Best hikes in the Brecon Beacons

You lace up your walking boots, pull on your backpack, check the map one last time and off you go. Passing other hikers you feel part of a community of explorers, trekking out into the great wilderness, and these best hikes are exactly what the Brecon Beacons delivers. This bubble of undulating mountains, impressive ridges and crashing waterfalls is ready to pop with natural beauty. Surrounded by all of this, it’s easy to see why Wales became a land of inspired poets and singers.

We’ve broken the Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog as it is officially called in Welsh, into four walks. Whether you’re more city stroller or mountain goat, there’s something for everybody at this South Wales National Park.

Pen y Fan – Conquer the highest peak

If you’re up for the challenge, you can’t miss the opportunity to tackle the highest peak of Pen y Fan. The horseshoe trail is the toughest way to get to the top, but, you also get to tick off Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan y Big along the way.

Right at the heart of the Brecon Beacons, you are surrounded by rural wilderness and when you’re walking along the high ridges, the view will blow your socks off. Taking around 5-6 hours to cover this 10-mile trail (longer if you can’t stop looking at the view!) it’s the best way to see the most of this region. Your huffing and puffing up the steeper sections are well rewarded and there’s nothing quite like the sense of achievement when you’re at the top looking at how far you walked to get there. The vast skies envelope you as you bask in this incredible feeling, red kites above and Tolkienesque valleys below. This is the Brecon Beacons, and you’re on top of the world.

Brecon Canal – Enjoy a waterside stroll

When you think Brecon Beacons we wouldn’t blame you if you only picture the rolling hills and dominating mountains, but there are more accessible walking routes available as well. The rural town of Brecon sits on the banks of the River Usk and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal begins here. This walk is barrier free, only has slight gradients, has a firm path and there are seats along the way.

Wave to the boaters as they drift alongside as you head out of town. At the start of the walk, a sculpture of a horse and its driver is a reminder of everybody that used to work these waterways. These days you can wave to the boaters as they sail gently by. If you follow the route as an out-and-back, turn around at the Brynich Aqueduct for an easy 4.5 miles. This is a charming spot to stop and take in the views, resting your feet before heading back again!

Waterfall Circuit – For drama seekers

Explore the dramatic Waterfall Country of the Brecon Beacons on this exhilarating walk. Three rivers have carved their way through the landscape leaving behind gorges and caves. The most popular route to follow is the Four Falls Trail, a circular route which is a bit challenging in sections, but the rewards are phenomenal.

As you trek amongst the woodland, a musical accompaniment of the rushing falls joins you. You can hear the power of the water before you see it! You’ll pass four waterfalls on the 4.5 mile route which starts with a meandering stroll through a valley. Each waterfall is just off the main trail, with the first, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, being the first you will reach. The most impressive is Sgwd yr Eira, the fourth waterfall and the hardest to get to. Follow the steep decent and scramble over the rocky riverside and you can walk behind the water curtain!

Llanthony Priory and Hatterall Ridge – An exhilarating view

Starting from the medieval ruins of Llanthony Priory, you see the ridge marking the border between England and Wales ahead of you. It’s quite an initial daunting hill and you will reach the 605 metre high point as you follow Offa’s Dyke path along the ridge. This famous long distance trail is an ancient fortification which follows 177 miles between England and Wales.

Not only does this walk introduce you to stories of the history of this land, you might also spot some natural wonders along the way. Wild ponies and birds of pray often pass, catching your eye and giving you a moment to take in the view that stretches into the distant horizon. Taking just under 3 hours to complete the 5 mile walk you can stop off at the village pub when you get back to Llanthony for a home-cooked meal and refreshing pint.