The Brecon Beacons National Park, situated in the heart of the Welsh countryside, is home to mountains, castles, moorland, waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. The region has been named a Dark Skies Reserve (making it ideal for a spot of stargazing) and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Covering 520 square miles, the national park comprises three distinct areas: The Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Fforest Fawr.
There’s plenty to enjoy in this stunning part of the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing staycation spot to explore in a caravan or you want to pitch up at one of the best camping destinations in the UK – the Brecon Beacons has a lot to offer.
Best walks in the Brecon Beacons
This stunning hiking destination offers routes with incredible mountain views for varying fitness levels.
Pen y Fan is one of the most popular mountains to visit in Wales, making it one of the best but most crowded walks in the Brecon Beacons. We recommend the Pen y Fan horseshoe route, which offers a quieter and wilder hiking experience than the more trodden Pont ar Daf route.
The ascent to Sugar Loaf Mountain (sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, right?) is another must-do hiking route. The five-mile route is suitable for all fitness levels and makes a great day out.
Another fantastic option is the Llanthony and Hatterall Ridge route, which spans a moderate 4.5 miles. Enjoy breathtaking views and be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the ruins of Llanthony Priory.
Other activities
Adrenaline junkies will feel right at home in the Brecon Beacons. There are plenty of activities to try out if you’re feeling adventurous, including horse riding, wild swimming, cycling and watersports such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
For the more daring explorers out there, this area is home to some of the best cave systems in Europe, which can be visited with an experienced guide.
If you’d rather admire this area’s breathtaking natural beauty from afar, there are plenty of charming villages and quaint towns to explore.
Literature lovers from around the world flock to the tiny town of Hay-on-Wye, affectionately known as the “Town of Books” where there are 20 bookshops to discover (there’s even one in the castle) and a great selection of pubs and eateries selling traditional fare and pints to see you through the day.
Brecon, a market town situated on the edge of the National Park, is another great spot for an afternoon stroll and a pint to finish off the day. Other towns worth visiting include Crickhowell, Talgarth and Sennybridge.
If you’re interested in the history of this region, pay a visit to Carreg Cennen Castle and Farm which dates back to the 13th century. Other must-see historical attractions include the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, the Brecon Mountain Railway, and the Big Pit National Coal Museum.
Best spots to pitch up in the Brecon Beacons
Because of its popularity with outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of spots to pitch a tent or park your caravan for the night in and around the Brecon Beacons.
The obvious choice is the Brecon Beacons Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Other great locations include Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park and Priory Mill Farm, a 16th-century farm-come-campsite.
You can also enjoy wild camping (legally) at Brecon Beacons Wild Camping or opt for more luxury accommodation at Aber Glamping.
Photo by Mike Erskine / Unsplash
