Experience Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) with ease and confidence with this collection of 15 short walks covering the very best of Wales' national park. Designed to be completed in under three hours, these routes guide you through cascading waterfalls, peaceful river valleys, rolling foothills and iconic peaks, offering accessible adventures for families, casual walkers and anyone keen to explore Wales' striking landscapes without long distances or steep climbs.

• Each walk includes straightforward step-by-step route descriptions alongside Ordnance Survey maps, making it easy to navigate even for those new to walking
• The guidebook describes manageable mountains such as Pen y Fan (Wales' second-highest mountain!) and the Sugar Loaf, so you can enjoy spectacular views after a gentle climb
• Relatively easy, lower-level routes explore waterfalls, river valleys and scenic canal paths, like the Four Waterfalls near Cwm Porth and the Pencelli Canal, perfect for families or walkers seeking a more relaxed experience
• Practical details for every walk cover parking, nearby facilities, and refreshment options, helping you plan hassle-free days out in the Brecon Beacons
• Most routes include guidance on how to extend or shorten walks, allowing you to adjust distances based on your experience or available time

This guidebook in Cicerone's Short Walks series provides a gentle introduction for beginners to explore the beauty of Bannau Brycheiniog, while offering experienced hikers rewarding afternoons out in the countryside. Whether you're enjoying a family holiday in the area or looking for local walks, these 15 short, accessible routes showcase the very best that this national park has to offer, from dramatic peaks to tranquil riversides. 

Author Highlight

“Several picturesque market towns lie on the edges of the park, such as Llandovery, Brecon, Crickhowell and Abergavenny, and these are also great places to explore. Both the River Usk and the tree-lined Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal that runs alongside it provide opportunities for a leisurely walk of variable length, and there are numerous unspoilt old pubs to enjoy – the Skirrid Mountain Inn is reputed to be one of the oldest in Wales.”

- Andy Davies, author of 15 Short Walks in Bannau Brycheiniog - Brecon Beacons

Location of walks 

Map key 

Using this guide 

Route summary table 

Introduction 

Walking in Bannau Brycheiniog 

Things to see 

Things to do 

Where to stay 

Travel 

The walks 

Walk 1 Henrhyd Falls 

Walk 2 Waterfall Country: Elidir Trail 

Walk 3 Waterfall Country: Four Waterfalls Walk 

Walk 4 Craig Cerrig-gleisiad 

Walk 5 Pen y Fan 

Walk 6 Llyn Cwm Llwch 

Walk 7 Cwm Sere 

Walk 8 Blaen-y-glyn waterfalls 

Walk 9 Pencelli canal walk 

Walk 10 Canal, Usk Valley and Afon Caerfanell 

Walk 11 River Usk, canal and Llangynidr Bridge 

Walk 12 Craig y Cilau 

Walk 13 Table Mountain 

Walk 14 Sugar Loaf 

Walk 15 Ysgyryd Fawr (Skirrid Mountain) 

Useful information

Seasons

Spring is the time to see the rich colours of flowering plants, and autumn provides a display of flaming oranges and reds as the deciduous trees prepare to shed their leaves.

Centres

The major towns of Brecon , Crickhowell and Abergavenny all lie along the Usk Valley.

Difficulty

Routes along the canal, waterfalls and river valleys are mostly flat, whereas the mountain walks contain some steep sections. Navigation is straightforward, with all routes following well-marked pathways.

Must See

waterfalls that you can walk behind; glacial U-shaped valleys; tranquil rivers and canals; aromatic wooded valleys with carpets of bluebells; a haunted pub; panoramic mountain views

July 2025

Walk 11

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