‘Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves’
John Muir
Covering 519 square miles in South Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park was the third in Wales to be designated after Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire Coast. It includes four main areas; the Great Forest, the Black Mountains in the east, the Black Mountains in the west and the Brecon Beacons in between. Pen y Fan is the highest point of the Beacons, and South Wales, at 2907 feet.
The area is mainly grassy moorland with dense forests and pastoral land in the valley bottoms. There are hidden lakes, high waterfalls and huge caves. The military regularly run training exercises here, given the harshness of the weather on the higher areas.
Walking, cycling, horse riding, watersports, rock climbing and camping are all very popular and the park is also an International Dark Sky Reserve - only of only five in the world.
The region has a long history which is still visible in the form of castles, priories, burial chambers, hill forts and stone circles. Its cultural programme of literature, music, walking, food and art festivals take place throughout the year. Hay on Wye, a world renowned centre for literature (and bookshops!), hosts a Literary Festival in May. Add to this wonderful hotels, gardens and parks, a whiskey brewery and a serious attitude towards excellent locally produced food, this area has much to offer everyone.
