The Brecon Beacons National Park is only half an
hour's drive north of Cardiff, and comprises four mountain ranges
and an interesting terrain of old mining valleys, bare escarpments,
and sprawling sheep farms.
Most visitors are walkers heading for Offa's Dyke
Path, which passes along the eastern border, or the Taff Trail,
heading south from Brecon. Offa's Path runs through the Black
Mountains, which boast spectacular views including sights such as
the ruins of Llanthony Priory, the River Honddu, the ancient hill
forts at Y Garn Goch, and the pretty church at Patrishow.
There is much to see and do in Brecon Beacons, and
popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rock
climbing, canoeing, spelunking (cave exploring), and sailing. The
popular mountain bike route, the Taff Trail, traces 100 miles
(160km) along Beacon's Way across the park. The highest point in
the Black Mountains is Waun Fach and the tallest peak in the Brecon
Beacons is Pen-y-Fan.
Don't be surprised if you bump into groups of
soldiers in the park - this is a major army exercise area and a
main training ground for the SAS, who you might see bounding up the
mountains, doing the Fan Dance. Around the park are the historic
market towns of Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, a fascinating little town
with Norman and Jacobean ruins and a famous collection of
second-hand book shops.