4.6
(2758)
27,180
hikers
64
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Yscir offer access to a landscape shaped by the Afon Ysgir river valley, rolling hills, and common land. The community is situated within Powys, Wales, and borders the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing diverse hiking opportunities. Key features include the historic Pen Y Crug hillfort, Aberyscir Common, and the ecological significance of the Afon Ysgir. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to moderate climbs up hills, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside and…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
9
hikers
8.74km
02:30
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
4.22km
01:15
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
6
hikers
10.2km
02:44
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
14.1km
04:00
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
St. Mary's Church with café in the heart of Brecon
1
0
Brecon Castle, located in the town of Brecon in Wales, is a historic site with a rich heritage that dates back to the 11th century. Originally built as a wooden fort by the Normans after their invasion of Wales, it was later rebuilt in stone. Here are some key points about Brecon Castle: Historical Significance: Norman Foundation: The castle was originally constructed around 1093 by Bernard de Neufmarché as part of the Norman conquest of Wales. It served as a strategic military stronghold. Fortifications: Over the centuries, the castle underwent various modifications and expansions, with the addition of stone walls and towers to enhance its defensive capabilities. Role in Conflicts: Brecon Castle played a significant role in various conflicts, including the Welsh Wars and later during the English Civil War, when it was captured and fortified by Royalist forces. Ownership: The castle was granted to different noble families over the years and was used for both military and administrative purposes. Architectural Features: Stone Structure**: The castle features impressive stone walls, towers, and a gatehouse, reflecting medieval military architecture. Ruins**: While parts of the castle are in ruins today, the remaining structures give visitors a glimpse into its historical significance and architectural style. Modern Usage: Tourism**: Brecon Castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in history and architecture. The site offers guided tours and information about its storied past. Hotel**: The castle has also been repurposed as a hotel, allowing guests to experience staying in a historic setting. Location: Brecon Castle is situated near the Brecon Beacons National Park, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the natural beauty of the area. Brecon Castle serves as a reminder of Wales' turbulent history and is an important heritage site that continues to attract interest for its historical and architectural value.
0
0
Beautiful views of Brecon town and the Brecon Beacons from impressive Pen y Crug iron-age hillfort
0
0
Amazing views of Brecon town and Brecon Beacons
0
0
There is a steady climb covering 140m of incline from Maen-du Well to the top of Pen-y-Crug. Grade Moderate. Trails can become slippery due to adverse weather conditions. Please take extra care when walking.
3
0
Brecon Castle is a very unique place. It is a castle that is now within the grounds of a private hotel. Though most of the original castle is long gone, there are still the imposing remains of the tower left, and this is visible from many areas of the town. There is a particularly good view of it from the town bridge. Strategically sighted, overlooking the confluence of the Afon Honddu and the River Usk, it dominates this part of the town and is a reminder of the powers of the Normans when they started to build it in 1093. Originally, the castle would have had two entrances as well as a postern gate. There would have been a drawbridge over the River Usk and another over the Afon Honddu. At the time, it was built as the administrative and military headquarters of the Lordship of Brecon and as a reminder to all that they lived among one of the most powerful families of the day.
3
0
In days gone by, between AD. 48 — 395, Brecon was an important fulcrum of communication for no less than four Roman roads. One would come in from the east, two from the south, and this one would come in from the west, from the direction of Llandovery. This section runs from The Promenade car park in Brecon to the Gaer Roman Fort in Cradoc. There is nothing left of the original road now, and the only reference on maps is on Harvey Maps. OS maps refer to it as a bridleway. These days, this is a good footpath that joins Brecon to Cradoc, but to get to Cradoc village itself, you will have to walk on the road from the Gaer fort. The footpath is bordered with hedges, and views of the surrounding beautiful countryside are limited at the start and finish of the footpath. I will add a note here that this footpath runs alongside a streambed, so in the winter it becomes a very wet, muddy footpath. In the summer, it is a good footpath, but in the latter stages of the season, it becomes overgrown.
1
0
There are over 60 hiking trails in Yscir that are accessible directly from bus stations. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 19 easy, 30 moderate, and 14 difficult options to choose from.
Hikes in Yscir, especially those accessible by bus, often feature varied terrain. You can expect paths along the Afon Ysgir, open common land like Aberyscir Common, and ascents to historical hillforts such as Pen Y Crug. The wider Brecon Beacons National Park, which Yscir borders, offers rugged peaks, wild uplands, and wooded gorges.
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For example, the View of Pen y Crug – Pen y Crug Hillfort Summit loop from Aberyscir is an easy 4.2 km walk that offers rewarding views without significant difficulty. Many routes also explore the local river valleys and common land, which are generally less strenuous.
Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible trails in Yscir are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. An example is the Pen y Crug Hillfort Summit – Brecon Castle loop from Aberyscir, which provides a varied moderate hike.
Yscir's bus-accessible trails offer access to several notable landmarks and viewpoints. You can explore the Iron Age Pen Y Crug Hillfort, offering extensive views across the central Brecon Beacons. Along the Afon Ysgir, you might discover historical sites like the church at Aberyscir or the Roman fort of CICVCIVM (Brecon Gaer). Further afield, you can find highlights such as Pen y Fan and Corn Du summit.
Many trails in Yscir and the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. Routes across Aberyscir Common or along the Afon Ysgir are generally suitable for dogs. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly during lambing season.
Spring and autumn are often considered ideal for hiking in Yscir. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions.
While Yscir itself offers excellent local routes, its proximity to the Brecon Beacons National Park means you can connect to parts of its extensive trail network. For a longer moderate hike, consider the Gaer Fach – Fanolau Hill Trig Point loop from Aberyscir, which covers about 14 km and offers significant elevation gain.
The komoot community highly rates hiking in Yscir, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 2,700 ratings. Hikers often praise the convenience of starting directly from bus stops, the diverse landscapes ranging from river valleys to hillforts, and the stunning panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons.
While Yscir is a rural community, the nearby town of Brecon, which is well-connected by bus, offers a selection of pubs, cafes, and amenities. Routes like the Brecon Castle – St Mary's Church, Brecon loop from Aberyscir can lead you into Brecon, providing opportunities for refreshments after your walk.
While Yscir itself is more known for its river valleys and hillforts, the wider Brecon Beacons National Park is famous for its waterfalls. The Ystradfellte area, though not directly bus-accessible from Yscir, is home to the popular Four Waterfalls Walk. For local routes, focus on the scenic beauty of the Afon Ysgir and its tributaries.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.