A self-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. Tackling a long-distance route at your own pace provides both challenges and rewards, and this high-level route is one of the best in Wales.
This Welsh walking holiday is the ideal choice is you are a confident walker, preferably with some experience of basic navigation. We do provide detailed route notes and maps, but be aware that some sections of the route involve following a compass bearing over open ground. We don’t tie you to set departure dates, leaving you free to choose when you would like to begin your walking adventure.
What to Expect
Glacial valleys, waterfalls and ancient woodland are just some of the features that create the famously dramatic landscapes of Wales, and some of the highlights of the 100-mile Beacons Way. For many, the unspoilt beauty and solitude make the Beacons Way the best long-distance walk in Wales. Daily distances are between 10 and 16 ½ miles, and to get the most out of the walk we recommend a reasonable level of fitness. That said, there is still plenty of time to chat with the locals, explore the historic sites en-route and sample some local cuisine.
Day 1
Abergavenny to Llanthony – 13 miles (21 km)
From Ysgyryd Fawr, known as the Holy Mountain, the path rises up into the Black Mountains. You end the day high in the hills, beside the ruins of Llanthony Priory, with its beautiful 12th century buildings.
Day 2
Llanthony to Crickhowell – 13 miles (21 km)
Crossing three major ridges, this is a spectacular day with far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.
Descend to overnight in the charming Georgian town of Crickhowell, famous for good food and a fine 17th century bridge over the River Usk.
Day 3
Crickhowell to Llangynidr – 12 ½ miles (20 km)
An easier day with a different perspective as the route steers clear of the high mountain paths, and stays closer to the valley floor.
Day 4
Llangynidr to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad – 16 ½ miles (26 km)
A wonderful and challenging day through the Central Beacons. You will summit the peaks of Pen y Fan, Tor y Foel and Cribyn. This is a day of wild, open moorland and fresh upland wind – breathtaking! Spend the night down in the valley, either at Libanus or in Brecon, set astride the River Usk with a cathedral and fine Georgian architecture.
Day 5
Craig Cerrig-gleisiad to Craig-y-Nos – 13 ½ miles (22 km)
A quieter and less strenuous day through the Fforest Fawr Geopark – an area of exceptional geological importance.
Towards the end of the day you encounter a landscape pockmarked with potholes, signs of a an extensive network of caves which lie beneath the surface in this part of the National Park.
Day 6
Craig-y-Nos to Llanddeusant – 11 miles (18 km)
The day begins beside the fabulous Dan-yr-Ogof show caves, and then climbs onto the Black Mountain, passing the lakes of Llyn y Fan Fawr and Llyn y Fan Fach, home to the legend of the “Lady of the Lake”. The character of the landscape feels quite different on this stretch – wild, empty and untamed.
Day 7
Llanddeusant to Carreg Cennen – 15 miles (24 km)
Traces of the industrial heritage of South Wales are evident today as you follow old tram roads and tracks across the Black Mountain. A dramatic end to the day as we approach Carreg Cennen castle – a 13th century stronghold perched on top of sheer limestone cliffs. The atmospheric ruin worthy of exploration, and great for photography.
Day 8
Carreg Cennen to Llangadog – 10 miles (16 km)
The final day leads to the western edge of the park. Admire the view from the enormous Iron Age fort of Carn Goch, strategically sited high above the Towy Valley. The tiny village of Bethlehem (where the post office does a roaring trade at Christmas time) is your last port of call before reaching Llangadog and the end of the walk.
