The Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh, is a spectacular national park with incredible hill ranges, mountains, and natural lakes in Southern Wales. Here are three reasons why you should make sure to visit this area.
National Showcaves Centre for Wales
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is a half hour’s drive from Swansea and located in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Centre contains a cave network that is claimed to be the longest in the UK at over 10 miles long, and has been voted ‘Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder’. Members of the public can book a guided tour around the widest parts of the cave, but narrower parts of the cave network are reserved for licensed cavers.
Pen y Fan
Pen y Fan, which means ‘The Top Peak’ in English, at 2,906 feet (886 meters) tall is the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons and the highest mountain in the UK south of Snowdonia. There are several routes to the summit and once you reach the top there are stunning views to enjoy and lots of other walks you can take should you wish to extend your hike.
Brecon Town
The town of Brecon is nestled only a few miles from Pen Y Fan and some of the biggest peaks in the area. Brecon has an interesting history, with foundations pre-dating the Dark Ages and medieval fortifications still standing. More recently, it has also developed a significant Nepalese community which is reflected in some fantastic restaurants, notably Zeera and Brecon Tandoori. With lots of green spaces just out of the center, and a lovely canal walk that goes through the town, Brecon is a town well worth a visit.