Walking in and around the Brecon Beacons

If you enjoy walking, then you’ll love the Brecon Beacons.

You can stroll through sleepy valleys, wander alongside sparkling lakes and reservoirs or hike across some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Britain. For the less energetic, you can just amble along the canal to the next pub and back!

You can walk on your own, relishing the solitude and a sense of adventure, spend time with friends and family, or make new friends by joining an organised group. There are plenty of routes for those with-limited mobility, including families with pushchairs and wheelchair users.

And when you get back, don’t forget to reward yourself with a pint and a meal in the local pub. You miss so much by rushing home!

Be safe
You must be properly equipped especially if the walk takes you into the mountains. Take care, tell someone where you are going and don’t be afraid to turn round if the weather turns wet or misty.

• Plan your route carefully, taking a proper walkers map with you
• Check the weather forecast before your start
• Take the right equipment including good footwear, warm clothes and waterproofs
• Bring plenty of food and drink as well as sunblock
• Remember mobile phone coverage is patchy and cannot be relied upon
• Visit one of the National Park Information Centres for detailed information
• Go on a training course if you are at all unsure of your safety

Trails
Three long distance trails run through the Brecon Beacons National Park:
The new Beacons Way is the long distance footpath for serious walkers, comprising 8 day long walks linked to accommodation. It runs the length of National Park from Abergavenny to Llangadog – over 100 miles. An increasing number of companies offer a baggage carrying service for walkers on the path.
Offas Dyke Path National Trail passes along the eastern boundary of the Park affording easy (if high) walking and fantastic views over the Welsh Marches.
The 93 km (55 mile) Taff Trail joins Brecon to Cardiff and has a circular option for walkers around the Central Beacons area.

Where to Walk

There is a new series of walks, cycle routes and horse riding routes to the south of the National Park created by Groundwork and associated with the Taff Trail.

Once you are in the area, drop by for a chat at any of the National Park Information Centres who will be glad to advise you where to go for wonderful walks. There are many guidebooks to walking in the National Park available at Centres.

Walking at Craig-y-Nos Castle
Why not try one of the planned walks at Craig-y-Nos Castle. Each walk has been graded for its level of ease, distance and gives a guideline of the time you should expect to take to complete the walk.

Craig-y-Nos Castle has commissioned the recording of a number of local walks which can be downloaded or printed out directly from the Internet. Although they try to ensure that they continue to provide reliable information and utilise only public and permitted paths and rights of way they cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from their use.

Guided walks are a brilliant way to discover more about a place. Your Leader will be able to tell you about wildlife, history and landscape, and you can ask them questions as you go. You can meet new people and enjoy a chat as you walk. Our guided walks take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, from high mountain peaks and rugged moor land to river banks and hidden valleys. Whether you are a seasoned hill walker or have never been on a guided walk before you will find a walk in this programme to suit you. to find out more information on walks at Craig-y-Nos Castle: Craig-y-Nos Castle Walks

Useful Links

• Walking in the Wye Valley
• The Wye Valley Walk
• Brecon Beacons National Park
• Brecon Beacons Park Society
• The Ramblers Association (Four Wells Group)
• Hay-on-Wye Walking Group
• Walking Wales
• Walking Breaks at Ty-Croeso Hotel
• Brecon Beacons Park Society Walks