Rugged ridges, still lakes, hidden waterfalls and wide open skies - the Brecon Beacons, now officially known as Bannau Brycheiniog, offer some of the most beautiful walking in the UK.
Whether you're looking for a short nature rich loop or a full-day summit adventure, this guide shares ten of the best Brecon Beacons walks, clearly graded by difficulty. You’ll find details
on where to park, how long to allow, and how to enjoy the trails with confidence, no matter your experience level.
Before heading out, always check the Brecon Beacons mountain weather forecast (via the Met Office or MWIS). Weather conditions on the tops can change quickly, so even the most popular routes require preparation.
Perfect for laid-back afternoons, beginners, or recovery days between longer hikes.
A peaceful, flat towpath ideal for couples or families. You can walk in either direction from Talybont-on-Usk, passing canal boats, riverside pubs and shaded woodland. The surface is well kept and suitable for all abilities.
Parking: Free laybys in Talybont
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Dog friendly: Yes
A network of waymarked loops through forest and beside streams, starting from the Garwnant Visitor Centre. Choose from short family paths or longer circuits with picnic spots and viewpoints.
Parking: Garwnant Visitor Centre (paid)
Duration: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Dog friendly: Yes
A quiet loop around the peaceful Usk Reservoir, ideal for nature lovers. Expect red kite sightings and very little foot traffic. Surfaces are mostly flat but can be muddy after rain.
Parking: Usk Reservoir car park
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on leads near livestock
Add a little more ascent and variety for classic half day adventures.
A woodland trail linking Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwdyr Eira, the last of which you can walk behind. Part of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Geopark, it’s a Brecon Beacons highlight.
Parking: Cwm Porth or Gwaun Hepste (arrive early)
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, but paths can be muddy and steep
A dramatic lakeside climb with sweeping views from the ridge above. The ascent is steady
and manageable, with a breathtaking sense of space at the top. The loop returns via open moorland.
Parking: Limited space near the red phone box in Llanddeusant
Duration: 3 to 4.5 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, on leads near livestock
A quieter summit offering wide views across the Central Beacons. The path is well marked, making it a good choice for walkers looking to avoid the crowds at Pen y Fan.
Parking: Storey Arms car park
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Dog friendly: Yes
A peaceful loop through forest tracks, streams and open viewpoints of the main Brecon Beacons peaks. It’s a less-trodden alternative to the waterfall or ridge routes, perfect for a calm half-day.
Parking: Pontsticill or Lower Neuadd
Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
Dog friendly: Yes
For confident walkers with experience, stamina and proper kit. Navigation skills are useful in
poor visibility.
A classic high-level ridge walk taking in Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and the Gap Road. At 886 metres, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain, with panoramic views across the National Park.
Parking: Pont ar Daf or Storey Arms (arrive early)
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Dog friendly: For fit, experienced dogs only
A wilder, quieter route through the western Beacons, taking in lakes, escarpments and broad
ridges. It’s a remote-feeling day, best done in fair weather.
Parking: Llyn y Fan Fach car park
Duration: 5 to 6.5 hours
Dog friendly: Yes, with care near livestock and any steep drops
If you’re visiting the park for the first time, these are the headline peaks.
Pen y Fan (from Pont ar Daf): The most direct route, steep but short.
Corn Du: Often climbed with Pen y Fan and slightly quieter.
Sugar Loaf (from Abergavenny): A gentler summit with wide views across the Usk Valley.
Even well-made paths can be steep, icy or windy, so always check the weather and pack
extra layers.
The Ystradfellte area, known as Waterfall Country, includes several of the park’s most photographed falls. For a smooth visit:
• Start early (before 9am) or late (after 3pm)
• Use the official car parks at Cwm Porth or Gwaun Hepste
• Bring waterproofs even if the weather looks fine
• Stay on the marked trails and avoid swimming in plunge pools
This is a sensitive and heavily visited area, so follow Leave No Trace principles and take all litter home.
The best planning tools for Brecon Beacons walks are the OS Explorer maps OL12 (West) and OL13 (East). Digital versions and route guides are available from:
• Ordnance Survey GetOutside
• Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
• Visit Wales walking hub
Car parks at Pont ar Daf, Cwm Porth, Gwaun Hepste and Storey Arms fill up early,
especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 8.30am during busy periods.
Bring water, snacks, waterproofs and a fully charged phone, and always let someone know
your planned route.
The Brecon Beacons are walkable all year, though each season offers something different.
Spring (April–June): Green valleys, wildflowers and fewer visitors
Summer (July–August): Long days but busier trails – start early to avoid crowds
Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, golden colours and excellent visibility
Winter (November–March): Beautiful but cold; short days and icy paths demand experience
Weekdays and shoulder seasons tend to be quieter. Book accommodation early during school holidays.
For a balanced weekend, pair one moderate route with an easier forest or canal trail. After a day on the hills, unwind somewhere peaceful.
The Lake Country House Hotel and Spa offers a calm, well located base. After long walks, enjoy a soak in the bath, dinner in the restaurant or time in the spa and pool. Walking the Brecon Beacons is rewarding, but resting well is part of the experience too.
Whether you’re chasing summit views, waterfalls or quiet woodland trails, the Lake Country House Hotel and Spa makes an ideal base for your walking adventure.
Book your stay today and start planning your Brecon Beacons itinerary, one path, one view and one peaceful moment at a time.