If you’re a walking enthusiast, you’ll fall in love with this selection of Brecon Beacons walks! The national park boasts 520 square miles of natural wonders and special wildlife and what better way to uncover these than on foot?
When it comes to hiking in South Wales, you’ll have no trouble finding an array of walks to try. Our guide features some of the best walks in the national park, from trails up extraordinary mountains to family-friendly hikes through stunning greenery.
Continue reading to reveal the 16 best walks in the Brecon Beacons…
1. The Four Waterfalls
The Four Waterfalls Walk takes you around the gorgeous Waterfall Country. This trail has made this list of best walks in Brecon Beacons due to its sheer beauty. The hike begins at the Gwaun Hepste and Cwn Porth car parks, from which you’ll stroll along a country lane.
This lane ventures into the Waterfall Country’s woodland, where a pebbled path leads to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, the first waterfall. The cascade is suitable for UK wild swimming, so why not bring your swimming gear?
Head back to the pebbled path and follow a smaller trail; this trail will lead to the waterfalls of Sgwd Isag Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr. Unwind by the falls and soak up their calming sounds before continuing to Sgwd-yr-Eira, the final cascade of these Brecon Beacon waterfalls.
The path to Sgwd-yr-Eira has the steepest descent, so walk with care here. The final waterfall is an impressive sight, being the largest out of the four.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Families
Distance: 6 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
2. Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular
This hike is amidst the best of the national park’s walks due to its panoramic views across the Severn Estuary and historic burial chamber. Start the walk at the Pont ar Daf car park before following a marked path uphill towards Bwlch Duwynt.
After you’ve reached Bwlch Duwynt, continue along the uphill hike to Corn Du. Here, you’ll find the saddle settled between Corn Du and Pen y Fan. This part of the hike affords exceptional views across the Neuadd Valley.
The walk gets steeper from this point, as you’ll be following the footpath up to Pen y Fan’s summit. Once at the peak, take some time to soak up the sights of the cairn, which was once a Bronze Age burial chamber. Thanks to the peak being the highest in the southern UK, you can even spot the Bristol Channel and Sugar Loaf from here!
Finish off the hike by continuing down the footpath on your left where you can retrace your steps back to the starting point.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults and pets
Distance: 4 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
3. Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge Walk
This trail is possibly one of the most renowned in the area, and is a welcome addition to this list of best Brecon Beacons walks! It’s one of the most challenging on the list, but it’s very rewarding. It’ll take you along the highest summits of the park, including Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Corn Du.
Start off your walk at the Forestry Commission car park and walk northward to the Lower Neuadd Reservoir’s old pump house. Pass through a gate at the left of the reservoir before climbing up Craig Fan Ddu ridge. From this summit, turn right and follow the path to Corn Du; you’ll be able to see amazing views of the glacial valleys here.
Another path veering right will take you away from Corn Du’s peak and up to Pen Y Fan. You’ll get to enjoy views of Y Gyrn and Mynydd Du as you make your way up to the top. From the summit, follow the steep path downhill along Craig Cwm Sere to Cribyn.
After reaching Cribyn’s peak, admire the sights once again before turning right and tracing the ridge behind it. Follow the ridge downhill to Gap Road, where you’ll need to retrace your steps back to the car park.
Difficulty: Hard
Suitable for: Adults
Distance: 10 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
4. Sugar Loaf
Hiking in the Brecon Beacons wouldn’t be complete without exploring this circular trail. It starts at the Sugar Loaf car park and takes you through pretty meadows with sheep peppered throughout.
The hike continues along a peaceful valley until you reach woodland along with a glistening stream. You can enjoy a small pit stop here before beginning the walk up the hills. It gets steeper after this point, so care needs to be taken.
The magnificent views include panoramas of Abergavenny and the neighbouring black mountain range; you’ll uncover them further as you reach the summit. Once at the top, you’ll also be able to see as far as the Cotswolds!
After soaking up the sweeping views from the 569-metre peak, turn right and head downhill towards the car park.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults and pets (must be kept on a lead at all times)
Distance: 4.5 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
5. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and Usk Valley
This is one of the hikes that is perfect for those wanting to get outdoors but aren’t quite ready for a challenging hike. This walk is a circular loop taking you along a way-marked path through the best sights of this charming canal and the surrounding Usk Valley.
It begins at Llandetty Church, where you’ll need to turn left along the neighbouring road and then right onto a track towards the canal. Cross the canal’s bridge before turning right to hike along part of the Usk Valley Walk.
This part of the walk will take you through charming fields, where you can spot Table Mountain above the rooftops of Crickhowell. The path goes uphill from here, through Small Fir Wood and up to a lookout boasting views of the Brecon Beacons. You can enjoy views of multiple peaks, from Twyn Du hill to Cribyn.
After the steep climb, reward yourself with an easy return stretch that takes you by Talybont village and along the canal.
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families and pets
Distance: 5 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
6. Craig-y-Nos Country Park
The walk around Craig-y-Nos Country Park is an easy trail that was certain to make this collection of top Brecon Beacon walks! It’s within close reach of facilities, including public toilets, parking and a cafe.
The 40-acre park was built for Adelina Patti in the 19th century as a setting for her manor. The circular trail will whisk you around several of the park’s pretty vistas, from Patti’s former gardens and woodlands to the park’s lakes and nearby River Tawe.
A highlight of this walk is that it’s dog-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy this serene stroll with you! Additionally, there are plenty of places to enjoy a sitdown during your walk, including a shelter by the quaint duck pond. Alternatively, you can stop for a bite to eat at the park’s on-site cafe which is called Changing Seasons.
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families and pets
Distance: 1.37 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
7. Pontsticill Reservoir
If you’re after one of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons that’s easy and scenic, visit the Pontsticill Reservoir! The reservoir is home to a circular trail for you to embark on, with the route starting with an ascent through Taf Fechan Forest.
The path through the forest is fairly linear and tranquil, making for a relaxing hike. Turn right out of the forest and hike along the road into Pontsticill village. Once you’ve passed the village sign, you’ll be pleased to uncover the reservoir’s southern edge ahead.
After reaching Pontsticill Reservoir you’ll come across the unique bell-mouth overflow. After passing by the reservoir’s iconic feature, continue along the water’s edge, where you can take in the vistas of Pen y Fan.
Progress eastward to find the Brecon Mountain Railway’s tracks; here, you’ll need to continue along the narrowing trail for about 650 metres until reaching a country lane. The lane will take you by Plas Dolygaer to the northern edge of the reservoir, where you can relax in a grassy area. The walk’s starting point can be found close by.
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families and pets
Distance: 5.5 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
8. Carreg Cennen Ruins Hike
The Carreg Cennen Ruins Hike is a fantastic choice when it comes to hiking in the Brecon Beacons. This lengthy trail begins in the village of Trapp and takes you along a signposted lane towards the castle ruins. You’ll eventually reach a track; turn right here before venturing left across fields.
After the fields, walk along a lane which veers onto a footpath leading to the entrance of Carreg Cennen. Continue uphill on the castle’s path, where you’ll find the ruins’ tearooms. Why not pause for a sweet treat here before continuing your hike?
Afterwards, wander into the pretty forest of Coed y Castell, where you can enjoy a spot of birdwatching before continuing uphill through more fields. Keep to the left-hand trail until you meet the ruins of a medieval chapel. Pass through the adjacent gate here before hiking up an ascending country lane.
During this ascent, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Castle before descending past a churchyard with a holy well. Turn right here and continue on to reach a bridleway; from here, turn left, then right along a stream and continue walking back towards Trapp.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults and pets
Distance: 6.6 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
9. The Begwns Walk
The Begwns Walk easily made this collection of the best Brecon Beacons walks due to its wonderful views and short length. It’s a circular walk that begins at the grass verge car park. Follow the trail towards the Roundabout, a grassy area which boasts views of the national park’s glorious mountains!
After admiring the sights, wander downhill before following a track towards a forested area. Trek along the woodland’s fence line leftward until you reach a road.
Venture across the road and along an uphill, grassy path to a serene pond. Stroll around the edge of the pond until you find a bank. From here, turn right and follow the track towards the road, then the car park.
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families and pets
Distance: 2 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
10. Upper Tarell Valley
Another great addition to this list of the best walks in the Brecon Beacons, this walk offers spectacular views throughout a glacial valley. The starting point of the hike is the Storey Arms, where you’ll need to head left towards the former Brecon to Merthyr coach road. Venture down the valley in the direction of Brecon; you’ll have to pass through a couple of gates here.
Head towards the River Tarell, where you’ll cross a wooden bridge and spot the remnants of a Bronze Age burial chamber. Head right and embark on a riverside hike towards a stile. This part of the walk involves an uphill hike to Ty Mawr Farm, as well as the many bridges, stiles and fields that neighbour it.
After passing the farm, cross the river once more before heading right onto the Coed Carno pass. Here, you’ll find a trail that winds uphill through a forest and by a stream. This part is quite unsteady, so please take care!
You’ll soon join the main path, where you will get the chance to see gorgeous views of a former quarry and the park’s mountains. Keep following the wall downhill until you’re back at the old coach road; from here, retrace your steps to the start.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults and pets
Distance: 5 miles
Find the route map here.
11. Crickhowell to Table Mountain
This is one of the harder hikes on the list. However, its difficulty is worth it because the views from Table Mountain are magnificent!
The trail starts in the major car park of Beaufort Street, Crickhowell; leave the car park and hike along the A40 until you Llanbedr Road. Turn right and follow the road to Oakfield Drive, where the sights of Table Mountain can be savoured. Continue to Fairfield Drive and after house no.56, venture right up an alley.
From here, you’ll have to cross a couple of roads until you reach part of the Beacons Way. Follow an uphill trail through the scenic valley of Cwm Cumbeth. Head right and join the Beacons Way to embark on another climb to the summit of Table Mountain.
Here, you’ll discover the remains of the iconic Iron Age hillfort. Relax here and enjoy your breath-taking surroundings before venturing on a downhill slope around the mountain and back to Crickhowell.
Difficulty: Hard
Suitable for: Adults and pets
Distance: 4.47 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
12. Tolkien’s Shire Journey
This walk centres around the belief that The Hobbit‘s Crickhollow was based on Crickhowell. Tolkien allegedly stayed in Talybont-on-Usk and was inspired by his surroundings while he worked on The Lord of The Rings. So, why not embark on this walk and admire the same sights that Tolkien fell in love with?
Start off this walk by wandering from Vinetree Cottage along the River Usk downstream before crossing the A40. After passing a military camp, you’ll come across a mystical chestnut tree that looks like something out of a storybook!
Continue along the River Grwyne Fawr upstream towards Langenny, where you’ll pass a charming, Shire-like farm. You can even spot the distant Table Mountain from here!
Follow the path to the Gwern-y-Bwtler farmyard before wandering along a small trail through the neighbouring fields until you reach the Beacons Way. Traverse part of the Beacons Way through the Usk Valley and down to Crickhowell, where you’ll complete this magical hike.
You can find even more hobbit-style trails on the Tolkein Trail in Birmingham, one of the best UK attractions for families.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults
Distance: 6.25 miles
Contact the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre for the route map.
13. Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular
When hiking in the Brecon Beacons National Park, don’t forget to explore the Western Beacons! The Llyn y Fan Circular is a mildly challenging hike which showcases some of the best views of this side of the park.
Begin the walk at Llanddeusant’s Llyn y Fan Fach car park. The moment you step out of your car, you’ll be welcomed by the beauty of this hiking area.
The stunning lake of Llyn y Fan will come into view as you hike south along Afon Sawdde. Once at the lake, follow the way-marked path on the adjacent ridge, where exceptional views of the Cambrian Mountains can be enjoyed.
Continue uphill to Picws Du’s summit and onto the even higher Fan Foel’s peak; here you can spot a fascinating Bronze Age burial mound. Fabulous views of the second lake, Llyn y Fan Fawr, can also be enjoyed here before following the ridge’s parallel path towards the starting point.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults and pets (please keep pets on a lead)
Distance: 9 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
14. Llanthony Priory Circular
The Llanthony Priory Circular, while a picturesque walk, is definitely one for those wanting to get their heart rates going! The loop begins at the priory’s car park, where you’ll find the dramatic ruins of Llanthony Priory.
Spend time admiring the Gothic ruins before following the southwest road and crossing a small bridge. Head left and climb over a stile before crossing a trickling stream. From here, the hike can be a little challenging due to the steep ascent.
At the top of the uphill climb, you’ll be rewarded with show-stopping views of the Welsh and English border countryside! Continue right, then downhill, crossing a number of streams before reaching a junction.
At the junction, veer left and further downhill into Wirral Wood. Hike through and enjoy the enchanting surroundings of the forest until reaching the exit gate. Another stream awaits ahead, turn left here before wandering back to the car park.
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Adults
Distance: 5.1 miles
Find more information and the route map here.
15. Craig Cerrig-gleisiad
This moderate trail through a nature reserve completes our list of best walks in the Brecon Beacons. It’s perfect for experienced hikers who wish to see rare wildlife tucked away in the national park’s rugged landscape.
Begin the hike from the nearby, western layby of the A470 before heading through the reserve’s gate. After passing through, you’ll be met by a small wooded area; venture through here to uncover an area with idyllic hawthorn trees dotted throughout.
Cross over the adjacent, flowing stream and climb the neighbouring ridge. This is quite steep, so ensure you’re wearing good boots! Follow the ridge further, where you can enjoy the scenery of Rhos Dringarth’s uplands.
As you hit the most northern part of this section of the path, turn left and climb up to Fan Frynych. After pausing at the summit, head downhill through the reserve’s valley toward the start, where you’ll spot charming cuckoos and redstarts.
Difficulty: Moderate/hard
Suitable for: Adults
Distance: 2.7 miles
Find the route map here.
16. The Beacons Way
The Beacon Way is amongst the harder, long-distance Brecon Beacons Walks, stretching over 99 miles! The trail weaves throughout the national park and is possible to complete over eight days, however, it is best attempted by expert hikers due to its length.
The walk was created in 2005 by John Sansom, a member of the Brecon Beacons Park Society and hiking enthusiast. Many walkers have tried The Beacons Way since its creation and have loved the walk, with its gorgeous vistas taking centre stage.
The challenging route ventures through the park and enjoys sections of the other hikes in this Brecon Beacon Walks list. You’ll get the chance to pass by the delights of Llanthony Priory, Crickhowell, Craig-y-Nos and Carreg Cennen Castle on this excursion.
Difficulty: Hard
Suitable for: Adults
Distance: 99 miles
Find the booklet with the route here.
Tempted by these walks? Check out this selection of wonderful Brecon Beacons cottages to find the ideal base for your hiking getaway. Alternatively, you can find even more things to do in and around the national park by reading our Brecon Beacons travel guide.
Image Credits: Trevor Littlewood – CC BY-SA 2.0; Gordon Hatton – CC BY-SA 2.0