The Central Beacons
High summits and glacial cwms
Pen y Fan, Corn Du, Cribyn and Waun Rydd form the best-known skyline, with steep northern faces rising above Cwm Llwch and the Neuadd Valley.
Region guide
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
“The Vann, or Brecknock Beacon, the undisputed sovereign of all the mountains in South Wales.”
— John Clark of Builth, land surveyor and author, describing Pen y Fan in his 1794 agricultural survey of Brecknockshire
Highest Mountain
Pen y Fan — 886mLong-Distance Trail
Beacons Way — 159kmMilitary Endurance Route
Fan Dance — 24kmHighest Waterfall
Henrhyd Falls — 27mLongest Cave System
Ogof Ffynnon Ddu — Over 50kmDark Sky Status
Wales’s First International Dark Sky ReserveAbout the region
Discover Bannau Brycheiniog
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) stretches far beyond the familiar slopes of Pen y Fan. The national park contains four distinct areas of high ground, from the long eastern ridges of the Black Mountains to the sweeping escarpments of the Black Mountain in the west.
At its centre, Pen y Fan and Corn Du rise above deep glacial cwms and broad sandstone ridges. The easiest route attracts large numbers of walkers, but approaches from Cwm Llwch and the Neuadd Valley reveal a much wilder mountain. Cribyn, Fan y Big and Waun Rydd extend the walking into quieter country.
West of the central peaks, the Carmarthen Fans form one of the finest escarpments in South Wales. Fan Brycheiniog, Picws Du and Fan Foel rise above the glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. To the east, Waun Fach and Pen y Gadair Fawr anchor the broad, grassy Black Mountains, where lengthy ridges connect isolated valleys and ruined Llanthony Priory.
The landscape changes again along the southern edge, where limestone country produces caves, wooded gorges and a remarkable concentration of waterfalls. Routes may lack the rocky drama of Eryri, but distance, exposed plateaux and rapidly changing visibility make these serious hills. Walk beyond Pen y Fan and the Bannau become considerably quieter surprisingly quickly.
Regional signature
The Sandstone Ridges Legacy
The Black Mountain
Wild western escarpments
Fan Brycheiniog, Picws Du and Fan Foel create a sweeping line of sandstone cliffs above two of the most striking glacial lakes in South Wales.
The Black Mountains
Long eastern ridges
Waun Fach, Pen y Gadair Fawr and Hay Bluff offer spacious walking above the Vale of Ewyas, with far fewer people than the central summits.
When to visit
Spring
March – MaySpring rain keeps the waterfalls full while improving daylight opens up the longer horseshoes. High plateaux can remain cold and exposed.
Best for: Waterfalls, longer days and quieter ridgesSummer
June – AugustLong days suit extended routes across the Black Mountains and Carmarthen Fans. Pen y Fan becomes exceptionally busy, particularly at weekends.
Best for: The Beacons Way and full-day ridge walksAutumn
September – NovemberCooler air can bring excellent visibility across South Wales, while the wooded valleys and waterfall gorges change colour. Daylight begins to disappear quickly.
Best for: Clear views and woodland colourWinter
December – FebruarySnow and ice occasionally create serious conditions on the escarpments. Even without snow, strong winds and poor visibility can make the broad plateaux difficult to navigate.
Best for: Experienced walkers and lower waterfall routesTrailTrack Favourites
Ten hills chosen by TrailTrack
Continue exploring
Ready to Explore Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)?
Leave the busiest path behind and the Bannau open into miles of escarpments, hidden valleys and remarkably empty ridges.