Bannau Brycheiniog — the Brecon Beacons — is a national park of flat-topped sandstone ridges, glacial lakes and limestone waterfall country, and an International Dark Sky Reserve. Pen y Fan, at 886 metres, is the highest point in southern Britain.
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Open, exposed and excellent for stars; bring warm bedding even in summer.
Sheltered bases for winter walking weekends.
886m and the highest peak in southern Britain; several routes of very different difficulty.
Main car parks fill by mid-morning at weekends.
River gorges near Ystradfellte with a well-known walk behind the falls.
The largest natural lake in south Wales, used for paddling and birdwatching.
International Dark Sky Reserve since 2013; clear winter nights are the best.
Official informationThe limestone belt on the southern edge has a long caving tradition and guided trips.
Bridleways cross much of the open moorland.
Brecon, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye and Abergavenny all have strong independent food scenes.
Several small dairies operate within and around the park.
The classic circuit takes in Corn Du and Pen y Fan, most often started from the Storey Arms or Pont ar Daf. It is short but steep and extremely busy at weekends; the Neuadd or Cribyn approaches are quieter.
Weather changes fast on the tops and the summits are frequently in cloud. Carry a map and the means to navigate in poor visibility.
Around Ystradfellte and Pontneddfechan the rivers cut through limestone into a series of waterfalls, including one you can walk behind. Paths are rooty, slippery and often muddy year round.
Plan a full day and sturdy footwear rather than a quick stop.
The park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013. On a clear, moonless night away from the valley towns you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Winter gives the longest dark hours; take a red torch and let your eyes adjust for twenty minutes.
Every place on Outdoor Explorer sits near an independent stay you can book direct with the owner.
