Walking in the Brecon Beacons

Discover the rugged beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where sweeping valleys, dramatic ridges, cascading waterfalls and open mountain summits await. From classic Pen y Fan ridges to dramatic Waterfall Country, Fforest Fawr's glacial valleys and the wild Black Mountains, W

alking in the Brecon Beacons

(Bannau Brycheiniog) offers walkers of all abilities the opportunity to explore this national park at their own leisure.


This guidebook transforms Brecon Beacons walking into a straightforward process, presenting 45 circular routes from 4 - 24km (3 - 15 miles), catering to all abilities—from straightforward low-level valley walks perfect for beginners and poor weather to strenuous mountain ridge days for experienced hikers.

Every Brecon Beacons walk includes step-by-step descriptions and 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping so you always know what lies ahead on the trail, whether you’re tackling upland ridges or wooded gorges
Routes are logically organised across seven key areas—North-eastern valleys & ridges, Eastern valleys, South-western ridges, Fforest Fawr, Waterfall Country, Mynydd Du and the Black Mountains—with easy access from main centres including Brecon, Crickhowell, Abergavenny, Hay-on-Wye and Llandovery
Each walk has been assigned a difficulty grade in a handy route summary table to help you select the right route for you with confidence
Practical essentials are woven throughout, with clear guidance on logistics such as parking and a glossary to help you understand the Welsh terminology specific to outdoor adventuring
Downloadable GPX files are available to download for use on GPS devices and smartphones to enhance your Welsh walking experience


The Brecon Beacons reveal something new on every path, from roaring waterfalls to tranquil rivers and panoramic ridges. With this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook in hand, you can wander landscapes fully prepared, experiencing both the beauty and the history of the national park, making each day’s walk a rewarding experience for every hiker.