On the edge of the national park, Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil are well-served by trains and buses from Cardiff, the Midlands and beyond. To the west, Llandovery is on the Heart of Wales line, connecting it to other parts of the country. While driving is the easiest way to reach remote sights and activities in the park, the local buses are plentiful too. To leave the lightest of footprints, consider getting around by bike: there are many on- and off-road cycling routes.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with long days, bright skies and temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures. Spring and autumn bring their own unique charms (wild flowers in the former; blazing woodland colours in the latter) – and the trails are generally crowd-free. They’re quieter still in winter, when experienced hikers can enjoy bracing yomps through the valleys and snow-dusted peaks. But remember: without rain, Brecon Beacons National Park wouldn’t be half as leafy and lush as it is – so bring your waterproofs, whatever the season.
Stretching for 159km, the Beacons Way spans the entire national park – an eight-day jaunt (with moderate fitness) through valleys, across moorlands, and up more hills than you’ll care to count. A little confusingly, it traverses both the Black Mountains (Mynyddoedd Duon, in the east) and the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du, in the west) – two epic hiking destinations – and crosses right through the Brecon Beacons themselves (south of Brecon). Waymarks are scarce so you’ll need strong navigational skills, and it’s essential to book accommodation in advance. It’s a challenge, yes, but with a bit of planning and training (and a few Welsh cakes in your pocket) the Beacons Way is a rewarding trail indeed.
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