Itinerary Planner

Active Weekend in Bannau Brycheiniog | Pen y Fan, Pony Trekking and Paddling

An active weekend in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) based in Brecon, with the highest mountain in southern Britain, a morning on horseback and an afternoon on the water or underground. The activities are run by local centres with all the kit, so you don't need to bring much more than boots and a waterproof.

Friday: Brecon

Brecon is a market town where the Usk and the Honddu meet, with a cathedral, a canal basin and plenty of pubs. Stay at The Castle of Brecon Hotel, built into the walls of the old castle above the town, and walk along the canal towpath or the Usk before dinner.

Saturday: Pen y Fan

At 886 metres, Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in southern Britain. The most popular route starts from the Pont ar Daf car park on the A470 and climbs to Corn Du and on to Pen y Fan: about four miles there and back, allow three hours. For a quieter and longer route, walk the horseshoe from the Taf Fechan side. Call in at the Bannau Brycheiniog Visitor Centre near Libanus for maps and advice. In the evening, eat at the Usk & Railway Inn in Sennybridge, ten minutes west of Brecon.

Sunday: riding, climbing or paddling

Choose one or two:

• Pony trekking and hacking in the foothills of the Black Mountains with Llangorse Riding Centre.
• Climbing, abseiling and archery at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, which has indoor walls for wet days.
• Canoeing, paddleboarding, caving or gorge walking with Black Mountain Adventure.
• A gentler walk with animals: Jacob Sheep Trekking at Aberhyddnant farm, or alpaca trekking with Alpaca my Boots.

Good to know

• Pen y Fan is busy at weekends; start early. Check the mountain forecast; conditions change fast.
• Book activities in advance and check age limits.
• More on our outdoor centres and hills and mountains pages.