Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. A place that has given rebirth to nature, heritage, and futures. Formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, the park was renamed in April 2023. Bannau Brycheiniog is the original name. In today's climate and culture, this renaming implants time-honoured truths that guide modern steps. The new name is associated with medieval times, and means "the peaks of Brycheiniog". This initially celebrates the heritage of Wales through identity and dialect; however, it also symbolises the rich goals the park wishes to achieve in the form of carbon capture, biodiversity, rewilding, sustainable farming, tourism, and community involvement.
This old knowledge helps meet new horizons that align with the goals of society today. Brecon Beacons can also be associated with medieval times however, the meaning represents a series of beacons lit in series to warn of incoming invasions. The new name moves away from military associations and focuses more on the natural.
Waterfalls
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park offers amazing opportunities to nature lovers who wish to explore on foot and through the lens. The Brecon Beacons waterfalls are well renowned destinations to travel on foot, offering amazing opportunities to relax, swim, and take some slow shutter speed magic. These waterfalls offer delicate settings, rich with greenery, beautiful natural light and the calm sounds of flowing water in warmer seasons. If you would like to see the raw power, and full potential of water flow these rivers are capable of holding, come in Autumn. The rich and warm autumnal colours will surround the waterfalls that will now create more spray and impressive sounds.
Stargazing
Brecon Beacons stargazing sessions will provide experiences like no other place in the UK. Between 2012 and 2013, the park was designated as an international dark sky reserve. Making it the first in Wales, and fifth in the world. It is given this status because local lighting is thoughtfully installed. Ensuring low man made light levels. This results in bright skies that allow you to see all the stars visible to the eye without the use of telescopes.
Walking
Walking in this area provides stunning experiences for non-experienced hikers, as well as those with sharp navigational skills. The views are a mix of stunning mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Be aware that the weather can change quickly and dramatically. Picking supportive footwear, prioritising layers, wind and waterproof outer shells is something worth considering at every level, to ensure comfort throughout your walk. Routes in the area vary from pathways with signs offering safety on managed trails, as well as more adventurous routes that require sharp map reading and navigational skills.
Wildlife
The wildlife in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park benefits from a wide range of uplands, waterfalls, rivers, limestone, and moorland areas. Wild ponies, birds of prey, otters, kingfishers, dragonflies, rare butterflies, bats, badgers, foxes, deer and rich flowers supporting pollinators.
Photography
The opportunity for photography in this area will offer so much variety. Dramatic landscapes offer huge sky backdrops, and the opportunity for aerial photography. Waterfalls offer slow shutter speed scenes that display soft beauty, and the night astrophotography also lets you be creative with time parameters on your camera, so you can capture the sky in just the right way through your lens. The diverse wildlife also offers long lens, standard, and macro opportunities. Whether you are shooting larger animals from a distance, or close ups of the flowers and insects. You will also have a vast array of heritage sites to capture as well.
Heritage Sites
There are a vast array of sites with historical significance. From romantic ruins amongst mountain landscapes, to medieval fortresses and manor houses, churches, stone bridges, watermills, and castles.
Golf Clubs
There are many golf clubs within a short trip from the Lake Country House. Some in as little two miles. Cradoc Golf Club is only two miles away. This club offers 18 holes. It is also considered some of Wales’s top parkland layouts. All with elevated views of the Usk Valley.
Castles
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park boasts a remarkable collection of castles, each set amidst landscapes that transport visitors to medieval Wales. From the commanding ruins of Carreg Cennen perched atop limestone cliffs, to the atmospheric grounds of Tretower Court and Castle, these historic fortresses offer compelling glimpses into Wales's storied past. Ideal for photographers, historians, or anyone intrigued by ancient architecture, these castles are a must-see during your park visit.
Your perfect getaway
Book your perfect Bannau Brycheiniog National Park get away with the Lake Country House today.