The Brecon Beacons mountains are located between South and Mid Wales in the western part of the British Isles. They are 55 miles north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. The Beacons lie between the Black Mountains to the east and the similarly named Black Mountain range of mountains to the west. These three mountain ranges lie within the 520 square miles of the National Park. Main access towns are Brecon and Hay on Wye. There are train connections to the rest of the UK in Abergevenny to the east, and Llandeilo and Llandovery to the west.
The Brecon Beacons mountain range is characterized by exposed open moorland and rugged mountains. The highest peak is Pen Y Fan at 2907 feet. Around Pen Y Fan the mountains form a line of ridges with gently sloping sides and craggy tops, making for excellent hiking. Because the Brecon Beacons are exposed and prone to rapid changes in weather, they can be a difficult environment in winter. In other parts of the National Park are reservoirs, lakes and the sandstone cliffs of Fforest Fawr. Water rushing southwards from the Fforest Fawr cliffs has formed steep river valleys with spectacular waterfalls.
Because of the lakes, rivers and varied landscapes of the park, there is a huge range of outdoor activities. Marked trails for hiking can be found throughout the park, including the long-distance Beacons Way. This trail covers a 100-mile route through the park. The National Park Visitor Centre (breconbeacons.org) in Libanus has information on the trails and other park activities. Pontsticill Reservoir and Llangors Lake have sailing and kayaking The Black Mountains above Abergevenny attract mountain bikers and the long distance cycle route the Taff Trail passes over the Beacons on its way from Brecon to Cardiff. The Brecon Beacons area is particularly well equipped for horse riding with extensive bridle paths and stables.
Like the rest of Wales, The Brecon Beacons National Park is rich in castles. The 12th-century Castell Cennen stands on a limestone crag outside of Llandelio. A much larger castle built and rebuilt from the 11th Century on can be seen in Brecon. Throughout the park are dotted many hill forts and standing stone dating back even further. In recent history, the tiny town of Hay on Wye has become the Town of Books with more than 30 shops and 1 million books on sale.
