Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Explore the diverse landscape of the Brecon Beacons
Pont ar Daf car park (access to Pen y Fan), Near Storey Arms, Libanus, Powys, LD3 8NL
Opening times for 26 November 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS282930311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301OpenPartially openClosedCar park
Free parking at NT car parks for NT members and Blue Badge holders. Main National Trust car park at Pont ar Daf, off A470: £7.50 per car, £10 per motorhome/minibus, £12 per coach. Cwm Gwdi car park (OS: SO024248): £4 per car, £8 motorhomes/minibuses. Alternatives not all National Trust
Toilet
Dogs allowed
Welcome on leads, please be aware of livestock
Parking: There are designated accessible parking bays available at Pont ar Daf, providing improved access for visitors with mobility needs. While Cwm Gwdi car park does not have marked accessible bays, it is level and surfaced for easier use. Pathways and Open Spaces: Access to the area is via gates or stiles. Mountain paths vary in slope and surface, ranging from grassy trails to gravel and stone-pitched pathways. These paths can be uneven and differ in width, requiring care when navigating. Visual Information: Five information boards are located at key points, including Storey Arms, Pont ar Daf, Cwm Gwdi, and the Tarell Valley footpath. These boards offer valuable details about the area, its trails, and local points of interest.
Accessible route and/or map
Pathways and open space - access is by gate or stile. Mountain paths are sloped, uneven and a mixture of grass, gravelled and stone pitched surfaces, which vary in width
By road
The main car park, Pont-ar-Daf, is 8 miles south of Brecon on the A470 Cardiff to Brecon road.
On foot
The Beacons Way runs from Abergavenny to Llangadog and passes through the property.
The Taff Trail travels along the western and eastern fringes of the property from Brecon (12 km / 8 miles) and also approaches the property from Talybont-on-Usk to the east.
By train
Merthyr Tydfil station (12 miles), Abergavenny station (30 miles). Links from both stations with T4 and T14 bus. Plan your journey:
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 8 (Lon Las Cymru) and the Taff trail travels along the western and eastern fringes of the property from Brecon and also approaches the property from the north, from Talybont-on-Usk to the east and Cardiff from the south. The infamous Gap Road, the highest trail in England and Wales, crosses the property and joins the trail at Torpantau.
Car-free
Travel the green way and plan your journey by train, bus, bike or foot at Good Journey
Pont ar Daf car park (access to Pen y Fan), Near Storey Arms, Libanus, Powys, LD3 8NL
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting central Brecon Beacons with your dog
Looking for places to explore with your four-legged friend? Central Brecon Beacons is just the place for you.
Article
Footpath work on the Brecon Beacons mountain range
The footpaths criss-crossing Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons mountain range are subject to erosion and they are maintained by a team of National Trust rangers and volunteers using traditional techniques.
Highlights
Pen y Fan
The highest peak in southern Britain and one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK.
Henrhyd Falls
This waterfall cascades for 90 feet – and you can walk behind it if you dare.
Cwm Gwdi
Once a Victorian military training camp, now a car park – and the start of some challenging walks.
Upper Tarell Valley
This glaciated valley in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons is home to semi-ancient woodlands.
Things to see and do
Article
Exploring Pen y Fan and Corn Du
Lose your head in the clouds as you climb Pen y Fan and Corn Du, the two highest peaks in southern Britain. This is one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK. Discover wild walks and scenery in the remote heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
Article
Visiting Henrhyd Falls and Graig Llech Woods
Discover Henrhyd Falls and watch the waterfall plunge into the heavily wooded gorge of the Nant Llech. The surrounding Graig Llech Woods are a haven for mosses and lichen. This natural green space is also enjoyed by birdwatchers due to the wide variety of woodland birds.
Top trails
Trail
Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk
Explore the Graig Llech Gorge and tranquil Nant Llech Valley on this adventurous Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) walk to see the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Trail
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) horseshoe ridge circular walk
A challenging circular upland mountain walk that takes you into the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog for the most spectacular views. Experience far-reaching view towards Pen y Fan into the Cwm Sere valley and look out for a Bronze Age burial cairn and evidence of military firing ranges.
Trail
Upper Tarell Valley walk
This 5-mile walk along an 18th-century track is packed with history, passing the remains of farmsteads once inhabited during the heyday of the coach road. Enjoy wildlife and views of Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad National Nature Reserve in the Bannau Brycheiniog..
Trail
Pen y Fan and Corn Du circular walk
Follow this strenuous, circular mountain walk on well-made footpaths to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons.
Places to stay
Dinefwr Home Farm
A traditional farmhouse with wooden floors, and a log burner on the beautiful Dinefwr Park.
Penparc
Nestled on the edge of the Dinefwr Park Estate with a gorgeous garden overlooking the valley, Penparc is a fabulous base for exploring the Welsh countryside
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) offer a spectacular landscape rich in natural beauty. Free from light and noise pollution it's the perfect respite from the chaos of modern life. Whether you're seeking challenging walks, wide open spaces or secluded waterfalls, the Bannau Brycheiniog provides the best of them all.
Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain, stands proudly flanked by Corn Du and Cribyn. From Fan y Big looking west towards the Beacons you can get the most stunning views in the whole area. You can also be sure to miss the crowds on this less-visited peak.
For a gentler amble, head to the upper Tarell Valley, which runs from Libanus to the Storey Arms. There are plenty of meandering walks through ancient woodland, where you can enjoy views of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, Fan Frynach and the central Beacons.
History
Article
History of Tommy Jones and the Brecon Beacons
The tragic story of a five-year-old boy who became lost on the mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons ) in the summer of 1900. This sad story has been re-told down through generations of families and has touched the hearts of many. A memorial stands as a reminder of discovery and loss.
Our work
Article
Footpath work on the Brecon Beacons mountain range
The footpaths criss-crossing Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons mountain range are subject to erosion and they are maintained by a team of National Trust rangers and volunteers using traditional techniques.
Support us
Article
Volunteering in the Brecon Beacons
There are several opportunities to volunteer in the Bannau Brycheiniog. You can meet and greet visitors at Pont ar Daf car park or you can join the Lengths team and help the rangers repair upland footpaths.
Latest news
Project
Project
New car park for Pen y Fan
There are plans to build an upgraded car park at Pont ar Daf, the most popular spot for hiking Pen y Fan. It will accommodate up to more cars, minibuses, coaches and bikes as well as provide toilets and changing facilities.