The Brecon Beacons National Park is a dream hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its dramatic waterfalls, sweeping moorlands, rugged peaks and lush green valleys, this stunning corner of South Wales offers an incredible variety of walks. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed riverside ramble or a more challenging mountain hike, the Brecon Beacons has it all.
In this guide, we have selected the top 10 walks that showcase the very best of the region for you to research, plan, and experience for yourself with something for all ages, terrain and ability included.
There are two options of map; OS Explorer has a scale of 1:25 000 and OS Landranger has a scale of 1:50 000. OS Explorer is more zoomed in and offers greater detail and information, but the OS Landranger covers a greater area.
If you’re planning your own route, but not sure which map you need, then check out our Ordance Survey online map finder here!
1. Brecon Beacons Horseshoe, Brecon Beacons, Wales
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Mountain
- Distance: 8.5 / 13.7km | Approx. Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this walk that includes the three main peaks of the Brecon Beacons. Begin with a gradual ascent to Cribyn (2,608 feet/795m), followed by a steep climb. Descend into a col and then tackle the short, steep ascent to Pen y Fan (2,907 feet/886m), the highest point in the Brecon Beacons. Continue with a gentler descent and ascent to Corn Du (2,863 feet/873m). The return route passes Llyn Cwm Llwch and through the picturesque valley of Cwm Llwch. Take your time and savour the magnificent views.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer 0L12 / OS Landranger 160
OS Maps Link Here
2. Ysgyryd Fawr, Brecon Beacons, Wales
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland, Mountain
- Distance: 3 m / 4.8km | Approx. Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ysgyryd Fawr, also known as the Skirrid or Holy Mountain, lies north-east of Abergavenny and is the most easterly outlier of the Black Mountains. Legends say its cleft ridge was created by Noah’s Ark or during the Crucifixion, though it was likely a landslip. The walk to its summit starts with a steep climb through woodland, followed by an open, grassy ridge with splendid views. It’s best to return by the ascent route due to steep northern slopes.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
3. Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons, Wales
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 3.9 m / 6.3km | Approx. Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Situated on the Black Mountain in Brecon Beacons National Park, Llyn Y Fan Fach is a lake steeped in legend. Known as ‘The Lady of the Lake,’ the story tells of a local man who wooed a woman by the lake. She agreed to marry him under the condition he treat her well. If he hit her three times, she would return to the lake. After three taps, she left, and their sons became renowned healers, the Physicians of Myddfai.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL12 / OS Landranger 160
OS Maps Link Here
4. Four Waterfalls Walks, Brecon Beacons, Wales
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland, Valley
- Distance: 3.8 m / 6.1km | Approx. Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Although best known for its mountain ranges, the Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park is also home to some of Wales’s most impressive waterfalls. This stunning walk visits the spectacular falls of Sgŵd Clun-gwyn and Sgŵd yr Eira. The latter is the real highlight, and a confident walker can follow a path behind the thundering curtain of water (boots needed). The falls are a wonderful lesson in geology, showcasing the result of a geological fault and the power of the rivers.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL12 / OS Landranger 160
OS Maps Link Here
5. Craig-y-nos, Cribarth and the Henrhyd Falls
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Hill,Woodland, Open
- Distance: 8.6 m / 13.8 km | Approx. Time: 4 hour 45 minutes
Craig-y-nos Country Park, once the grounds of a large house, is the starting point for this varied walk in Glyn Tawe, Swansea Valley. The walk includes open hillside, a summit, woodland, riverside, a narrow ravine, and the highest waterfall in South Wales. It also has historic interest with Craig-y-nos and former quarrying activities. Though lengthy and energetic with several ascents and descents, it’s well worth it for the superb views and scenic contrasts.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL12 / OS Landranger 160
OS Maps Link Here
6. Sugar Loaf, Brecon Beacons
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Hill, Open
- Distance: 3.8 m / 6.1 km | Approx. Time: 2 hour 30 minutes
Sugar Loaf, or Mynydd Pen y Fâl, is a strenuous walk but the climb to the summit is hugely rewarding with stupendous views across the Black Mountains, Central Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny, and the Usk Valley. Owned by the National Trust, it features a 4-foot tall whitewashed concrete column, known as a trig point, used in the past by Ordnance Survey to map the country. Save this walk for a good day and take your time on both the ascent and descent to fully enjoy the experience.
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
7. The Blorenge, Brecon Beacons, Wales
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Hill, Open
- Distance: 6.8 m / 11 km | Approx. Time: 3 hour 30 minutes
The formidable bulk of the Blorenge towers above Abergavenny and the Usk Valley, unique as the only significant peak south of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. It’s famous for its magnificent views and fascinating industrial history, standing above Blaenavon, known for iron and coal production. The area also features in Alexander Cordell’s novel, Rape of the Fair Country. An inn bearing his name is just down the hill from the start and finish.
Maps to purchase for this route: Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
8. Hay Bluff & Twampa
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Hill, Open
- Distance: 5.6 m / 9 km | Approx. Time: 3 hour 10 minutes
The open expanses of Hay Bluff and Twmpa, also known as Lord Hereford’s Knob, are the most northerly peaks of the Black Mountains. They offer extensive views of the mountain ridges and the Wye Valley. The walk involves two ascents: the first to Hay Bluff (2,220 feet/677m) is steep, the second to Twmpa (2,263 feet/689m) is easier and more gradual. Choose a fine, clear day for this walk to enjoy the grand views fully.
Maps to purchase for this route: Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
9. The Vale of Ewyas – Llanthony Priory
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Valley, Moorland, Open
- Distance: 5.8 m / 9.4 km | Approx. Time: 3 hour 5 minutes
The Vale of Ewyas, a narrow, remote valley on the eastern edge of the Black Mountains, offers a romantic setting for the ruins of Llanthony Priory. The walk follows a track northwards along the valley bottom, crosses the River Honddu, and climbs onto open moorland. It continues along the western slopes to Bal-Bach, a viewpoint over Ewyas and Grwyne Fawr Valley. The priory ruins are visible on the final descent. This scenic walk is best done on a fine day.
Maps to purchase for this route: Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
10. Brynich Lock to Talybont-on-usk
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, River
- Distance: 4.9 m / 7.9 km | Approx. Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (one-way)
Linked at both ends by a regular bus service, this easy-going and level walk provides a wonderful day out in glorious scenery. As well as great views, you can see a working lock at the start, abundant wildlife both on and off the water, and enjoy refreshments in a fine local pub at half distance. It requires minimal route finding as it follows the canal towpath for its entire length, forming part of the 55-mile-long Taff Trail.
Maps to purchase for this route: Explorer OL13 / OS Landranger 161
OS Maps Link Here
Before setting off to enjoy one of these stunning walks, ensure you have everything you need! From all waterproofs to walking boots, be prepared for your outdoor pursuits.
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