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You are here: Destinations > Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) > Things to Do

Things to Do in the Brecon Beacons | Walks, Waterfalls and Adventures

What Can You Do in the Brecon Beacons?

The Brecon Beacons, now officially called Bannau Brycheiniog, cover 520 square miles of mountains, moorland, valleys, rivers and market towns. It is one of three national parks in Wales and one of the most accessible mountain areas in Britain.

Walking

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales at 886 metres. The most popular route starts from Pont ar Daf and takes about two hours to the summit. On clear days you can see the Bristol Channel. For something quieter, Fan y Big and Corn Du are equally rewarding with fewer people. The Beacons Way is a 100-mile trail crossing the full width of the national park.

Waterfalls and Caves

Waterfall Country in the south of the park has a cluster of falls along wooded gorges. The Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth is the classic route, ending at Sgwd yr Eira where you walk behind the curtain of water. Dan yr Ogof showcases caves open to the public, the largest cave system in Western Europe with cathedral-scale chambers.

Stargazing

The Brecon Beacons is an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only a handful worldwide. On clear nights the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye. The National Park organises stargazing events, and the observatory near Brecon runs public sessions.

Market Towns

Brecon is the main town with independent shops, pubs and restaurants around the cathedral. Crickhowell has become known for its food scene and walking access. Hay-on-Wye, on the park's eastern edge, is famous for its bookshops and annual literary festival.

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Coed Crafnant Reserve

Address

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL46 2YA

Telephone
01248 351541

info@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Gwynedd

This 120 acre reserve is a fine example of Ancient Woodland, with a rich flora of mosses, liverworts and ferns. The Coed Crafnant Reserve is comprised of two distinct woodlands; Coed Crafnant and Coed Dolbebin.
Tal-y-Bont Walk

Address

Talybont, Ceredigion, Ceredigion, SY24 5HE

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Ceredigion

Start: Tal-y-bont village green
Grid Reference: SN 654 891
Distance: 3.1 km – 1.9 miles
Grade: Easy/moderate
Terrain: Tarmac road and grassy tracks. Can be muddy
Maps: OS Explorer – 213
Hereford Railway Station

Address

Station Approach, Barrs Court, Hereford, HR1 1BB

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Hereford

Hereford railway station is on the South to North Wales route between Newport and Shrewsbury.
Presteigne | Tourist Information

Address

The Judge's Lodging, Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD

Telephone
01544 260650

presteignetic@powys.gov.uk

Presteigne

Presteigne has its own Tourist Information Centre, based in The Judge’s Lodging historic building. There is a large amount of local information available, stretching throughout Powys, going into Herefordshire and much of Shropshire.
Llanbedr Railway Station

Address

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2LR

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Llanbedr

Llanbedr railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
Santa Special | Talyllyn Railway

Address

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway, Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Dates

From:

19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026

From:

23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026

Board Santa’s special train at Tywyn Wharf for a magical journey to Plas Nadolig nestled in ancient woodland!
Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Address

Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY

Telephone
01982 553683

requests@rwas.co.uk

Builth Wells

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2026to1 Dec 2026

As one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe, the Winter Fair draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy two-days packed full of competitions, festivities and Christmas shopping.
Pwllheli Railway Station

Address

Station Square, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 5HG

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Pwllheli

Pwllheli railway station is the terminus of the Cambrian coast Line from Machynlleth.
Tour de France 2027 - Stage 3 Welshpool to Cardiff

Address

Stage 3 Start: Powis Castle, Welshpool, SY21 8RF

contact@aso.fr

Welshpool

Dates

From:
4 July 2027

Stage three of the men’s Tour de France, the world’s largest annual sporting event, will start in Welshpool on Sunday, July 4 and finish in Cardiff.
Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race

Address

Southern Snowdonia, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LS

info@threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk

Barmouth

Dates

From:
12 June 2027

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race combines yachting, mountain running and cycling into one of the greatest adventure challenges in British sport.
Aberystwyth Castle

Address

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AG

Telephone
01970 612125

Ceredigion

In the marvellous sweep of Cardigan Bay stand the ruins of one of Edward I's late 13th century castles. Of the seven major English strongholds he established in Wales, Aberystwyth Castle has fared least favourably in the survival stakes.
Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley

Address

Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley, Nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Nr Aberystwyth

The Rheidol Valley or 'Cwm Rheidol' is a good choice for a touring day out, featuring typically Welsh scenery, some unexpected attractions such as major hydro-electric power station and a chance for activities such as fishing and cycling
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Derwenlas Walk

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Lay-by Derwenlas
Grid Reference: SN721 991
Distance: 6.2 km - 3.8 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Firm tracks, open fields, some boggy areas
Maps: OS Explorer OL23
Bailey Einon Nature Reserve

Address

Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5PD

Telephone
01597 823298

info@rwtwales.org

Powys

A broadleaved woodland that sits alongside the River Ithon. Teeming with birds and flowers, this is a small nature reserve with a lot of wildlife.
Brecon | Poetry Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 622485

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Brecon's poetry trail invites everyone to explore the streets, rivers and landmarks of the ancient Welsh town of Brecon and its connection to the myths and legends of the magical, mystical land of Wales.
Knighton Festival of Books, Art and Music 2026

Address

Knighton Community Centre, Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1DR

Telephone
01547 740052

knightonfest@gmail.com

Knighton

Dates

From:

16 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026

A lively celebration of music, arts and community in the heart of Knighton. Enjoy a fantastic programme of entertainment, performances and activities, bringing locals and visitors together for a memorable festival.

Price
Price £25.00 per adult
Coed Rheidol Nature Reserve (NRW)

Address

Coed Rheidol Nature Reserve (NRW), Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Devil's Bridge

Coed Rheidol is situated about 12 miles east of Aberystwyth. It occupies parts of both banks of the Afon Rheidol, upstream, and the south bank downstream of Devil's Bridge.
Aberystwyth Art Centre | Café Bar

Address

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

Telephone
01970 622889

artstaff@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

The Arts Centre award winning cafe offers a mouthwatering selection of freshly made salads, hot meals and snacks every day....
Walking Newtown | Brimmon Wood & Kerry

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Newtown

The Brimmon Wood & Kerry walk starts and ends in the centre of Newtown. It is mainly off-road walking with a few short sections on quiet lanes.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre | Conferences - Meetings

Address

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

Telephone
07875664179

aum@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

The Arts Centre can cater for events and conferences up to the capacity of 900 people.
Award winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre is Wales’ largest arts centre and recognised as a 'national flagship for the arts'.
Newtown Railway Station

Address

Old Kerry Rd, Newtown, Powys, SY16 1BP

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Newtown

Newtown/Y Drenewydd railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.