4 days in the Brecon Beacons

Visiting the Brecon Beacons is like stepping into a postcard.

It’s where your inner adventurer gets a workout scaling Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain.

Here, your biggest worry is whether to hike, canoe, or simply stand in awe of the jaw-dropping views. With dark skies so clear you’ll mistake the Milky Way for an art installation and local pubs serving meals hearty enough to fuel the hungriest of adventurers, it’s nature’s way of showing off—and who are we to argue?

Day 1: The Eastern Brecon Beacons – Black Mountains and Hay-on-Wye

Morning

Start your journey in the charming book town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its many bookstores and the world-renowned Hay Festival of Literature. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, visiting independent bookshops, galleries, and wonderful cafés.  

For history buffs, explore Hay Castle, a Norman fortress that has been recently restored. It offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

Lunch

Savour a delightful meal at one of Hay-on-Wye’s restaurants or cafes, where you can experience the best of fresh, locally sourced produce. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty, home-cooked dish or a refined culinary creation, these eateries offer a range of delicious options made with ingredients that celebrate the rich flavours of the region. From cosy, family-run bistros to elegant dining spots with a focus on seasonal specialties, each restaurant brings its own unique touch to the table, making your dining experience both memorable and satisfying.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the nearby Black Mountains for some outdoor exploration. These rolling hills are perfect for walking and offer scenic views across the Brecon Beacons National Park.  

Try the Twmpa Walk, a popular 7-mile circular route that takes you up to one of the highest peaks in the Black Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Evening

Settle for the night in Talgarth, a nearby bustling market town. 

Visit the Talgarth Mill, a restored watermill that still produces flour, and enjoy a relaxing evening meal at one of the local inns or B&Bs.

Day 2: The Central Beacons – Pen-y-Fan and Beyond

Morning 

Rise early for a sunrise hike up Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in southern Britain, and kick-start your day with a breathtaking adventure. 

The Storey Arms and Pont ar Daf car parks are popular starting points for this iconic hike. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers to stay comfortable as you climb. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning panoramic views across the Brecon Beacons, especially on a clear day. 

With the sun rising over the peaks, you’ll experience a truly spectacular and invigorating start to your day. 

If you’re looking for something less strenuous, you can enjoy a walk around Llyn Cwm Llwch, a beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Pen-y-Fan.

Lunch

After your hike, head into the town of Brecon for a well-deserved lunch. Brecon is known for its historic charm, with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafés to choose from.

Afternoon

Explore Brecon’s cultural offerings, such as the Brecon Cathedral and Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh, which provides a fascinating insight into the military history of the region.  

If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the famous Brecon Jazz Festival, which brings world-class musicians to this small but lively Welsh town.

Evening

After your day of exploring, enjoy dinner in Brecon before heading out to experience the National Park’s International Dark Sky Reserve status. The lack of light pollution in the area makes it one of the best places for stargazing in the UK. Visit the National Park Visitor Centre to learn more about the stars you’ll see in the night sky.

Day 3: The Western Brecon Beacons – Fforest Fawr and Dan-yr-Ogof

Morning

Spend your morning exploring the ancient royal hunting ground of Fforest Fawr, a landscape recognised as a European Geopark for its extraordinary geological formations.  

For something truly memorable, head to Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves, considered one of the best cave systems in Europe. Explore the series of caverns and underground rivers or check out the nearby National Showcaves Centre with its dinosaur park and farm.

Lunch 

Enjoy lunch at  Craig-y-Nos Castle, a former home of opera singer Adelina Patti, now a hotel with a rich history. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with views of the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a scenic drive through the western Beacons to the town of Ystradgynlais. This former iron town has a rich industrial history and offers great opportunities for learning about the area’s heritage.  

For more outdoor adventure, stop by the Waterfall Country, where you can hike along the Four Waterfalls Walk  and see some of the most stunning and famous waterfalls in Wales.

Evening

End your day in Crickhowell, a picturesque town nestled in the Usk Valley. Stay overnight at one of the cosy B&Bs, and if you’re visiting in August, you may be lucky enough to get tickets to the Green Man Festival, which brings international music acts to the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation in the Brecon Beacons

Morning

Start your day with a horseback ride through the stunning Brecon Beacons landscape. Several local stables offer guided treks, and you can enjoy a peaceful ride through the mountains, taking in the fresh air and panoramic views.

Lunch 

Enjoy lunch at a country pub or tearoom in one of the Brecon Beacons’ small villages. The area is known for its farm-to-table dining, and you’ll find plenty of options featuring local produce.

Afternoon

Finish your trip with a visit to Talybont-on-Usk for a gentle canal-side walk along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The area is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed pace to end their visit.  

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a canoe or kayak and spend some time paddling along the canal.

Evening 

Relax and unwind at a local pub or restaurant, enjoying one final meal in the serene surroundings of the Brecon Beacons.

Optional Activities:

Caving: Try your hand at caving in one of the many underground cave systems, such as the Porth yr Ogof cave, known for its river that flows through the cavern.

Paragliding: For thrill-seekers, paragliding is an exciting way to experience the Beacons from a bird’s-eye view.

Hay Bluff Hike: Take a hike up Hay Bluff for an unforgettable sunset over the Black Mountains.

Geopark Exploration: For geology enthusiasts, spend more time exploring the unique rock formations of the Fforest Fawr Geopark