Central Beacons · Town
Brecon
A historic market town and practical base for the central national park.
Explore Brecon →Mountain roads, waterfall valleys and market towns beneath dark skies
Explore Brecon and Crickhowell, climb into the central Beacons around Pen y Fan, wander through Waterfall Country and head east towards Hay-on-Wye and the Black Mountains.
South Wales mountain countryBig ridges, wooded valleys and towns that make excellent basesBannau Brycheiniog works best when you choose one mountain area or valley for the day.
Explore Bannau Brycheiniog
Choose somewhere to begin
Use the map to explore mountain gateways, waterfalls, reservoirs, market towns and heritage landscapes.
Featured places
Where to go in Bannau Brycheiniog
Choose central Beacons, Waterfall Country or the eastern Black Mountains first and keep the day focused.
Black Mountains · Town
Crickhowell
A handsome small town beneath the eastern hills, known for independent shops and river scenery.
Explore Crickhowell →Eastern Edge · Town
Hay-on-Wye
A famous book town on the River Wye at the eastern edge of the mountains.
Explore Hay-on-Wye →Central Beacons · Landscape
Pen y Fan
The highest summit in southern Britain and the best-known ridge in the park.
Explore Pen y Fan →South West · Waterfall
Waterfall Country
Deep wooded valleys and a celebrated network of waterfall walks.
Explore Waterfall Country →Central Beacons · Landscape
Talybont Reservoir
A scenic reservoir surrounded by wooded slopes and mountain routes.
Explore Talybont Reservoir →Central Beacons · Landscape
Llangorse Lake
A natural lake with mountain views and long-standing historic associations.
Explore Llangorse Lake →Eastern Gateway · Town
Abergavenny
A lively market town beneath the Black Mountains and Sugar Loaf.
Explore Abergavenny →Western Edge · Heritage
Carreg Cennen Castle
A dramatic castle ruin standing high above the Carmarthenshire countryside.
Explore Carreg Cennen Castle →Choose your kind of day
What is Bannau Brycheiniog best for?
Ridges, peaks & open uplandsMountain Walking
Wooded valleys & river walksWaterfalls
Brecon, Crickhowell & HayMarket Towns
Reservoirs, valleys & open countryDark Skies & Quiet Roads
Easy combinations
Places that work well together
The park's roads and valleys make compact local loops far more enjoyable than trying to cross the whole area.
Brecon & central Beacons
A classic first-day route.
- Brecon for the base
- Central mountain viewpoints
- Talybont or Llangorse for a quieter finish
Crickhowell & Abergavenny
An eastern route beneath the Black Mountains.
- Crickhowell for town character
- Abergavenny for market-town energy
- Add one short hill or valley route
Waterfall Country
A landscape day in its own right.
- Choose a suitable waterfall walk
- Allow for wet and uneven ground
- Do not combine with a distant eastern park stop
Choose one valley or mountain area
Distances are not huge, but winding roads and walking time mean one part of the park per day is usually enough.
For a dayChoose central Beacons, Waterfall Country or Black Mountains.
For a weekendCombine one walking day with one market-town day.
By carThe simplest way to reach scattered valleys and trailheads.
On footBuild the day around realistic route length and weather.
When you know where you are going
Stay · Do · Explore
Choose the part of the park you want to explore before choosing accommodation.
Keep exploring
Continue towards South Wales or Mid Wales
South Wales & Cardiff and Mid Wales are the natural next regions from Bannau Brycheiniog.