Overview
Start in Hay on Wye, book capital of the world before striking out for the bustling market town of Brecon. Enjoy the scenery of the A4069, arriving at Henryhd Waterfalls. Spend some time walking the valley and enjoying the waterfalls of Ystradfellte before taking a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Pass through Crickhowell pausing at Tretower before arriving at Llangorse Lake.
Hay-on-Wye
On the welsh borders and famed for its book festival this small town and castle ruins is a great place to start exploring the area. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy the stunning scenery whether driving, cycling, walking and canoeing. Nearby Llanthony Priory was one of the earliest houses of Augustinian canons to be founded in Britain. It is chiefly famous today for its wild and beautiful setting.
Brecon
On the banks of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal this is a lovely market town and city with a charming Cathedral, castle ruins and fine examples of Georgian town houses. The regimental museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers famed for their defence of Rourke’s Drift in the Zulu Wars, then known as the 23rd Foot, is based in the town.
Black Mountain Pass
Driving enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular scenery will love to drive along the A4069. Sharp hairpins, open moorland and numerous twists, dips and climbs featured on Top Gear in 2011 attract many to this road but watch out for sheep and speed cameras not forgetting to stop in the many laybys to admire the views.
Dol Henrhyd
Sgwd Henrhyd is the tallest waterfall in southern Wales with a drop of 90 feet. It lies on National Trust land on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park where the Nant Llech drops over the faulted edge of a hard sandstone known as the Farewell Rock. After a steep walk you can see the falls, which also doubled as the entrance to the Batcaves.
Ystradfellte
The village is popular for the nearby 4 waterfalls and caves set in wooded valleys in total contrast to the barren mountains to the north. Past two main falls on the river the climax of the walk is at Sgŵd yr Eira where you take the footpath down to stand behind the veil of the waterfall. The river Mellte disappears into the mouth of White Horse Cave. This cave has a large entrance at nearly 20 metres wide and 3 metres high.
Francis Terrace
For a relaxing way to explore the National Park try the vintage steam railway from Pant to Torpantau in an all-weather Observation Carriages. The journey takes you through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons and the summit of the original line.
Crickhowell
On the River Usk with a 17th century stone bridge, don’t forget to count the arches from both sides of the river, with both castle ruins and an iron age hill fort this a delightful market town to explore.
Glanusk Park
This huge privately owned estate includes 5 miles of the enchanting River Usk and the lovely Tower Bridge. There are 16,000 acres of common land containing ancient Celtic standing stones awaiting walkers.
Tretower
The 13th century Tretower castle ruins and the adjacent fortified medieval manor house Tretower Court featuring a magnificent vaulted timbered ceiling are fine examples of the period. After 20th century renovation the Court is one of the best examples in Wales of the manor house, fortunately avoiding destruction in the Welsh rebellion despite battles nearby.
Llangorse Lake
It is the largest natural lake in Wales and lies in a hollow formed by glacial action. Surrounded by a rolling patchwork of green hills, fields, meadows and hedgerows, Llangorse is a beautiful spot and a lovely place to sail, canoe, paddle or walk through the meadows and fields around the edges.
Also Nearby
