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Hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales!

Hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales!

If you’re visiting Wales then you need to make time for Brecon Beacons National Park. Just a short drive from Cardiff, a multitude of beautiful hikes await you. From craggy ridges and sweeping valleys to the highest peak in southern Britain, you won’t be left wanting after seeing these wondrous views. In this post we talk about hikes that we trekked while visiting Brecon Beacons National Park and show you where to find more!

A view of England and Wales from Hatterall Ridge in Brecon Beacons National Park

Llanthony and Hatterall Ridge, Monmouthshire

Hike the ridge near Llanthony Priory in Wales

Begin your Brecon Beacons National Park adventure with some history and gaze at some medieval ruins dating back to the 12th century. Whether you take time to enjoy the ruins at the beginning or end of your hike is up to you. This hike is circular in shape and runs about 4.5 miles in length.

Medieval ruins of Llanthony Priory in Brecon Beacons National Park

You’ll find the climb a bit steep but once you’re on the ridge, fantastic views are all around you. From snowy peaks in the distance (during the right season) to seemingly endless valleys below, enjoy the sights as well as roaming horses and sheep.

Hatterall Ridge view in Brecon Beacons National Park

Wild pony eating grass on Hatterall Ridge

There is free parking in a decent sized lot next to the ruins. Make a trip out of it and stay in the Llanthony Priory Hotel next door!

Snow scattered over the ground and on the distant peaks in Brecon Beacons National Park

Craig-Cerrig-gleisiad

This shorter trek is very close to one of the most popular hikes in all of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen y Fan, which we talk more about below. Craig-Cerrig-gleisiad spans almost 3 miles and is also circular. There’s a small parking area just off the main highway and the trail head is very visible with signage.

View of valleys in Brecon Beacons National Park

Watch your step as you ascend and traipse along the cliff edges. It’s a ways down! While this hike is short in length, it can be quite challenging with its steep ups and downs. But don’t let that deter you from this gem of a hike in the Brecon Beacons. Dodge the massive crowd walking up to Pen y Fan and get a glimpse of the highest peak in southern Britain from afar, quiet and peaceful.

Steep jagged cliffs in Craig-Cerrig-Gleisiad in Wales

Pen y Fan

View of Pan Y Fan

While we didn’t hike Pen y Fan, it was our intention to. However, we arrived mid-morning to find over a mile of cars parked along the highway and the parking lot full. Gazing upward toward the trail we could see tons of people. That didn’t suit our fancy so we continued on and found Craig-Cerrig-gleisiad instead, which was perfect!

We attempted to hike Pen y Fan on a weekend so we’re certain that played a part in it being so crowded. If you have the opportunity to hike Pen y Fan, we recommend trying a weekday. The pictures online look stunning so we’re sure it’s an amazing hike.

Summary of Hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park

A horse running up Hatterall Ridge with green background in Brecon Beacons National Park

These are just a few of the hikes that await you in Brecon Beacons National Park. Wales is a truly beautiful country and you should see it for yourself when you visit. For more info on hikes in Brecon Beacons check out the National Trust website or if you’re looking for more walks throughout the UK, try Countryfile Magazine’s website. They have some great lists and info for you.

Thanks for reading and happy hiking!

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Are you in Wales and looking for things to do? Take a short drive from Cardiff and hike in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park! Check out our hikes!

Darah and Garrett in Spain

Where Food Takes Us

We’re Darah and Garrett. Our life has been an adventure ever since we eloped in a pink Cadillac in Las Vegas. Now we’re running around the world, working online, and eating everything we can.

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