Craig-Y-Nos Country Park (breconbeacons.org) is a popular attraction within the Brecon Beacons that lies on the banks of the River Tawe. It was laid out during the Victorian era by the owners of Craig-Y-Nos Castle, but its woodlands, meadows and two artificial lakes are now open to everyone. Craig-Y-Nos offers its visitors the chance to enjoy walks through woodlands and meadows that are rich in wildlife. The paths through the country park include a boardwalk over one of the lakes.
The Brecon Mountain Railway (breconmountainrailway.co), one of "the great little trains of Wales," runs along the shores of the Taf Fechan Reservoir from Pant to Pontiscill. After relaxing in one of the all-weather observation coaches during the trip from Pant through some of Britain's most magnificent scenery, the railway's passengers enjoy views of the Central Beacons mountain range. Once back at Pant, there's an opportunity to visit the locomotive workshop, before following the footpath to the nearby picnic site that offers panoramic views of the entire area.
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (canaljunction.com) begins at the Canal Basin beside the new theater in Brecon. Its route takes it through villages and farmland. The canal has many interesting features including an aqueduct that carries it over the River Usk, the tunnel through which a section of the canal travels near Talybont, the Goitre Wharf and numerous lifting bridges that were constructed in the Dutch style. Short trips along the waterway are available on horse-drawn vessels. It is also possible to hire boats or enjoy a narrow boat holiday.
Expert guides lead parties of walkers along a wide range of walking routes to help them understand more about the national park. These walks are graded as "easy," "moderate," "energetic" and "strenuous." Moderate, energetic and strenuous walks all involve some degree of ascent. Participants in the strenuous walks can expect "several steep ascents requiring a good level of fitness." Easy walks are described as being taken at an "easy relaxed pace" and are therefore suitable for "novice walkers."
