What’s in this guide
By Deon Barrett
A note on this guide: some walks are best suited for experienced hikers. Always check in with the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre before setting off in the Brecon Beacons to ensure the route is safe and suitable for your group. You can also check out walking safety advice here.
The Brecon Beacons is a giant outdoor playground where little legs can climb big mountains, waterfalls hide secret trails, and history comes to life in ancient castles and crumbling ironworks. Take on Pen y Fan (with plenty of snack breaks!), chase waterfalls on the magical Four Falls Trail, or hop aboard a steam train through the valleys. Watch their imaginations run wild at Llyn y Fan Fach, where legends of a mystical lady still ripple across the water, or let them roam free in the shadow of Carreg Cennen Castle. Whether it’s splashing in streams, toasting marshmallows at a cosy glamping spot, or stargazing from a wild campsite, the Brecon Beacons is where family adventures turn into lifelong stories.
Epic Outdoor Adventures
Summit Pen y Fan via Corn Du for unbeatable views, hike the remote Llyn y Fan Fach circuit, or chase waterfalls on the Four Falls trail. Whether on foot, by bike, or even by steam train on the Brecon Mountain Railway, the landscape is made for adventure.
Rich History & Legends
Explore the dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, uncover Wales’ industrial past at Blaenavon Ironworks and Big Pit, or visit the haunting Wellington Bomber crash site at Garreg Goch. Every corner of the Beacons tells a story.
Wild Stays & Stargazing
From cosy glamping at Camp Cynrig and 68 Degrees West to cost-effective wild camping spots, the Brecon Beacons is perfect for sleeping under vast, star-filled skies in this International Dark Sky Reserve.
Summit Pen y Fan via Corn Du:
Conquer the highest peak in South Wales for breathtaking views across the national park. A must-do for hikers and adventure seekers.
Chase the region’s most spectacular waterfalls on this magical walk through lush woodland, where you can even step behind a cascading veil of water.
Perched on a dramatic limestone crag, these atmospheric castle ruins offer sweeping views and a mysterious underground cave to explore.
Getting there (and around)
By Car:
The easiest way to explore the Brecon Beacons is by car. The A470 runs through the heart of the park, connecting Brecon with Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil to the south and Builth Wells to the north. Car parks are available near key spots like Pen y Fan, the Four Falls Trail, and Llyn y Fan Fach.
By Public Transport:
The nearest train stations are Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil, and Neath, with bus connections into the park. From Cardiff, take a train to Merthyr Tydfil, then catch the T4 bus to Brecon. The X55 and T6 buses also serve different parts of the Beacons from Swansea.
For a scenic route, take the heritage steam train from Pant near Merthyr Tydfil up into the mountains, offering stunning views along the way.
By Bike:
Cycling is a great way to explore, with routes like the Taff Trail linking Cardiff to Brecon and passing through the national park.
A day trip to the Brecon Beacons is perfect for summiting Pen y Fan, exploring Carreg Cennen Castle, or tackling a shorter walk like the Four Falls Trail. A weekend allows for a mix of adventure and history, with time to visit Blaenavon Ironworks, paddle on Pontsticill Reservoir, and sleep under the stars at a wild camp or glamping site. Stay four to five days for longer hikes like the Llyn y Fan Fach circular, a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, and deeper exploration of remote spots like the Wellington Bomber crash site. A week or more lets you fully immerse yourself in the park’s landscapes, uncover hidden trails, and soak up the charm of Brecon and its surrounding villages.
When to go
The Brecon Beacons is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Spring (March–May) brings blooming wildflowers, lambs in the fields, and perfect conditions for hiking without the summer crowds. Summer (June–August) offers long daylight hours, lush green landscapes, and the best weather for tackling Pen y Fan or cooling off under the waterfalls of the Four Falls Trail. Autumn (September–November) transforms the Beacons into a golden wonderland, with crisp air and quieter trails – ideal for photography and cosy glamping stays. Winter (December–February) is dramatic, with snow-dusted peaks and misty valleys, making it a great time for stargazing or exploring historic sites like Carreg Cennen Castle without the crowds.
Please note, the Pen y Fan walk is best suited for experienced hikers. Always check in with the National Park Visitor Centre before setting off in the Brecon Beacons to ensure the route is safe and suitable for your group. And review safety advice here.
Start your day with an adventure to Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, following the Pont ar Daf path, a well-maintained route that’s great for families. Along the way, you’ll pass Corn Du, another scenic peak offering breathtaking views. The walk is rewarding but manageable, so pack plenty of snacks and dress for the changing weather. After descending, take a short drive to Brecon Town, where you can grab lunch in one of its cozy cafés. Stroll along the Brecon Canal, where kids will love spotting ducks and watching the narrowboats glide by.
In the afternoon, head towards the Four Falls Trail, home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons. If you’re short on time or hiking with little legs, Sgwd Yr Eira is a must – this stunning waterfall lets you walk right behind the cascading water, making it a magical experience for kids. Don’t forget waterproofs, as little adventurers will love splashing around.
As the day winds down, drive to the Brecon Beacons Wildcamp site, a budget-friendly and family-friendly camping spot with space for cars and campervans, as well as tepee tents for an easy and fun overnight stay. Gather around a campfire, toast marshmallows, and look up at the incredible night sky – Brecon Beacons is a Dark Sky Reserve, so on a clear night, the stars will put on a show. Fall asleep to the sounds of nature, ready to wake up refreshed in the heart of this wild and beautiful landscape.
For experienced hikers, the 8-mile circular route around Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr offers a remote and breathtaking journey through glacial landscapes steeped in Welsh legend.
Step back in time with a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, a heritage steam train journeying through the stunning national park landscapes.
Visit the tranquil Pontsticill Reservoir, where still waters reflect the surrounding peaks – perfect for a peaceful moment or a waterside walk.
Discover the dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, perched high above the countryside with spectacular views and a hidden cave to explore.
For a sobering yet fascinating piece of history, visit the Wellington Bomber MF509 crash site at Garreg Goch (Red Stone) in the western Beacons (Grid Ref: SN817168), a memorial to the aircrew who lost their lives.
Step into Wales’ industrial past at the Blaenavon Ironworks, a UNESCO-listed site showcasing the history of iron production and its impact on the world.
Go underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum, where former miners lead tours through an actual coal mine, offering an eye-opening experience of Wales’ mining heritage.
Check out our favorite spots on the Canvas and Cub map
Brecon Beacons Wildcamp:
A budget-friendly wild camping spot with access for cars and campervans, plus tepee tents available, offering a true back-to-nature experience under the Dark Sky Reserve.
Camp Cynrig Glamping Village:
A cozy glamping retreat with handcrafted huts and bell tents, nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, perfect for a peaceful and family-friendly stay.
68 Degrees West Glamping:
A luxury glamping site with stylish pods overlooking the stunning Welsh countryside, blending adventure with comfort in a secluded setting.
Llyn y Fan Fawr Bothy:
A remote and rustic mountain bothy offering a true off-grid experience, surrounded by breathtaking glacial landscapes and rugged wilderness.
Bluebell Shepherd’s Hut:
A charming and secluded hut set in a peaceful countryside location, perfect for a cozy retreat with stunning views and a connection to nature.
Whether you’re summiting Pen y Fan, exploring ancient caves at Dan-yr-Ogof, or paddling across the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons is a place where adventure and tranquillity meet. Families can scramble up the Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, cycle the Taff Trail, or stargaze in one of the UK’s best Dark Sky Reserves. History lovers can wander the ruins of Castell Dinas, step inside Craig y Nos Castle, or unearth legends at Llyn y Fan Fach. And when the adventure winds down, there’s nothing better than warming up by the fire in a country pub, grabbing woodfired pizza at The Little Dragon, or enjoying local produce at the Abergavenny Food Festival. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer, slower exploration, the Brecon Beacons is a place that will call you back time and time again – where the wild landscapes, rich history, and welcoming charm of Wales make every visit unforgettable.
