10 Best Walks in the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons are old. Really old. They began their formation 300 million years ago, under a shallow tropical sea. Now they’re bursting with natural formations. There are six main peaks, countless waterfalls, and a plethora of moors and escarpments. They’re stunning and full of reasons to visit. Of course some of the main reasons to visit are the number of walks, hikes and climbs that you can choose from which are packed with beautiful vista’s. The national park and mountains are well placed for most in Britain to visit. So if you’re looking to holiday or just want fulfilling day hike, then cease your search and go to the Brecon Beacons. In this post we’ll be highlighting the best walking routes in the Brecon beacons.

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales and one of the most popular hikes in the UK for a number of good reasons. There are many routes to the summit as well as offering a rewarding challenge for beginners and seasoned hikers. Expect panoramic views, ascents, and a variety of trailheads to choose from, including the classic horseshoe ridge loop. It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing a high-peak sunrise, going for a weekend workout or just getting out into nature, Pen y Fan delivers a standout walking experience.

Read our Pen y Fan guide.

Tucked away on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons, Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Wales and an often-overlooked spot that deserves a place on your Brecon Beacons walking itinerary. The short and rewarding hike is along a woodland trail parallel to the Nant Llech river, eventually leading you to the dramatic 27-metre high waterfall. It’s especially scenic after a heavy rain, when the falls are at full strength. If you're lucky, you might even catch a rainbow forming in the mist.

But what really sets Henrhyd Falls apart is its silver-screen cameo: it doubled as the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises. Unfortunately you won’t find any secret lairs, the cinematic setting and relatively quiet trail make this walk a standout. You can check out our full guide to the Henrhyd Falls & Hike, which includes the scenic river route, what to wear, and a GPX file to plot your route.

The Four Waterfalls Walk is one of the most iconic, and likely the most well-known, waterfall trails in the Brecon Beacons, and it's easy to see why. The waterfalls are located near Ystradfellte, an excellent circular walking route which will take you through a beautiful wooded gorge to four distinct waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the Sgwd yr Eira, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall.

This walking route is moderate, containing manageable terrain, and taking around 3 or 4 hours, making it a preferred route for families, casual walkers, and is perfect for anyone who needs an escape in to nature. The best times to go are after rain, which will show off each waterfalls full potential, however the paths can be muddy and uneven, so good footwear is important.

If you’re after dramatic ridgelines and lesser-known peaks, the poetically named Waun Fach via the Dragon’s Back is an excellent walk through the Brecon Beacons. Waun Fach is the highest summit in the Black Mountains reaching over 800 meters above sea level. It offers some striking views and contrasts, grassy moorlands, rolling great hills and panoramic vistas.

The most popular route begins from Pengenffordd and follows the spine of the Dragon’s Back, or Y Grib, a series of dragon-like hills that give this route its memorable name. This is a longer and more challenging walking route. Though it does give a sense of isolation as well as vast views as broad as long, making it well worth the effort.

Fan y Big really delivers on views and hiking satisfaction. Sitting just a stone’s throw from Pen y Fan and Corn Du, Fan y Big is often part of the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Ridge Walk, though if you're an avid hiker and are looking to add to your options for a hike, Fan y Big is a worthy standalone destination.

The summit is known for the famous “Diving Board” rock—a narrow ledge that juts out over the valley below and makes for a dramatic photo op. You might need nerves of steel however. The ascent from the Taf Fechan Forest is scenic and moderately challenging, and the route can be adapted into longer loops or out-and-backs. For a less crowded alternative to Pen y Fan, Fan y Big is a brilliant choice.

If you're looking for a shorter walk that can still give a sense of accomplishment, and a little exertion, Craig Cerrig Gleisiad offers phenomenal views. These views give an feeling that you're almost in a time before people, or an almost otherworldly atmosphere. All of this within a relatively short and compact loop. Just off the A470 near Storey Arms, this National Nature Reserve is a botanical haven and a top spot for spotting peregrine falcons, wild goats and more.

The circular trail climbs gently into a glacial bowl framed by craggy cliffs and then opens out into sweeping uplands. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking solitude without an all-day hike. Craig Cerrig Gleisiad might not be as well-known as its towering neighbours, but it’s every bit as rewarding.

Two iconic peaks in one day? Yes, please. Sugar Loaf and Ysgyryd Fawr are both located in the eastern fringes of the Brecon Beacons near Abergavenny, and each offers its own experience.

Sugar Loaf is the gentler of the two, a conical hill that rises from the green welsh countryside and rewards you with far-reaching views over the Usk Valley and even as far as the Bristol Channel on a clear day. The walk is relatively easy and well-signposted, making it perfect for beginners.

Ysgyryd Fawr, on the other hand, is steeped in myth and history. Said to have been split by lightning at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, this jagged ridge walk is short but steep, and it feels more dramatic than its modest height suggests. Combine both in a day for a satisfying double summit adventure.