Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Rediscover your sense of wonder
Welcome to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park – 520 square miles of adventure, heritage, internationally recognised dark skies, towns, villages and nature.
Only three hours from London and an hour from Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. Find all the information you need to reconnect with nature in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. #Discoveryourbreconbeacons
Key activities
Walking , Activity
Whether you prefer strolling along to take in the gems you pass or energetically stepping up a slope to get your heart pounding, you’re guaranteed to find a walk to suit your mood in the Bannau (Beacons).
Cycling and Mountain Biking , Activity
Cycling and mountain biking are a fabulous way to experience our glorious countryside. We have lots of different terrain to explore, including roads, towpaths, lanes and hillside tracks.
Stargazing , Activity
On a clear night in the Bannau (Beacons), you can see the Milky Way, major constellations, bright nebulas and even meteor showers. It’s enough to make anyone starry eyed.
Special qualities
Overview
Sweeping grandeur and outstanding natural beauty observed across a variety of harmoniously connected landscapes, including marvellous gorges and waterfalls, classic karst geology with caves and sink holes, contrasting glacial landforms such as cliffs and broad valleys carved from old red sandstone and prominent hilltops with extensive views in all directions
A working, living “patchwork” of contrasting patterns, colours, and textures comprising of well-maintained farmed landscapes, open uplands, lakes and meandering rivers punctuated by small-scale woodlands, country lanes, hedgerows, stone walls and scattered settlements.
Extensive and widespread access to the Park’s diversity of wildlife and richness of semi-natural habitats, such as native woodlands, heathland and grassland, natural lakes and riparian habitats, ancient hedgerows, limestone pavement and blanket bogs including those of international and national importance.
Enjoyable and accessible countryside with extensive, widespread and varied opportunities to pursue walking, cycling, fishing, water-based activities and other forms of sustainable recreation or relaxation.
An intimate sense of community where small, pastoral towns and villages are comparatively safe, friendly, welcoming and retain a spirit of cooperation.
A sense of discovery where people are able to explore the Park’s hidden secrets and stories such as genealogical histories, prehistoric ritual sites, medieval rural settlements, early industrial sites, local myths, legends and geological treasures.
Did you know?
Enjoy the beauty of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
With mountains and moorland, standing stones and castles, lively waterfalls and vibrant communities, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park has plenty to offer residents and visitors. We have a long and colourful history and a rich and varied mythology and culture. Our National Park covers approximately 520 square miles of South and Mid Wales, including parts of Powys, Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. It gets its name from the Central Bannau (Beacons), which dominate the skyline south of Brecon. They rise to 886 metres at Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. Our night skies are remarkable. They’ve earned us recognition as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Our industrial heritage is magnificent: Blaenavon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And our rocks tell their own story. They’re so unique that a large part of our National Park has been designated a European and Global Geopark.
As a visitor to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) you are playing a key role in ensuring the area continues as a living landscape. By spending your time and money here local communities, which include those who farm the land, can thrive and in partnership with the National Park Authority, take care of this national gem.
You don`t have to wait for nightfall to experience the magic of darkness. ✨🌙
Now the nights are drawing in, “Dusking", a traditional Dutch twilight ritual, could teach us how to appreciate the darkening evenings.
As the golden hour fades into the blue hour, the landscape begins it quiet transformation. Colours soften, sounds change, and a hidden world starts to emerge. Bats take to the skies, moths begin their nightly journeys, and familiar places reveal a completely different character.
While the tradition of Dusking may have begun in the Netherlands and re-introduced in Amsterdam, shared experiences are spreading across Europe.
Places like @northyorkmoors are holding dusking events as part of their Dark Skies Festivals, inviting people to slow down and reconnect with nature together.
Have you ever tried Dusking? Tell us below 👇
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Danby Beacon, North York Moors National Park (Russell Burton)
Sutton Bank at sunset, North York Moors National Park (Oliver Sherratt)
Sutton Bank at dusk, North York Moors National Park (Steve Bell)
North York Moors National Park (Steve Bell)
The clocks go back on Sunday, which means more darkness. ⏰ ⭐
But darkness isn’t always a bad thing. Darker nights bring many benefits for our natural environment, supporting wildlife and helping nature thrive.
Stargazing beneath our dark skies also connects us to centuries of traditions and our enduring fascination with the stars. ✨
Our National Parks are home to some of the darkest skies in the UK. By protecting these special places, we can help preserve the dark skies that benefit both people and nature.
#DarkSkies #NationalParks #ClocksGoBack
👻 Strange sights and spooky stories await in the @Southdownsnp
From mist-shrouded woods and twisted trees to castles beneath the moon, the National Park is home to many eerie spots.
And across our 15 National Parks, there are tales that have endured for centuries, legends still passed down today, and histories with dark chapters.
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Ghost in South Downs - Luis Fernando Mancilla
Iping tree - Richard Murray
Harvest moon - Andrew Gambling Photography
Devil’s Dyke - Sam Moore
Stamner Park - Finn Curry
#SouthDowns #Halloween #NationalParks
🎉 Happy Exmoor Day, @exmoornp!
Today, Exmoor National Park celebrates years of connecting people with nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.
From England’s largest wild red deer herd and native ponies to Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and dramatic landscapes, Exmoor is a place full of life, history and discovery.
Its landscapes, wildlife and historic villages bring people closer to nature and create opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
Here’s to Exmoor – and many more adventures to come! 💚
#Exmoor #ExmoorNationalPark #NationalParksUK
Happy birthday @parc_eryri 🎂
From its towering peaks and sweeping valleys to its rich heritage, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a place that means so much to so many people.
It`s a landscape full of stories, shaped by generations of people and home to some of Wales` most treasured places, from the summit of Yr Wyddfa to the quieter corners.
Today, we`re celebrating everything that makes Eryri unique, from the people and traditions that give it its character to the ongoing work to protect its landscapes and wildlife.
Share your favourite memories of Eryri in the comments! 💬
📸Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia @cinqueportsphotography
#Eryri #EryriNationalPark #TheAnswerIsNationalParks
Autumn is a chance to give nature a helping hand. 🍂
From leaving fallen leaves to providing food for birds, small actions can make a big difference to the world around us.
Here are some of the ways to help nature this season.
#NatureRecovery #Autumn #NationalParks
An ancient wall almost 2,000 years old, and a catch-up with your mate? ✅
Historic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park have been connecting people for centuries.
While that connection looks very different today from the wall’s original role as a Roman defensive fortification, it’s still a place where people come together and explore history.
Because our National Parks are about so much more than great places for a day out. They’re places to connect with friends, clear your head, get active and learn about history, all in one place.
#Northumberland #HadriansWall #NationalParksUK
They’re more than just pretty places. 🌳
Our National Parks are home to some incredible trees, from ancient giants to England’s tallest tree.
Swipe through for a few #WildFacts about the trees growing across our 15 National Parks.
#NationalParksUK #Trees #Woodland
