Walkers making their way up the wide grassy ridge to Pen y Fan on a clear blue day
On foot in the Beacons

Hikes in the Brecon Beacons

Routes ranging from gentle valley paths to high ridges and big-view summits — ten curated walks to help you choose the right day out.

The walking

A landscape made for walking

The Brecon Beacons are one of Wales' most rewarding places to hike, with routes ranging from gentle valley paths to high ridges and big-view summits. Whether you're new to hillwalking or looking for a full day out in the mountains, the region offers plenty of ways to explore on foot.

To help you choose the right day out, we've put together detailed pages covering some of the most popular and scenic routes across the region. Each walk includes an overview, key facts and a clear sense of what to expect.

Golden moorland grass stretching toward snow-capped Pen y Fan under a wide blue sky
Every kind of day out

Find your kind of walk

Not every hike needs a summit. Here's the range of walking on offer across the park.

🏔️

Classic Hill Routes

Steady climbs to wide, open views, ridge sections with dramatic panoramas, and clear paths across moorland, grassland and rocky terrain.

🌳

Valley & Low-Level Trails

Gentle valley routes with rivers and woodland, circular paths for families, and scenic lakeside and reservoir trails without steep ascents.

💧

Waterfall Walks

Well-marked paths through wooded gorges, multiple waterfall viewpoints, bridges and riverside sections — atmosphere and accessible adventure together.

⛰️

High-Level Adventures

Longer ridge traverses, steeper climbs with big rewards, and open upland walking that feels remote and expansive.

📷

Photography & Scenic Moments

Sunrise and sunset light across the hills, wide skies, dramatic cloud formations, and clear days with views stretching for miles.

Silhouetted ridgeline of the Brecon Beacons at sunset
Plan your walk

Explore our curated walks

Ten detailed walk pages covering some of the most popular and scenic routes across the region, from gentle riverside paths to high-level ridge adventures.

Forest track winding through dense woodland near the Taf Fechan river
Easy · 45–60 min

Taf Fechan River Walk

A tranquil circular route beneath the Pontsarn Viaduct, following the fast-flowing Taf Fechan through ancient woodland.

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Wild ponies grazing on the open moorland of Mynydd Illtud Common
Easy–Moderate · 1–1.5 hrs

Mynydd Illtud Common Walk

Wide-open panoramic views of Pen y Fan and Corn Du, wildlife-rich grassland and Bronze Age remains — no steep climb required.

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Rhododendrons in bloom beside a stream at Craig-y-Nos Country Park
Easy · 45–90 min

Craig-y-Nos Country Park Walk

A landscaped Victorian estate of lakes, woodland and meadows beneath dramatic crags — one of the park's most accessible walks.

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Still water and misty forest edge at Usk Reservoir
Easy–Moderate · 2–2.5 hrs

Usk Reservoir Circular Walk

A peaceful, remote loop around Usk Reservoir on the western edge of the park — big skies, calm water and forest tracks.

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The footbridge and path climbing from Storey Arms toward Pen y Fan
Moderate · 2–3 hrs

Storey Arms to Pen y Fan Walk

The most popular and accessible route to the summit of Pen y Fan — a short but iconic climb to the highest peak in South Wales.

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Valley climbing up toward the northern ridge above Cwm Gwdi
Moderate–Hard · 3–4 hrs

Pen y Fan & Cribyn from Cwm Gwdi

A quieter ascent of Pen y Fan from the northern side of the Central Beacons — a steadier climb with sweeping valley views.

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A wide curtain waterfall in Waterfall Country that walkers can pass behind
Moderate · 3–4 hrs

Four Waterfalls Walk

A spectacular gorge walk taking in four of the Beacons' most famous falls, including one you can walk behind.

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Snow-dusted high ridge of the Pen y Fan Horseshoe
Hard · 4.5–6 hrs

Pen y Fan Horseshoe Walk

A spectacular high-level ridge circuit over Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big — one of the park's most rewarding days out.

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Sweeping view across the Brecon Beacons escarpment toward distant peaks
Hard · 6–7.5 hrs

Beacons Circuit Walk

A long, spectacular mountain loop linking Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big via the historic Roman Road.

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Calm, reed-lined water along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Easy · 1–3 hrs

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Walk

A peaceful towpath walk along one of the UK's most tranquil canals, with stone bridges and views of the Central Beacons.

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Our approach

Walking that reflects the park

BreconBeacons.wales highlights hiking experiences that reflect the true character of the National Park — open landscapes, rewarding routes and plenty of choice for different abilities. We focus on widely accessible options without overclaiming or guaranteeing specific conditions.

Official park website