Brecon Beacons National Park
Mountains that make sheep look like white dotsRolling hills and mountain peaks stretch across South Wales, with the highest point at Pen y Fan reaching 886m. Popular among hikers and stargazers due to its Dark Sky Reserve status.
Brecon Beacons National Park covers 520 square miles across South and Mid Wales. You'll find red kites circling above Pen y Fan's summit, Bronze Age stone circles on Mynydd Illtud Common, and the thundering Sgwd yr Eira waterfall where you can walk behind the cascading water. At night, the Milky Way stretches across one of Britain's darkest skies, while by day, cyclists pedal along the old railway tracks of the Taff Trail. The park's sandstone peaks rise to 886 meters, with medieval Carreg Cennen Castle perched on limestone cliffs and the clear waters of Llangorse Lake reflecting the mountains above.
Mountains and Walking Routes
At 886 meters, Pen y Fan anchors the popular Horseshoe Ridge trail. This 16-kilometer circuit takes you across four peaks: Corn Du (873m), Pen y Fan (886m), Cribyn (795m), and Fan y Big (719m). If you prefer easier terrain, walk the 7-kilometer Brecon to Pencelli canal path through oak woodlands and along the Monmouthshire Canal. The 159-kilometer Beacons Way winds through the park from end to end, linking villages like Llanthony and Llandeusant with high mountain passes.
Stargazing in Dark Skies
Since becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013, the park has become a prime spot for astronomy in Britain. Look up on clear nights to see the Milky Way, constellations, and nebulas with your naked eye. Join astronomers at viewing points across the park during autumn and winter stargazing events, when they set up telescopes and guide you through the night sky.
Water Activities and Lakes
At Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales, you can paddleboard or windsurf across its 153 acres. Beginners can practice canoeing on the calm Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, while experienced paddlers will find rapids on the rivers Wye and Usk. Rent equipment at the Llangorse Multi Activity Centre or from canal-side operators in Brecon.
Cycling Through the Park
The Taff Trail stretches 88 kilometers from Brecon to Cardiff, following old railway lines and valley paths. Mountain bikers can choose from hundreds of kilometers of trails, from smooth forest tracks to technical routes. Head to the Black Mountains for steep descents and rocky single-track paths. Pick up maps and local trail advice at bike shops in Brecon or Abergavenny.
Getting There and Around
The park sits three hours from London by car, and one hour from Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. Take trains to Abergavenny or Merthyr Tydfil stations, which connect to major UK cities. While local buses run between towns like Brecon and Abergavenny, you'll need a car to reach remote trailheads and viewpoints. Stop at the main visitor center in Libanus for trail maps, parking permits, and current conditions.
