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A mini guide to
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons): tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check the weather before Pen y Fan
Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales. Mountain weather changes quickly, so check the forecast, carry navigation and leave time to return.
Use the buses where you can
The park authority says the T4 and T6 TrawsCymru services reach Brecon and that the Explore Wales Pass can be used on local buses; check Traveline Cymru for current times.
Visit Waterfall Country
Sgwd yr Eira and Henrhyd Falls (the tallest waterfall in southern Wales) are on the south side of the park. The X55 bus serves Pontneddfechan, according to the park authority.
Browse Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye has more than twenty bookshops and hosts the annual Hay Festival; check the festival site for current dates.
Walk the canal
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has about 35 navigable miles, most of them within the park, and the Canal & River Trust publishes a guide to walks and boating on it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)?
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales. The highest mountains in South Wales, market towns, castles and waterfalls. Nearby stops and stations include Abergavenny station, TrawsCymru T4, TrawsCymru T6.
How long do I need in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)?
Two to four days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Pen y Fan, Brecon Cathedral (Eglwys Gadeiriol Aberhonddu), Brecon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd Fynydd y Bannau). See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Abergavenny station (Transport for Wales); TrawsCymru T4 (TrawsCymru); TrawsCymru T6 (TrawsCymru); Beacons Buses (Beacons Buses). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 18 places to eat and drink in and around Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 17 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Brecon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd Fynydd y Bannau)
Narrow gauge tourist railway climbing north from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir.
Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves
Show cave complex around an 11-mile (17 km) cave system, within a National Nature Reserve.
Carreg Cennen Castle (Castell Carreg Cennen)
Ruined castle on a high limestone crag above the River Cennen, near Trap, four miles south-east of Llandeilo.
Wales
More areas to explore
Gower & Swansea (Abertawe)
A waterfront city, Mumbles and the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK
Open the mini guide →
Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay
A compact capital: a castle in the city centre, free museums and a redeveloped bay
Open the mini guide →
Eryri (Snowdonia)
Yr Wyddfa, mountain railways and slate heritage in the first national park in Wales
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Brecon Cathedral (Eglwys Gadeiriol Aberhonddu): David Merrett from Daventry, England, CC BY 2.0, source
- Brecon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd Fynydd y Bannau): john bristow, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves: Sloman at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Carreg Cennen Castle (Castell Carreg Cennen): Ken Day, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Gower & Swansea (Abertawe): Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Cardiff (Caerdydd) & the Bay: Tevfik Teker, CC BY 3.0, source
- Eryri (Snowdonia): Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
- Conwy, Llandudno & the North Coast Castles: Source: Llywelyn2000Derivative: User:MathKnight, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Pembrokeshire Coast (St Davids & Tenby): Ввласенко, CC BY 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Wales