The best walks and hikes in Brecon Beacons
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Hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park covers a landscape of high mountain plateaus, grassy moorlands, and deep river valleys. The region is defined by four distinct mountain ranges, including the central peaks of Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain at 2,907 ft (886 m). The southern part of the park features limestone geology, creating a "Waterfall Country" with numerous cascades set within ancient woodlands.
Best hiking trails in Brecon Beacons
- The most popular hiking route is the…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.8
(497)
4,719
hikers
7.56km
02:44
450m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(371)
2,925
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(294)
1,804
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(271)
1,776
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(171)
2,609
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
As previously stated, Jacob's Ladder is the route up from the col with Cribyn.
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Cribyn is the smallest of the Brecon's 'big Three, but it is a shapely top and should be included in any climb up here.
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A fine set of falls, you can get great photos from a number of angles here.
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If this bridge wasn't there, it would be a long way round!
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The view you are most likely to see is from the top of the falls, to the side. There is a rock shelf that provides a good view for this view. In the summer you will also find people jumping off this shelf into the plunge pool below! There are other views that can be reached down a gully and then along a rough path that takes you to river level.
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Rocks are very loose. I would advice avoiding this path in snowy/icy weather.
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Amazing place. Must visit in vacation. I am so excited to go there. Beautiful waterfall. https://www.my-milestonecard.com
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More Information
The ever-popular central beacons
The best hiking trails in the Brecon Beacons – and certainly the most popular – are those which traverse the high, unique escarpment of Pen-y-Fan and its satellite peaks. These stunning hills are accessible from all directions and reward the intrepid hiker with huge views of South Wales. After all, the summits can be seen from hundreds of miles around, which is why signal fires used to be lit on their summits to warn the Welsh of invading English raiders. Invaders of a different sort take to these vast hills these days – the elite special forces regularly use the open, high ground to train and hone their navigation skills.
In the sweeping valleys that divide the high plateaus, there is plenty more to explore. Tranquil forests surround the southern end of the massif, interspersed with numerous reservoirs that are a pleasure to walk alongside. Hikes in the Brecon Beacons are enjoyable all year round, though it is worth noting that Pen-y-Fan can be very busy on sunny weekends and public holidays.
Space to breathe, space above your head
A sense of space is what makes the national park so special, in more than one sense. Stride out under huge blue skies, across massive thrusts of grassy sandstone that rise wedge-like above shimmering glacial lakes below. As the sun sets, and its tendrils fade from the long, straight valleys, the dark skies above become ablaze with the celestial glow of thousands and thousands of stars. For solitude and even darker skies, two other areas of stunning upland sprawl away from the central peaks: the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du) to the west and the Black Mountains (Y Mynyddoedd Duon) to the east. Look out for the semi-wild Welsh ponies that gallop the wild pastures found here.
Bases that are primed for adventure
Both Brecon and Abergavenny are fantastic bases from which to launch your hiking adventures. Brecon is handily situated to the north of the most popular peaks. Whilst quaint Abergavenny – often cited as the gateway to Wales – is a gorgeous place for a ramble amongst charming cattle fields and verdant woods. Walks in the Brecon Beacons are amongst the finest not just in Wales, but in the entire UK.Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many easy, family-friendly walks in the Brecon Beacons?
Yes, the Brecon Beacons offers many options for families and beginners. Out of more than 1,300 trails in the region, nearly 400 are rated as easy. A great choice is the Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth, which is a relatively flat 4.5-mile (7.3 km) path through scenic woodland to a series of beautiful waterfalls.
What are the best waterfall walks in the Brecon Beacons?
The area known as 'Waterfall Country' in the south of the park is the premier destination for waterfall hikes. The most celebrated trail is the Four Falls Walk, which takes you to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd-yr-Eira, where you can even walk behind the water. Another must-see is Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wales.
I'm looking for a challenging hike. What do you recommend?
For a strenuous day out, the Pen y Fan, Cribyn & Fan y Big loop is an excellent choice. This 15.5-mile (25 km) route is a demanding trek that summits the three major peaks of the central Beacons, rewarding you with incredible panoramic views from their connecting ridges.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in the Brecon Beacons?
Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails in the Brecon Beacons, but they should be kept on a lead, especially between March and July during the bird nesting season and whenever livestock are present. The open moorlands and woodland paths provide great environments for walking with your dog.
What is the terrain like in the Brecon Beacons?
The terrain is very diverse. The central and eastern ranges feature high, grassy moorland ridges made of Old Red Sandstone, like those around Pen y Fan. In the south, you'll find limestone geology, which has created deep, wooded valleys with numerous waterfalls and cave systems. Expect a mix of well-defined paths, rocky sections, and potentially boggy ground on the plateaus.
What should I pack for a day hike in the Brecon Beacons?
You should always be prepared for changing weather. Essential items include waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers), extra warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, a map and compass (or a fully charged phone with a GPS app), and plenty of food and water. The weather on the summits can be very different from in the valleys.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Brecon Beacons?
The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning 360-degree views from the high ridges, the unique experience of walking behind waterfalls in 'Waterfall Country', and the sheer variety of trails, from challenging mountain ascents to peaceful woodland strolls.
Are there good circular walks available?
Absolutely. The Brecon Beacons is ideal for circular hikes, allowing you to enjoy a variety of scenery without retracing your steps. A classic example is the Corn Du & Pen y Fan loop from Storey Arms. This popular 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route takes you up to the two highest peaks in southern Britain and back via a different path.
What are some notable viewpoints in the park?
The summits of Pen y Fan, Corn Du, and Cribyn offer some of the most breathtaking 360-degree views in Wales. For a different perspective, the top of Fan y Bîg is famous for its 'diving board' rock, which provides a dramatic photo opportunity overlooking the surrounding valleys. The view from Hay Bluff in the Black Mountains, looking towards the English border, is also spectacular.
How difficult is the Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge walk?
The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge is rated as difficult. While it doesn't involve technical scrambling, it's a long and strenuous 11.5-mile (18.5 km) hike with significant elevation gain. It requires a good level of fitness and experience in mountain walking, especially as much of the route is exposed to the elements.
What are the parking options for the main hiking trails?
For Pen y Fan, the Pont ar Daf (often called the Storey Arms) and Cwm Gwdi car parks are the most popular, but they fill up very early on weekends. For the Four Waterfalls Walk, there are several pay-and-display car parks, including Gwaun Hepste and Cwm Porth. It's always best to arrive early or have an alternative hike in mind if parking is full.
Is wild camping permitted in the Brecon Beacons?
Generally, wild camping without the landowner's permission is not legally permitted in the Brecon Beacons. However, there is a tradition of it being tolerated for individuals or small groups who follow the 'leave no trace' principle. It's crucial to camp away from roads, farms, and popular areas, and to be discreet. For official options, there are numerous designated campsites throughout the park.
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