The Beacons Way is the official long-distance trail of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, and one of the finest high-level walks in Wales. Running for roughly 93 to 100 miles from Abergavenny in the east to Llandovery in the west, the route climbs over three distinct mountain ranges in turn, the Black Mountains, the central Brecon Beacons, and the remote Black Mountain in the west, taking in some of the most spectacular upland scenery in Britain along the way.
The journey begins with a climb onto Ysgyryd Fawr, the Holy Mountain, before the trail meets Offa’s Dyke Path on the ascent of Hatterrall Hill and descends towards the atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory. From here it continues through Crickhowell and Llangynidr, with fine views over Llangorse Lake, before reaching the trail’s iconic heart, a demanding climb onto Craig-y-Fan Ddu leading into the high country around Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, along with its neighbouring summits of Corn Du and Cribyn.
Beyond Craig-y-nos, the trail enters its wildest section, the Black Mountain, a separate and even more remote range to the west, where a long ridge walk across Bannau Sir Gaer and Fan Brycheiniog passes the dramatic glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr, the former steeped in the Arthurian legend of the Lady of the Lake. The trail finally descends towards Llandovery, an ancient drovers’ town with its own ruined Norman castle.
This is genuine mountain walking, with around 8,500 feet of total ascent and long stretches of remote, often pathless terrain, particularly across the exposed ridges of the Black Mountain. Glacial lakes, ancient standing stones, historic churches and some of the finest mountain views in Wales make this a properly rewarding week for anyone drawn to serious upland walking.
A guided walking holiday along the Beacons Way makes for a fabulous week-long introduction to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the stunning landscapes of Wales. Join a small group guided walking tour and make new friends as you walk. You will be accompanied by a qualified Mountain Leader guide throughout, who will show you the way and fill you in on the flora, fauna, geology and history of this upland landscape, so all you need to worry about is enjoying the view on one of the best high-level routes in Wales. Because our tours are fully supported, there is no need to worry about navigation, even across the trail’s more remote and exposed sections. Our Beacons Way guided walking tour includes pick-up and drop-off at Abergavenny and Llandovery railway stations at the start and end of the tour, eight nights’ accommodation in quality B&Bs and guesthouses, a full Welsh breakfast and packed lunch every day, daily luggage transfer, and vehicle back-up throughout.
Day 1: Arrive in Abergavenny
Day 2: Abergavenny to Llanthony – Over Ysgyryd Fawr and Hatterrall Hill, meeting Offa’s Dyke Path, with your guide introducing the landscape and history of the Black Mountains.
Day 3: Llanthony to Crickhowell – A steep climb over Bâl Bach before descending into town.
Day 4: Crickhowell to Llangynidr – Fine views over Llangorse Lake along the way.
Day 5: Llangynidr to Storey Arms – A demanding climb from Blaen-y-glyn onto Craig-y-Fan Ddu, into the heart of the central Beacons.
Day 6: Storey Arms to Craig-y-nos – Taking in Pen y Fan, Corn Du and the finest mountain scenery of the trail, with your guide on hand to point out the best viewpoints.
Day 7: Craig-y-nos to Llyn y Fan – Entering the wild, remote Black Mountain range, past the glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr.
Day 8: Llyn y Fan to Llandovery – The final stage, descending through Llanddeusant towards the historic drovers’ town of Llandovery.
Day 9: Depart
(Itinerary shown as an example – your guide may adjust the day-to-day route depending on weather and group ability, with alternative low-level options available on the more exposed sections.)
