Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Located close to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons - now officially known as Bannau Brycheiniog, offer a stunning National Park of mountains, waterfalls, and lovely market towns. It’s the perfect place for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and great days out.

Discover the Beauty of the Brecon Beacons

Located just a short drive from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog)spans 520 square miles of beautiful Welsh countryside and is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike dramatic peaks like Pen y Fan, explore hidden waterfalls, and wander one of the many charming towns such as Brecon and Crickhowell. Whether you're after adventure, wildlife spotting, or peaceful countryside escapes, the Brecon Beacons provide a spectacular backdrop.

The park is to the west of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and its majestic peaks can be seen from all around, especially the iconic Sugar Loaf dominating the skyline. The easterly Black Mountains within the Brecon Beacons are spread across parts of Powys and Monmouthshire extending across the England–Wales border into Herefordshire.

Things to Do in the Brecon Beacons

• Walking and Hiking: Tackle famous trails including the Pen y Fan climb, the highest point in southern Britain.
• Waterfalls and Caves: Visit the renowned 'Waterfall Country' near Ystradfellte for breathtaking natural wonders.
• Heritage and Culture: Explore Brecon Cathedral, historic castles, and lively market towns.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, stargazing, and more across the park’s varied landscapes.

Plan Your Visit from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) are an easy day trip from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, making it simple to combine two incredible landscapes in one holiday. Discover scenic drives, walking routes, and memorable experiences just across the border. There are a range of different accommodations to choose from all within a short drive of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Abergavenny is a great place to begin your exploration of the Brecon Beacons. Seven mountains surround Abergavenny. Dominating the skyline are the Blorenge, Skirrid Fawr and the Sugar Loaf. You can see them from almost everywhere and they are of course popular with walkers and offer expansive views from the top.

With such a range of landscape features close by, it's hardly surprising that Abergavenny is a fantastic base for outdoor activities too. Walking is of course popular but you can also enjoy gorge walking, climbing and other outdoor pursuits.

To the south east of the Brecon Beacons lies Usk, the 'town of flowers' ideal as a base for exploring waterfall country and the Black Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby, a beautiful castle and the picturesque River Usk running through the town.

Find out more about visiting the Brecon Beacons National Park here.