Designated a National Park in 1957 the Brecon Beacons is Southern Wales’ Great Outdoors with wonderful walks,
superb cycling, characterfull towns and breathtaking views. Fill your lungs with fresh air as you stroll to the top of Pen y Fan – the highest peak in Southern Wales, or for something a little less energetic sit back and relax as you cruise along the Monmouth and Brecon Canal on a narrow boat.
The market towns of Brecon and Abergavenny are ideal places to base yourself to explore the wonders of the beacons. Both towns have a traditional feel to them with many independent shops selling local crafts and produce. Both towns have excellent Tourist Information Centres, which can provide details about local walks, cycle routes and other activities and attractions. Watch out for the Brecon Jazz Festival each August and the Abergavenny Food Festival in September, both major events which prove extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.
In the southeast corner of the park is the town of Blaenavon, once the industrial hub of Southern Wales. The industry has now gone and in its place is a World Heritage Site with the old coal mine transformed into the immensely popular and award winning Big Pit: National Mining Museum and the old ironworks telling the story of a bygone era.
Watersports enthusiasts are well catered for in the Brecon Beacons. Llangorse Lake near Brecon is well known as a centre for sailing and waterskiing, while the villages of Govilon, Llanfoist, and Goytre are excellent strating points for a leisurely cruise on the peaceful Monmouth and Brecon Canal. Sports on dry land are also popular with climbing, riding, orienteering and other outdoor pursuits all available locally
Brecon Beacons Tourism Website
