The Beacons Way
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Beacons Way, a 159-km trail through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems for experienced walkers.
Exploring the National Park using The Beacons Way
The Beacons Way walk offers some of the best views the National Park has to offer. If you want to complete the whole 159km (99 mile) walk it takes eight days, or you can do it one day at a time at your convenience.
Some days are more challenging than others so you can choose what suits you and maybe set yourself a challenge to build up to the more strenuous days. Day lengths vary from 16 to 23.5km (10 to 14.5 miles), often with significant climbs, so be prepared for a challenging route needing fitness and careful planning.
The Beacons Way was first established in 2005 by John Sansom. He was a keen walker and a key member of the Brecon Beacons Park Society. Since its inception numerous walkers have enjoyed the route, taking in the breath-taking vistas that it offers.
The route of the Beacons Way is designed to present the most beautiful sites in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park to the walker.
Please note that the route shown in this Guide was revised in 2016. Please only use maps from after 2016 and take care to follow the new route. A Route Guide is available in the National Park’s visitor and information centres or by post.
An iconic walk
The Beacons Way is an iconic walk which runs the length of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a challenging route, but well within the reaches of a fit and competent walker not afraid of hills.
Demanding uphill climbs and undulating ridges give spectacular views of the National Park, its varied landscapes and its wildlife.
The trail often goes off the beaten track taking routes into back country not usually explored. The route has limited waymarking, especially on open hill and moorland sections, mobile phone signals can be limited so you will need to bring a map and use your navigation skills.
The rewards are great – new vistas and new experiences wait..
In the west where accommodation is scarcer and the use of taxis or public transport may be needed but will have to be organised in advance. Unless you are a very experienced winter hill-walker, you should plan your walk during the summer when more daylight is available and weather conditions more forgiving. The timings for each day have been calculated based on an average walking speed of 4.5km per hour.
The Land of the Beacons Way
A fully-illustrated book by Dilys Harlow, describing the landscape and geology across the Brecon Beacons National Park as seen from the Beacons Way. Published by the South Wales Geologists Association and available to order for £7.95 from their website www.swga.org.uk. Also available from the National Park Visitor Centre.
The book is available from the National Park’s visitor centres and from various bookshops, outdoor equipment shops and Tourist Information Centres in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Brecon Beacons Park Society (an independent membership organisation – not part of the National Park Authority) sometimes organises guided walks along the Beacons Way.
Please follow the Countryside Code at all times.
The revision of the route in 2016 was grant aided by Welsh Government through Visit Wales. You can buy the full Beacons Way booklet from our online shop.
The Beacons Way
