Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): Pen y Fan, Waterfalls & the Best Walks

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park covers the high ground of South and Mid Wales between Llandeilo and Abergavenny, a landscape of grassy ridges, moorland, waterfalls and green valleys. Founded in 1957, it was the third National Park in Wales; in April 2023 it adopted its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog, in place of Brecon Beacons.

Why Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) Is Special

The flat-topped summits of Pen y Fan and Corn Du are among the most recognisable mountain shapes in Britain, and the walk along their ridge gives views across half of Wales.

To the south, the Waterfall Country hides a string of falls in wooded gorges, and the whole park is protected as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The History of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

The highest mountain in South Wales is Pen y Fan, 886 metres. In the 18th century the area around it was known as the Brecknock Beacons, and Pen y Fan itself was sometimes simply called "the Beacon".

The park includes the Black Mountains in the east, along the border with England, and the Black Mountain (Y Mynydd Du) in the west, as well as the central Beacons.

On the southern edge, the rivers cut through hard rock to form the Waterfall Country around Pontneddfechan, where at Sgwd yr Eira you can walk behind the falling water.

What to See & the Best Walks at Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Walk from the Storey Arms or Pont ar Daf up to Corn Du and Pen y Fan on a clear day. Follow the Four Falls Trail in the Waterfall Country and walk behind Sgwd yr Eira.

Visit Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales, and the market town of Brecon. In the east, drive up to the Gospel Pass for the view over the Wye valley to Hay.

Wildlife at Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Red kites soar over the valleys, and the park's dark skies make it one of the best places in Britain to see the Milky Way. Wild ponies graze the high commons. Please keep dogs on leads near sheep and ponies.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

See the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park listing. At Rhayader to the north, the Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre feeds hundreds of kites each afternoon.

Hay-on-Wye is on the northern edge; see our guide to Hay-on-Wye. Aberglasney Gardens and the National Botanic Garden of Wales are to the west, and Abergavenny has Nicholls and FortySix.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) Through the Seasons

Spring brings lambs and full waterfalls. Summer is the season for ridge walks. Autumn colours the wooded gorges, and the long winter nights are perfect for stargazing.

Getting to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Trains run to Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandeilo on the park's edges, with buses to Brecon. Parking at the Pen y Fan car parks fills early.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): Questions & Answers

Why did the Brecon Beacons change their name?

In April 2023 the National Park adopted its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog, in English as well as Welsh.

How high is Pen y Fan?

886 metres, the highest mountain in South Wales.

Our Advice

Our advice: Climb Pen y Fan early on a clear morning, spend the afternoon in the Waterfall Country, and stay out after dark to see the stars.