The Canal

The Monmouth and Brecon Canal runs for 33 miles, and it’s one of the most popular Brecon Beacons walks. Almost the whole of the canal route is within the Brecon Beacons National Park, and its beauty has made it a favourite with walkers long after the use of barges stopped. The tree-lined River Usk curves gracefully though the peaceful countryside and makes for an easy walk to follow and navigate.

Look out for stone bridges and lift bridges along the way and there are two little tunnels too. In some spots, walkers can still see where tramways bought coal, limestone and iron-ore to the canal wharves for loading.

Trails of the Riverbank

This is a great choice if you’re a family walking the Brecon Beacons. This level and easy route is four and a half miles long and should take around two and a half hours to complete. This pretty walk follows the River Usk and it starts at Pysgodlyn.

Finishing at Abergavenny, the walk passes green pastures, gentle hills and the historic Abergavenny Castle. The castle dates back to the 11 century and was demolited in 1645 as ordered by King Charles I.

The remains can still be seen, and the remaining buildings are home to a fascinating museum.

The Central Beacons

The Central Beacons trail is a mountainous and far more challenging choice of Brecon Beacons walk. This walk climbs the national park’s highest mountains and should take around six hours to complete.

This is a strenuous choice when walking the Brecon Beacons, so all the usual trekking and mountain walking guidelines apply. Also, please be aware that the weather can change without warning in the national park, so be prepared. This walk begins in Storey Arms and finishes at Llanfrynach. The X43 bus runs from Llanfrynach to Brecon throughout afternoons.

Along the Taff Trail from Pontsticill

This four mile Brecon Beacons walk is another one for all levels, as it mainly follows flat terrain. It starts at Cefn-coed-y-cymmer and should take around two and a half hours in total. Finishing in Pontsticill, this walk follows the lower areas of the Taf Fechan River, so expect stunning views.

There are great vantage points over a wooded valet, and this walk showcases the Brecon Beacons at their best. The walk is smoothly surfaced for much of the way, but it’s still best to wear sturdy shows. Keep your eyes peeled for the dam of the Pontsticill Reservoir, which is 110m high.