Brecon Beacons National Park
Looking for a selection of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park? These 10 walks have all been experienced by us and are so diverse in nature, offering a broad spectrum view of all the wonders of this Welsh national park
Selection of the Best Walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park
There are a few things that make up a really fantastic hike. A few of these are under the hiker’s control, like equipment and preparation, good company, and delicious (and nutritious) snacks.
Some of the most valuable and rewarding things, though, come from the locations we choose to visit. Things like the views. And the wildlife. The sounds of a bubbling stream.
Some locations offer such an abundance of these things, they deserve taking note of – and Wales has some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. Today we’re taking a look at 10 of the best walks in The Brecon Beacons National Park – one of the UK’s most bountiful treasures for avid hikers.
Strap up your boots, get your walking poles ready, and join us in exploring one of the most beautiful regions of Wales…
Introduction to the Brecon Beacons National Park
South Wales, also known affectionately as ‘The Valleys’ by locals, is a rich historically textural part of the United Kingdom. It gets its colloquial name for the undulating peaks and troughs of its landscapes, which are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. It’s this breathtaking natural setting that plays host to the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Brecon Beacons themselves are a mountain range, which include the highest mountain in Wales – Pen y Fan (more on that later…). They’re sometimes referred to as the ‘Central Beacons’, and it’s thought they got their name from the practice of lighting ‘beacon’ fires along stretches of mountainside, to warn of incoming invaders (those familiar with the Lord Of The Rings film series may already have an idea of what this would look like!)
The Brecon Beacons themselves, however, only make up a part of the wider Brecon Beacons National Park. The Park also includes the Black Mountains to the East, and the Great Forest (or Fforest Fawr in Welsh).
The Brecon Beacons National Park – A Potted History
The park itself was established in 1957, the third of the three Welsh parks after Snowdonia in 1951 and the Pembrokeshire Coast in 1952, and the 10th overall in the UK. While the Beacons key features are naturally formed (the valleys, and rolling hills and mountains), much of what we recognise as the National Park today owes itself to manmade intervention.
From prehistoric land-clearing, with the dispersion of standing stones, hillforts and burial chambers, all the way to Roman camps and medieval lake dwellings, a hike through the Brecon Beacons National Park is a true walk through history.
There’s a unique feeling of time and place in the Park, with each hike its own chapter in a millennia long history, the valleys themselves a living timeline wrought from rock.
Best Walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park
A large part of the joy of the Park lies in the sheer number of hikes you can take. From famous, well-trodden paths to bespoke routes (although only plan your own route if you’re a very confident hiker…), there’s truly something for everyone here.
We’ve assembled 10 of what we feel are the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park from our own experience, which provide a diverse range of experiences across the Park’s 1,344km2.
1. Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge Walk
The Horseshoe Ridge Walk is a true mountain hike, full of idyllic views across four of the tabletop peaks in the National Park. It’s not the easiest hike, so possibly not one for the youngest adventurers, but if you’re up for the challenge this one is really memorable.
- Walk distance: 14.63 km (9.09 miles) – of which about 1200m are on tarmac or concrete.
- Difficulty: Challenging.
- Time: 5-7 hours.
- Map: OS Explorer Map: OL12 (Brecon Beacons National Park – Western & Central Areas).
- Starting Grid reference: SO 036 170.
- Parking: Neuadd car park in the Taf Fechan Forest – CF48 2UT (head for the Neuadd Reservoir).
Summary
This classic horseshoe walk around a steep sided glacial valley is amongst the best ridge walks in Wales, and it’s definitely one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The route takes you across the peaks of four of the central mountains in the Park, (Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn, Fan y Big), which really show off the stunning grassy glacial landscapes.
After a walk from the car park, a steep climb up Craig Fan Ddu ridge – this gets steeper as it goes, so don’t be fooled. Make sure to pace yourself! From there the route winds along the four table top peaks, making a walk you’ll never forget, but that might leave you aching a bit!
On a clear day, route finding is easy as the whole horseshoe can be seen once you’ve managed the first ascent – this walk is a really brilliant way to take in some of the best views the National Park, and indeed the UK, has to offer.
The Horseshoe Ridge is a fantastic hike for those looking for a real challenge. Be aware that this is a long, tiring walk with several steep ascents so bear that in mind before setting off. You’ll need to bring clothing for all kinds of weather as it can change abruptly, and there is no shelter – that means waterproofs just in case! Be sure to bring plenty of water, as well as some energy-boosting snacks.
Have a read of our full experience of the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge Walk.
2. Pen y Fan Walk From Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park (Cwm Llwch horseshoe walk)
There are lots of different walks and ways to take in Pen y Fan, the highest mountain peak in South Wales. While some are more popular, this one is our particular favourite, as it takes you through a picturesque track with some really interesting historical sights (not to mention the incredible views!)
This is one of the best ways to experience a combination of the stunning Corn Du and Pen y Fan peaks, along with some beautiful and tranquil lake views.
- Walk distance: 5.15 miles (8.29 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Time: 3.5-4.
- Map: OS Explorer Map: OL12 (Brecon Beacons National Park – Western & Central Areas).
- Starting Grid reference: SO 006 244.
- Parking: The car park is located approximately 7 miles (11km) north of the Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre. Follow the A470 north and turn right in the village of Libanus, just before you reach the Tai’r Bull pub. From there, it’s roughly 2 miles (3 km) from this turn off to the Nant Cwm Llwch car park!
Summary
There are a few different versions of the Pen y Fan walk, which takes you up to the peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du, but this is our favourite, and we wouldn’t hesitate to say we think it’s one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Although similar to the published Cwm Llwch Horseshoe Walk on the National Trust website, our version of this Pen y Fan horseshoe walk is an abbreviated one, which avoids road walking.
This is a great route for walkers looking for a little peace and quiet too, particularly if you leave early in the morning, as it misses out the more popular sections of the Pen y Fan trails, and you may even get some sections of the track to yourself.
The route takes you past the Tommy Jones memorial, in remembrance of 5 year old Tommy who tragically lost his life in 1900 having become lost on the Brecon Beacons, and you’ll also pass the site of the now disused Cwar Mawr Quarry, roof tiles were cut in the 18th century.
This can be a challenging walk in places, as you’ll be picking out your own route on some sections of the descent, which requires a confident walking ability, and the climbs on this route are slightly longer than other options due to a lower starting elevation. Bear in mind how quickly the weather can change on the Beacons too, and be sure to pack sensibly.
For pictures, and our first-hand account of the walk, have a read of our full experience of this Pen y Fan walk.
3. Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk
This challenging 9-mile hike takes you past two incredible glacial lakes, through a remote section of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk is a great way to experience this side of the Park, which is a stunning example of the power of nature left untouched.
- Walk distance: 15km – 9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging.
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Map: OS Explorer OL30: Brecon Beacons National Park (Western Area)
- Starting Grid reference: SN 799 238.
- Parking: The Llyn y Fan Fach car park postcode is SA19 9UN, but it’s extremely remote, so relying on a sat nav isn’t a great plan. Print out a copy of the map and get someone to aid you with directions. There are also limited spaces at the car park, so be sure to arrive early!
Summary
This quiet, tranquil, challenging hike, which also passes by Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn Y Fan Fawr, two beautiful lakes surrounded by natural amphitheatre-like escarpments. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may even catch a glimpse of some snow and ice – while this ramps up the difficulty of the hike, it can also really add to the wonder of the views…
This is a great hike if you appreciate some solitude, and like to get away from the crowds. It’s best to wait for a clear day for this one, as the views are not to be missed, and can be spoiled by fog. Luckily there are a couple of shelters along the way if you get unfortunate with the weather!
The walk combines views of lakes, mountain ridges, and waterfalls, and its remote location makes it the perfect place for a quiet and contemplative hike – although some steep climbs make for a 9-mile hike that’s not for beginners, or the faint-hearted!
For more on this beautiful glacial lake route, read our full blog post.
4. Blorenge Walk
The Blorenge mountain is located in the south eastern corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the Welsh county of Monmouthshire. It sits between the towns of Abergavenny to the north and Blaenavon to the south.
This walk is the perfect way to experience the mountain for yourself, and to take in some of the best views of Black Mountains and the Beacons themselves.
- Walk distance: 7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SO 254 107.
- Parking: There are a couple of options for parking, but we like to use the Keeper’s Pond car park, postcode NP4 9SR.
Summary
With great views from the moment you get out of your car (owing to the starting elevation of 482m!), this charming hike offers views of some of the most unique areas of the National Park, including the Usk Valley.
The wooded easterly slopes where the Punchbowl is located is a haven for wildlife, and really highlights the majesty of nature in this part of the country (it’s the perfect spot for a lunch break!)
With some incredible views of bluebell fields if you visit at the right time of year, along with sheep and lambs – this is a hike that was made for Springtime. It offers an incredible chance to take in some of South Wales’ most picturesque scenery, and it’s not too challenging – meaning younger walkers can come along for the experience.
For more information on the Blorenge walk, have a look at our full account (replete with plenty of pictures!)
5. Talybont Waterfalls Walk
Waterfalls are some of our – and many other hikers’ – favourite natural features, and the Talybont Waterfalls Walk is not only one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park, it also features some astonishing views of these incredible forces of nature. This is a moderately difficult hike, which combines a glacial ridge walk along with a valley descent (which is where the waterfalls are located.)
- Walk distance: 7.7km – 4.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
- Time: 3 hours +
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SO 056 175.
- Parking: Sat Nav users the Talybont Waterfalls postcode is CF48 2UT, and we opted for the Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park. The walk literally starts at the entrance to this car park.
Summary
This walk kicks off with a view of two small waterfalls – perfect for getting you inspired, and a fitting teller of what’s to come. A large portion of the Talybont Waterfalls walk is spent ascending and walking along a glacial ridge, which provides stunning views of the valley below.
There are several eye-catching sights to take on during the route, particularly the crash site of a WW2 bomber. The crash is still there, and you can witness the wreckage for yourself, along with a memorial plaque. It’s a powerful moment, which is amplified by the Romantic and sublime surroundings.
The waterfalls themselves are utterly beautiful. The second part of the walk descends into woodland, and babbling brooks cascade into full waterfalls along the Caerfanell River. This is a lovely place to stop and take in some of the most peaceful and tranquil scenery this destination has to offer.
For more information, some of our photos, and a few other tips, take a look at our full blog post on the Talybont Waterfalls Walk.
6. Skirrid Mountain Walk
This walk is perfect for those who enjoy their hikes when they take them through varying scenery and landscapes. During the Skirrid Mountain Walk, you’ll journey through woodlands, and venture onto open mountainsides, making you feel like a true adventurer…
- Walk distance: 5.5km – 3.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: Up to 2 hours
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SO 328 164
- Parking: The Skirrid car park is situated just off the B4521 (Old Ross Road) just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Abergavenny on the left-hand side – Full address: Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny, NP7 8AP
Summary
Although there is a moderate 15-20 minute climb, this is a generally quite gentle hike, which offers some beautiful scenery, of the Caer Wood which marks the first section of the route, the Pant Skirrid Wood, and of course from the mountain itself. You’ll be able to take in sights including Sugarloaf Mountain.
The word Skyridd comes from the mountain’s Welsh name, Ysgyryd Fawr – Ysgyryd meaning ‘shake’ or ‘tremble’ and Fawr meaning ‘large’. The mountain is indeed aptly named, with a huge landslide visible on the northernmost slopes of the mountain.
The ascent to the summit is steep, but mercifully short, and for those looking for a diverse hike which isn’t going to knock out an entire day, this is perfect. This is the kind of hike that’s brilliant for contemplation, or for stirring up some creativity and inspiration – and it can be completed before lunchtime!
Have a reas of our full blog post on the Skirrid Mountain Walk for more information, and some photos of the incredible sights you can take in.
7. Henrhyd Falls & Nant Llech Walk
Another short, but utterly beautiful waterfall hike. This efficient but jam-packed route will take you past the highest waterfall in South Wales – which is well worth a visit all on it’s own – as well as the bucolic Nant Llech river valley; this can all be completed in under 2 hours!
Movie fans may also delight at the fact that this hike will take you to a well-known cinematic filming location…
- Walk distance: 6.5km – just over 4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Time: Up to 2 hours
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL12
- Starting Grid reference: SN 853 121.
- Parking: For this one, you’ll want to head to the National Trust car park at Henrhyd falls – the postcode is SA10 9PG, and a sat nav should take you within cat-swinging distance of the car park itself.
Summary
This short but idyllic waterfall trail is a lovely combination of dense, magical woodland, and iconic waterfalls. We don’t say iconic lightly; if you’re familiar with Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, you might recognise Henrhyd Falls as the entrance to the Batcave from the 2012 The Dark Knight Rises!
Cinephile trivia aside, this walk is a sure delight for all hikers, and its short time is an added bonus for those looking for a quick fix of stunning British sightseeing.
This isn’t necessarily a hike for those who like to carve their own trails through rugged landscapes, battling nature as they go. There are clearly marked paths for this one, but that’s no bad thing, as it really allows you to take in the lovely countryside and wildlife as you go.
If you’re just keen to visit Henrhyd Falls, this walk will only take you about half an hour at the most – the full route to Nant Llech (which is well worth the effort) ups the time to about 2 and a half hours, with the option of making the route circular or doubling back along the stunning Nant Llech River.
We won’t spoil too much of this one, as it really needs to be seen in person. There are chances you’ll catch trout jumping up the river, and the plethora of wildlife and birds make this a brilliant hike for those looking to connect with nature. For more information, take a look at our blog post on the Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech Walk.
8. Mynydd Llangorse Walk
Another shorter one, but don’t be fooled by its length, the Mynydd Llangorse walk is a diverse and robust, making it a great quick-fix for hikers. It offers a wonderfully diverse range of views, of the Usk Valley, the Black Mountains, and Llangorse Lake.
- Walk distance: 8.4 – 5.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: Up to 2 hours
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SO 147 267.
- Parking: A good place to park is the Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, a couple of kilometres outside Llangorse – postcode LD3 7UH.
Summary
We originally discovered this charming hike when we visited Llangorse Lake one Easter Sunday – we had intended to head out on the Llangorse Lake Trail, a much shorter 3.5km hike, but when we found the lake path impassable due to flooding, we were recommended this trail by some ladies at a local caravan park.
They weren’t wrong to recommend it, and it turned out that by happy accident we had stumbled across one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons.
This walk starts off very gentle, with a slightly steeper gradient emerging as you make your way to the Mynydd Llangorse trig point. You’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the Usk Valley and the Black Mountains as you make your way along this ridge, and it’s hard to understate how dramatic this is on a clear day.
There are a few different options for navigating this route, and we didn’t go for the ‘official’ route, due to the flooding. The return route we opted for took about 2 hours, making it perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Despite its short length, there are a few patches of sharp incline so we’d recommend only attempting this walk if you’re in good physical shape.
If you’re embarking on this one, look out for the renovated Shepherd’s Hut and the plaque in the garden. It tells an inspiring and memorable tale, which we won’t spoil here – but to find out more, either head out on the trail, or take a look at our more detailed blog post on the Mynydd Llangorse walk.
9. Four Waterfalls Walk
This is a well-known, memorable hike which offers some of the very best sights nature – and the Brecon Beacons – has to offer. The area this hike takes you through is known as ‘waterfall country’ for good reason, and the four waterfalls walk is arguably the best way to take it in.
- Walk distance: 9km – 5.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Time: 3-4 hours +
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SN 925 124.
- Parking: Couple of options – we went for Cwm Porth Car Park, Waterfall Centre, Cwm Porth, Ystradfellte, Aberdare CF44 9JF
Summary
This beautiful walk starts off along the River Mellte, with the first waterfall after the main section of the trail about 30-40 minutes in. This walk was voted 40th in ITV’s top 100 of Britain’s favourite walks, and for good reason – the trail isn’t too challenging, and it’s clearly marked, but it takes you past some of the most incredible waterfalls the UK has to offer.
The first is Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, ‘fall of the white meadow’, followed by Sgwd y Pannwr, ‘fall of the fuller’, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, ‘lower fall of the white meadow’, and Sgwd yr Eira, ‘falls of snow’. Each of these is unique, beautiful, and framed by utterly magnificent surrounding scenery.
Our experience of this walk was one of slips into muddy puddles, rain, and not-so-waterproofs. Despite this, and the uninspiring weather, we had a fantastic time, and even these challenges couldn’t marr the experience of this incredible walk. To find out more, visit our blog post on the Four Waterfalls Walk.
10. Sugarloaf Mountain Walk
The charmingly-named Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the defining features of the Brecon Beacons, and you’ll be able to see it from the views on several of the other walks we’ve covered here.
With this in mind, it makes sense to take on the mountain itself, and the Sugarloaf Mountain walk doesn’t disappoint – it’s one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons by far.
- Walk distance: 6.4km – 4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL13
- Starting Grid reference: SO 268 166.
- Parking: Use Llanwenarth car park for this one – postcode NP7 7LA
Summary
Often mistaken to be an inactive volcano due to its unique conical shape, Sugarloaf Mountain is an iconic peak in the Black Mountains, and this walk will take you through picturesque oak woodlands, sharply inclined open moorland, and to the summit itself, which offer views that are incomparable.
It takes about 2 hours to reach the peak, and the route there is almost as incredible as the views at the top. The woodlands at the start of the walk have a really mystical quality, to the extent that Didem and I half expected a few fairies to make an appearance!
Breaking out of the woods, the incline up the valley before the mountain itself is by far the most challenging part of the walk, but even this isn’t too much to handle providing you’re relatively fit. Once you’ve made it past this hurdle, you’ll have the view of the mountain to spur you on, and the ridge to the top isn’t too difficult at all.
Be sure to bring a picnic with you for this one, as the summit of Sugarloaf is the perfect place to sit back and take in some of the best views of the area – an idyllic place to enjoy a few traditional Welsh Cakes (or bakestones, as many Welsh people refer to them…)
Just be careful that you don’t leave your food unguarded – the local sheep aren’t wary of travellers as they’re so used to them, and a tuna sandwich in tinfoil can be a tempting morsel…
Be sure to arrive and park up for this one early, it’s a really popular walk – arriving at 9:00am is a great idea, as by the time you get back down – as we experienced first hand – people will be fighting for spaces! For more on the Sugarloaf Mountain walk, take a look at our blog post, which features our video of the climb.
Best Brecon Beacons Walks – Final Thoughts
As with any hike, all of the above trails require a bit of due diligence and planning, but they are without doubt a great assortment of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This really is a spectacular part of Wales, the UK, and indeed the world, and it’s perfect fodder for keen hikers.
Take a look at our blog posts linked above for more details, and share a comment below if you’ve walked any of these paths yourself – we’d love to hear from you!
Discover some of the best walks in other UK National Parks
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