6 minute read
The Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons
The third of three National Parks in Wales, a visit to the Brecon Beacons, with its snow-tipped peaks, tumbling mountain sides, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, incredible stargazing and endless walking trails to explore, is a must when visiting Wales. Sometimes referred to as "the central Beacons" the Brecon Beacons mountain range spans 500 square miles and includes South Wales' highest mountain, Pen y Fan.
Stroking a llama with mountains behind
© VISITBRITAIN/ STEPHEN SPRAGGON / VISIT WALES
Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but it has an impressive cultural heritage. Noted attractions include the weathered remains of Carreg Cennen Castle, and, for those feeling brave and strong on foot, there's an underground tunnel to see the natural cave that lies buried deep in the castle rock, used as a storeroom and as the dungeon.
Brecon Beacon
© VISITBRITAIN/ STEPHEN SPRAGGON / VISIT WALES
If you would like to take a walk on the wild side and experience the Brecon Beacons as part of your next Dream Escape tailor made holiday, then we hope you will enjoy our take on how best to experience such a special national park, and to embrace the beauty of the landscape and the natural habitat.
1. CLIMB TO THE TOP OF PEN Y FAN
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons' tallest mountain
© VISITBRITAIN / OSCAR LAHIFF/ DANIEL BOSWORTH
No trip to the Brecon of valleys, lakes and the deep greens of the Welsh countryside. Enjoy a private guided walk to reach Beacons is complete the summit with a number of routes without climbing to the you can take, differing in difficulty and top of its tallest mountain Pen y Fan length. (pronounced “Pen - A - Van”). Let us arrange to take you there in Sitting 886 metres (almost 3,000 the summer and you’ll be accompanied feet) above sea level, reaching the by wild sheep and ponies. In the winter, summit of this impressive peak you are you’ll be surrounded by snow, ice and guaranteed panoramic views for miles crisp, fresh air.
2. PONY TREKKING
Exploring the Brecon Beacons on a pony trek
© VISITBRITAIN / DANIEL BOSWORTH
To explore the Welsh great outdoors, but less so on foot, pony trekking is a fantastic way to experience the Brecon Beacons. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders alike, Dream Escape work with the best local pony trekking schools to give you a tour of the undulating landscapes of mid-Wales and to provide an insight to its historic past.
3. STARGAZING
Wrap up warm, head outside and cast your eyes out to theMilky Way. The Brecon Beacons are well-known as an excellent stargazinglocation because of its sparse population and limited light pollution -making it an International Dark Sky Reserve. Sugar Loaf Mountain andCarreg Cennen are amongst our favoured spots from which to view thenight’s sky. You might wish for your Dream Escape to include a trip yourown personal local astronomer, so that you can explore the stars andconstellations through a telescope.
4. FLY-FISHING ON THE RIVER USK
Unwind by the River Usk for a spot of fly fishing with your own guide. Learn about tackle, flies and the local ecosystem whilst you fish - long known as a place to catch wild brown trout, your chances of reeling something in are high. There’s also a chance you may see an otter! Complete your day with some further relaxation staying at the tranquil luxury retreat, one of our Dream Escape preferred partners, Llangoed Hall. This is the perfect base for enjoying the Brecon Beacons and many more country pursuits, including archery, falconry and mountain biking.
5. WILD SWIMMING IN LLYN Y FAN FACH
Llyn y Fan Fach
© VISITBRITAIN / DANIEL BOSWORTH
As part of your Dream Escape itinerary you might like to start your day taking a dip amidst the beautiful Welsh mountains. A high lake in the shadow of the Black Mountain, Llyn y Fan Fach sits in a sheltered bowl with stony, gently shelving sides. Reaching up to eighteen metres in depth, it’s the perfect spot for diving and practising your underwater swimming technique. Located towards the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Llyn y Fan Fach is astonishingly beautiful and, according to legend, the home of a lake nymph.
6. CANALS
For something a little bit different you might like Dream Escape to arrange a relaxing trip down the scenic Brecon and Monmouthshire canal aboard the UK's first hybrid-electric holiday narrowboat. Sit back and relax, letting your skipper guide you, or if you prefer, self-drive, navigating this 36 mile waterway. Watch the world go by as you as you cruise the glistening waters, passing through numerous charming villages, with endless amazing views of the countryside, and an abundance of wildlife.
7. CARREG CENNEN CASTLE
Carreg Cennen Castle
Like all of Wales, the Brecon Beacons are steeped in a rich history and hold evidence of bygone skirmishes between the English and Welsh. The weathered remains of Carreg Cennen Castle can be found impressively perched on a limestone crag, despite being demolished by Yorkist forces during the Wars of the Roses. Dream Escape will take you on a visit to experience its underground tunnel and natural cave, once used as a storeroom and dungeon. Step back in time with one of our selected guides to learn more about this fascinating place and one of the most famous wars in British history.
8. THE FOUR WATERFALLS WALK
An autumnal scene at Scwd Ddwli in the Brecon Beacons. Waterfall and pool, with rocks in the flowing water and autumn leaves
Known as Waterfall Country, a private guide arranged by Dream Escape, can accompany you on a spectacular walk near Aberdare, as you follow the river Mellte and experience the beauty of Welsh woodlands. This 5.2 mile walk takes you past four waterfalls and provides you with the opportunity to walk behind a shimmering curtain of water before the river vanishes into the largest cave entrance in Wales.
9. PENDERYN DISTILLERY
Penderyn Distillery
© VISITBRITAIN/ STEPHEN SPRAGGON / VISIT WALES
Private whisky tours and experiences are a highly popular addition to our Dream Escape programmes - and a visit to the Penderyn Distillery, a Welsh gem found in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, is no exception. Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single malt whiskies and spirits - Dream Escape can arrange a private guided tour to see the mill, mash tun, innovative single copper-pot Penderyn stills and of course, sample some of the range in the Tasting Bar. For the more avid enthusiasts, a private Masterclass provides the opportunity to learn even more.
10. EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL
If you would like to experience what it’s like to be a local in Wales, Dream Escape can arrange for you to take a trip to Brecon town centre where you might like to make a special visit to the Tap. This cosy pub offers a mouth-watering selection of homemade savoury pies and a range of both local and international beers -not to mention, freshly made Welsh cake!
Calm waters of Llyn Cwm Llwch lake
© VISITBRITAIN/ STEPHEN SPRAGGON / VISIT WALES
Find out more:
Michael Davies, Creative Planner Michael Davies, is our Wales expert for good reason and is the perfect person to get in touch with to create a Welsh holiday of a lifetime; "I am proud to have had grandparents who came from North Wales. My grandmother grew up in Caernarfon, where Welsh is spoken as the local language; this coastal town is dominated by the turreted castle where the Prince of Wales was invested in 1969. The striking mountains of Snowdonia lie behind; this area is crossed by narrow-gauge heritage railways that once carried slate from quarries that are now crossed by zip wires! My grandfather hailed from a rural district near the English border; although often bypassed, there are some impressive places to visit including the historic home of the Earl of Powis, the highest waterfall in Wales, and the longest canal aqueduct in Great Britain." michael@dreamescape.co.uk
