Tenby gorgeous Welsh beaches and beautiful national parks, it’s the kind of country that’s got a little slice of everything to see. Now, if you’re basing yourself in South Wales or the more rural areas around West Wales, you’ll easily find a heap of tranquil and totally beautiful national parks to visit. This is no truer than with the Brecon Beacons. Stretching halfway across the width of Wales, there’s a heap of the best places in the Brecon Beacons you won’t want to miss!
Also, you might recognise the falls from the Batman movie, The Dark Knight? This is the actual waterfall where Bat Cave is located!
If you’re nearer Merthyr Tydfil, pop over to Pontsticill Reservoir for a little stroll around. You can also pop in the Old Barn Tea Room to warm up with some welsh cakes, bara brith and hot tea. Yum!
Feeling brave? Spend a night amongst the ghoulish residents whilst exploring the Skirrid Fawr trail or further afield.
You see, the Priory has a fascinating history, starting from when a nobleman came upon a dilapidated chapel and decided to devote himself to solitary prayer.
1.) Fforest Fawr Geopark (from Pen-y-Fan to Dan Yr Ogof)
Located in the gorgeous Vale of Ewyas in Brecon Beacons National Park, Llanthony Priory is the ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. Honestly, it’s one of the best places in the Brecon Beacons to explore, especially if you love a gander at the human history of the park.
Once in the area, head to the car park at the trailhead for the Four Waterfalls Walk. From here, you’ll be able to visit the iconic; Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and the beautiful Sgwd Yr Eira.
For anyone that loves the great outdoors, Fforest Fawr Geopark will be an area you’ll have to visit. Stretching from Brecon in over to Llandeilo, it compromises the vast majority of Western Brecon Beacons and is stunning to visit.
Just be aware, the route can get boggy in really wet weather, so make sure to wear good, waterproof, shoes. No one likes being a soggy foot hiker.
You see, the thing that makes this one of the best places in the Brecon Beacons to visit is its long and diverse history. The gorgeous landscapes were formed more than 20,000 years ago. Not only that, the whole area of Fforest Fawr Geopark even has evidence of early populations that lived in the area over 8,000 years ago!
Oh, just be aware, the free car park is rather small and can fill up fast. So, just incase take some cash with you to pay for the private car parking that’s nearby.
Read more: Best things to do in Aberystwyth
Once here, make sure to explore the trails around the Black Mountains like the Black Mountains Circular Walk, for instance. Yes, it’s around 25-km or so to complete but it’s totally incredible to see.
2.) Llanthony Priory
It’s the kind of place that’s totally easy to visit if you’re fancying a gander from one of South Wales’ cities for a day trip, or a holiday in its own right. Honestly, you can spend a heap of time in the Brecon Beacons and still not get to see it all!
Read more: Best beaches in Wales
31 Totally Epic Things To Do In Wales
Read more: Epic things to do in Wales
So, to help you get the most out of your trip, I wanted to share some gems that we love.
Just east of Brecon, Llangors Lake is the largest in South Wales and one of the best places in the Brecon Beacons to visit for a few hours.
Running through the National Park (from Pant to Torpantau), hopping on the historic steam trains is a totally unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
3.) Llangors Lake
4.) Brecon Mountain Railway
Read more: Best things to do in Pembrokeshire
For the views, head to the top of Pen-y-Fan for the most beautiful sunset (or sunrise, if you’re keen). Now, it can be long but the four hiking routes to the summit are totally stunning. Just be sure to hike responsibly and be aware of weather conditions that can change really fast here.
5.) Fan Hir
For the views, head to the top of Pen-y-Fan for the most beautiful sunset (or sunrise, if you’re keen). Now, it can be long but the four hiking routes to the summit are totally stunning. Just be sure to hike responsibly and be aware of weather conditions that can change really fast here.
12.) Sugar Loaf
For the views, head to the top of Pen-y-Fan for the most beautiful sunset (or sunrise, if you’re keen). Now, it can be long but the four hiking routes to the summit are totally stunning. Just be sure to hike responsibly and be aware of weather conditions that can change really fast here.
