countryside, tranquil ancient forests, charming villages, and dramatic peaks means that there will never be a shortage of amazing scenery, and that there will always be a wide variety of trails to match up with every skill and age level. If you are looking to explore the vast and wild beauty of Wales but aren’t sure where to start, check out this fantastic list of what we think are the 10 best walking routes in Brecon Beacons National Park:
- Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk: Arguably the most popular walking route in the central beacons of Brecon Beacons National Park, this trail will take you uphill to the breathtaking summit viewpoints atop Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan for a spectacular sightline across the surrounding mountains and picturesque Welsh countryside.
- Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk: This is an spectacular adventure for those times when you aren’t looking to take on a huge day of uphill walking and simply want to explore the forest while taking in some amazing riverside and waterfall views.
- Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk: Situated in the western part of Brecon Beacons National Park, this fantastic walking route will lead you across the rugged terrain of the Carmarthen Fans to visit the charming lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr.
- Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Circular Walk: Another amazing route in the central beacons, this trail will take you high up into the mountains across the peaks of Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn, and Fan-y-Big to experience exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the park.
- Brecon Beacons Four Peaks Walk: While this route may be very popular, it is deservedly so, as it will take you across the summits of the central beacons of Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn, and Fan-y Big. Traversing the mountainous terrain along this route will provide a great workout and outstanding views.
- Parc Bryn Bach Circular Walk: A charming walking route just on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, the Parc Bryn Bach Circular will lead you around a lovely 36 acre lake to experience some pleasant views of the surrounding landscape.
- Usk Reservoir Walk: This fun walking route will lead you through the Welsh countryside to visit the lovely Usk Reservoir and its woodland surroundings, asking for a great afternoon for the entire family.
- Talybont Reservoir Walk: Another great reservoir walk, the Talybont Reservoir Trail will take you through the open countryside and charming forests surrounding the largest stillwater reservoir in the central beacons.
- Fforest Fawr Circular Walk: A slightly difficult route to navigate, the Fforest Fawr Circular Walk will take you through the mountains for some exceptional views overlooking the park and the opportunity to visit the scenic Ystradfellte Reservoir.
- Llanfrynach and Fan-y-Big Walk: This challenging walking route will see you traverse the open Welsh countryside and make your way into the central beacons, where you will be able to visit the ‘diving board’ rock formation at Fan-y-Big and capture some amazing photos.
When is the Best Time to Walk in Brecon Beacons National Park?
While the climate of Brecon Beacons National Park is fairly mild year-round, the mountainous and exposed landscape can be challenging to traverse, particularly during the wetter months of the year. If you are hoping to get the most out of your walking adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park, the best time to visit would be during the May-September window, when the weather is at its warmest and driest.
Other Outdoor Activities in Brecon Beacons National Park
The diverse landscape of Brecon Beacons National Park makes it an ideal place to explore, no matter what your preferred outdoor activity is. While the most popular thing to do here is walk the park’s many trails, there are a great number of other opportunities available, such as camping, wild swimming, fishing in the region’s many reservoirs and waterways, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing/abseiling, and stargazing.
Epic Adventure Tours Near Brecon Beacons National Park
While everyone can agree that taking part in a fantastic adventure is a great experience that will create lasting memories, the planning aspect of such an excursion can often be a tedious affair. If you are looking to avoid fussing about over accommodations, itineraries, and things to do, then you should check out this list of amazing adventure tours in the nearby South of England that will leave the planning to the professionals so that you can focus on exploring the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brecon Beacons National Park
How big is Brecon Beacons National Park?
Brecon Beacons National Park covers an area of 1344km².
What is unique about Brecon Beacons National Park?
Brecon Beacons National Park is such a unique place, thanks to a diverse landscape characterized by a picturesque countryside, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, rugged mountains, and beautiful forests.
What is the highest point in the Brecon Beacons?
At an elevation of 886 m above sea level, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons (and southern Britain in general) is Pen-y-Fan.
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Best Hikes in Brecon Beacons National Park
Fan Gyhirych Walk
The Fan Gyhirych Walk is an exceptional adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will see you climb up to the summit of a lesser-known beacon for stunning views of the park. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the slopes of Fan Gyhirych, where you will have an amazing sightline overlooking the Cray Reservoir and Pen-y-Fan to the east. This is a great route if you want to explore the beauty of the park with less people on the trails.
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Canal and Beacons View Circular Walk
Walking the Canal and Beacons View Circular Trail is a fantastic outdoor excursion in Brecon Beacons National Park that will see you climb uphill for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While out walking the trail, you will climb up a ridge for a commanding sight that looks onto the Usk Valley and the beacons, before heading downhill for a return through the valley. This is an excellent adventure that will give you a great overview of the area without too much in the way of difficulty.
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River Usk, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Walk
The River Usk, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Walk is a fantastic walking route in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you out of the town of Brecon to explore several waterways. While out walking the trail, you will leave the town behind to traverse the banks of the River Usk, enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding mountains before returning along a canal. This is a fun adventure that is perfectly suited for walkers of all skill levels, including families with children.
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Fan Frynych Ridge Circular Walk
The Fan Frynych Ridge Circular Walk is a fantastic route in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you uphill along a ridge for breathtaking views over the dramatic terrain in this part of Wales. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the open countryside and climb up the ridge, eventually making a descent to the northeast as you take in some epic views of Pen-y-Fan. Although there are more challenging routes in the area, this is an amazingly scenic adventure that offers a great balance of uphill walking and rewarding views.
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Hay-on-Wye River and Rail Circular Walk
Walking the Hay-on-Wye River and Rail Circular Trail is an easy-going experience in Brecon Beacons National Park that will see you make your way through a mixture of urban and countryside terrain. While out on the walk, you will pass through the town of Hay-on-Wye and make your way through peaceful fields, before returning alongside the winding banks of the Wye River. This is an easy to navigate trail that will showcase the natural beauty and charming villages within Brecon Beacons National Park.
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Tommy Jones Memorial and Pen-y-Fan Trail
The Tommy Jones Memorial and Pen-y-Fan Trail is a fantastic outdoor adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you to several historical sites and the highest point in South Wales. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill across the rugged terrain of the Brecon Beacons, passing by the Tommy Jones Memorial to summit Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan, before returning along a PA-38 Tomahawk crash site from 2010. This is an exceptional route with stunning views overlooking the park.
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Llangorse Lake Circular Walk
The Llangorse Lake Circular Walk is a wonderfully scenic outdoor excursion in Brecon Beacons National Park that features beautiful meadows and a charming lake. While out walking this lengthy trail, you will make your way along the shores of Llangorse Lake to climb up a forested hill, before looping around the slopes of Mynydd Llangorse on the return leg. Walkers should take note that while dogs are allowed on the trail, there are several gates along the route that you will need to help them traverse.
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Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn, and Taf Fechan Circular Walk
The Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn, and Taf Fechan Circular Walk is a challenging and rewarding adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will see you traverse the central beacons for exceptional views overlooking the rugged terrain of South Wales. While out on the trail, you will climb up the steep mountainside to traverse several summits in the central beacons and visit the diving board at Fan-y-Big, before descending the mountainside on the return leg. While this route may be difficult in certain areas, the breathtaking scenery is more than enough reward for your troubles.
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Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad Circular Walk
The Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure in Brecon Beacons National PArk that offers some of the most scenic views in the park. While out walking the trail, you will climb up a steep slope and onto a ridge, following it north to Fan Frynych for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. This trail is rugged and can be fairly muddy, so be sure to wear proper walking boots.
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Pen Cerrig-Calch and Black Mountains Walk
The Pen Cerrig-Calch and Black Mountains Walk is a fantastic adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will allow you to explore the lesser-known Black Mountains in the eastern part of the park. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the mountainous terrain for stunning views overlooking the Welsh landscape, before traversing the summit of Pen Allt-Mawr, Pen Cerrig-Calch, and Crug Hywel. This is a great mountain adventure if you are looking to get away from the crowds on the central beacons.
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Brecon Beacons Four Peaks Circular Walk
The Brecon Beacons Four Peaks Walk is a challenging but highly rewarding adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you through the mountains for an amazing view overlooking Wales. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to traverse a number of mountain peaks, including Fan-y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan, and Corn Du. Although the route passes through a well-traversed area, make sure to bring a map and compass in the event that you lose your way.
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Carn Pica Walk
The Carn Pica Walk is a fantastic route in Brecon Beacons National Park that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and lakes of this scenic region in Wales. While out on the trail, you will walk along the lightly forested shores of the Talybont Reservoir, before climbing up the mountain slopes of Waun Rydd to reach the Carn Pica Cairn and enjoy stunning views across the rugged landscape. This is a fun route that isn’t overly difficult, but offers plenty of rewarding scenery.
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Craig-y-Cilau Walk
The Craig-y-Cilau Walk is a fantastic adventure in Wales that will allow you to explore an escarpment in the eastern part of Brecon Beacons National Park. While out walking the trail, you will walk through a small valley below the imposing rock faces of Craig-y-Cilau, before looping around to climb up the steep hillside on the return leg. This is an excellent walk that features a good variety of terrain, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
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Crug Mawr Walk
The Crug Mawr Walk is a fun, albeit lengthy, walking route in Wales that will take you into the Black Mountains in the eastern corner of Brecon Beacons National Park. While out walking this route, you will initially follow a road that runs through a valley alongside Grwyne Fawr, before climbing uphill on a loop through the rugged terrain of the mountains. This is a fantastic option if you are looking for a bit of a longer walking route that is removed from the crowds of visitors around the central beacons.
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Lord Hereford’s Knob and Gospel Pass Loop
The Lord Hereford’s Knob and Gospel Pass Loop is a family-friendly walking route in the northeast corner of Brecon Beacons National Park that will lead you up into the mountains for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the fairly steep and grassy hillside to the way to the summit of Lord Hereford’s Knob, before traversing the escarpment and descending the slope once again on the return leg. While this route is suitable for families, there is still a need for proper footwear in order to better traverse the rugged mountain terrain.
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Offa’s Dyke Circular Walk
The Offa’s Dyke Circular Walk is a tough walking route in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you uphill along the border of England and Wales. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill along the steep terrain of the dyke to traverse its length, taking in the stunning views of each country before looping around through the valley floor. This is a beautifully scenic adventure that utilizes one of the National Trails of Britain, the Offa’s Dyke Path.
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Pengenffordd to Capel-y-Fin Walk
The Pengenffordd to Capel-y-Fin Walk is a fantastic adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will lead you through the mountains and past historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will pass by the Norman Era Dinas Castle and climb uphill to Lord Hereford’s Knob, before descending into the valley on the way to Capel-y-Fin. This is a great walk for anyone interested in stunning mountain views and visiting historical sites.
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Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley Circular Walk
The Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley Circular Walk is a fun outdoor excursion in Wales that will take you through Brecon Beacons National Park to reach the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. While out walking the trail, you will make your way across the undulating terrain to reach the scenic summit of the mountain, before returning to the trailhead through the woodland expanse of Deri Fach. This is a fantastic adventure that will be less crowded than other routes in the area, but will still offer amazing views overlooking Brecon Beacons National Park.
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The Blorenge Circular Walk
The Blorenge Circular Walk is a great outdoor excursion in the southeast corner of Brecon Beacons National Park that offers a good variety of terrain and scenic views of the Black Mountains and Usk River Valley. While out on the trail, you will pass by Keeper’s Pond and traverse the open moor on the way to the summit plateau of The Blorenge, where you will enjoy sweeping views across the Welsh countryside. This is a fantastic route for beginner and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike, just be sure to keep an eye out for stinging nettles along the trail!
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Henrhyd Falls Walk
The Henrhyd Falls Walk is a fantastic outdoor adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will lead you through a forested valley to view a cascading waterfall. While out walking the trail, you will visit the site of Henrhyd Falls that is perhaps best-known as the filming location for Batman’s Cave in The Dark Knight Rises, before making your way through a serene woodland valley along the banks of Nant Llech. This walking route is perfectly suited for a relaxing weekend stroll in a peaceful forest surrounded by scenic waterways.