Brecon Beacons National park is home to many Welsh wonders towards the south of Wales. Luscious green landscapes flood the area due to the heavy rainfall they receive throughout the year. My visit was in the midst of winter- January- providing the true wet welsh experience. Powering through the cold, wind and hail, I managed to explore 7 different trails to share with you here!
Pen Y Fan (Central Brecon Beacons)
Undeniably the most well known route in the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y fan is a great hiking achievement, being the highest peak in the national park (886m). I started at Pont ar daf car park, which commences with a picturesque bridge past a small waterfall. With immediate and continuous incline all the way up, be prepared for a reminder of your achievement in the form of sore legs the next day. This route is all one path and easy to follow. On the way up, you will first discover corn du (873m) which you can hike over the top of to reach Pen Y fan. Unquestionably, some of the best views are on the journey up and down the peaks, you can see reservoirs, more of the black mountains, rivers and small waterfalls.
If hiking is a fairly new hobby for you, I don’t recommend climbing high peaks in windy weather to avoid the feeling like your fighting for your life and dragging the inner mountain goat out of you. For more experienced hikers, there is the Horseshoe ridge hike which includes 4 different peaks ( Pen y Fan, Fan y Big, Corn Du and Cribyn).
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Signal: None
Parking: Free
Best bit: 2 in 1 (Pen y fan and Corn Du)
Henrhyd Waterfall
Another spectacular hike with a waterfall view that is perfect if you have little time or want to combine it with another hike on the same day. You can reach the sights of Henrhyd within around 5 minutes downhill followed by 5 minutes crossing the river and up wooden steps. Factor in some time to take in the spectacle itself, the looming land erosion and 90m crashing water is captivating. You can even take a dip if you are brave enough. Afterwards, it is your choice to begin the ascent back to the carpark or follow the longer route where you can see several small waterfalls.
Afterwards, you can extend your adventure further and visit the farm next to the car park. Here you can see an array of animals such as Micro Pigs, Giant rabbits, Alpacas, Pigmy goats and more! This activity is free with donations welcome.
Time: 2 hours
Signal: Full Bars
Parking: Free (With overflow for £5 a day)
Best bit: Tallest waterfall in the Brecon Beacons national park
Lord Herefords nob (NE Brecon Beacons)
If you are looking for an unusual hike, imagine telling your friends you’ve been on top of Lord Hereford’s Knob! Otherwise known as Twmpa, this lesser known, short hike is perfect for combining with a visit to Hay-on-Wye. Starting at Gospel Pass Car park, stride straight up to the top passing sheep, horse, fire orange peaks and deep rocky valleys.
Time: 1.5 hours
Signal: Medium- enough for calls
Parking: Free
Best bit: Sheep everywhere!
4 waterfalls (South)
As the sun commences its appearance across Wales, locals and tourists alike flock to this varied waterfall wonder. Although often crowded, no amount of people can take the awe away from these natural beauties. With the whole route signposted, following it makes it easy to find each attraction and to avoid car park confusion on your return. Additionally, if short on time, you can choose just one waterfall and follow the corresponding path.
As my visit occurred in January, crowds were non-existent. Sounds of the water crashing over the edge and colliding with boulders below can be heard, heavy drops dripping of luscious greenery and red robins chirping as they flicker between trees. All will cause a sense of calm as you can truly see and connect with nature. Seeing waterfalls with the stature of Sgwd-yr-Eira and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn humble me and paralyse me in awe. I could stare in peace for hours.
This hike contains continuous inclines and declines with varied terrain such as mud, rocks and stones. Be prepared for the path to be wet and slippery all year round. To fully experience this hike, I recommend allocating 4/5 hours to allow you to take pictures, stop to take a drink and take in the view. You can even walk being Sgwd-yr-Eira and take a dip in some of the calmer pools of water! Picnic benches are situated at the top, perfect for a mid hike snack or recovery spot from the gruelling steps back up.
Time: 4.5-5 hours
Signal: None
Parking: £5
Best bit: 4 astounding waterfalls!
Craigcerrig-Gleisiad
Another glorious hike with panoramic views of the black mountains, especially if you like a straight forward incline. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the summit as a snow flurry burst through the visibility and it was not safe to hike alone. However, the height I made it to, provided an eye catching snowy landscape and glimpse of Craigcerrig-Gleisiad itself despite the snow storm. Simply put Craigcerrig-Gleisiad in your maps and it will take you to the layby to park.
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Signal: None
Parking: Free in lay by
Best bit: Smaller summit with amazing views
Fan Y Big (Central Brecon Beacons)
Starting from the same car park as the Famous Pen y Fan walk- Pont ar daf- you will begin by climbing the same incline, passing the bridge, river and rolling hills of conifers. Once your reach the pike, turn right to walk along the ridge of Fan y big and see Pen y fan from a unique angle. Afterwards, if you are feeling energised, retrace your steps to the pike and reach the summits you were gazing at.
Time: 2.5/3 hours
Signal: None
Parking: Free
Best bit: Great views of Pen y Fan and Corn Du
Hay-on-Wye (N of Brecon Beacons)
A small market town known as the national book town of Wales. Although this sits just outside the Brecon Beacons National park, it is a great option if you are in need of a coffee or want to experience a traditional welsh town on your visit. You can choose to visit some of the 20+ book shops or check out Hay Castle (Free entry).
If you still want to make use of your walking boots, I recommend going to The Warren. With pebble banks and clear water (In the summer) it is perfect for a scenic stroll. During August last year I even went for a swim! Additionally, you can rent kayaks and canoes to practice your paddle sports. With large fields adjacent to the bank, it is great for walking the doggies too!
Time: Morning/afternoon
Signal: yes
Parking: Free for an hour or paid car park
Best bit: Walks, Cafes and books
One of the awesome things about this national park is on route to all the wonderful walks, you get to take in breath-taking views along the way. As a sun seeker myself, I would say these hikes are more enjoyable in slightly less treacherous weather. In any case, the views still delivered and as a bonus the routes were quiet. Always bring water (I like the foldable bottles) and supplies. Altogether, Brecon Beacons offers hikes of all levels but majority involving incline due to the mountainous terrain. So pack your walking boots and get exploring!
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