Horse riding
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is a dream destination for horse lovers, offering over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks that wind through breathtaking landscapes.
The best riding experiences in Europe
With it’s scenery, abundant wildlife and peaceful atmosphere, the region is home to some of the best riding experiences in Europe. Easily accessible via excellent road and rail links, the National Park feels like a world away from urban life. Here, the only delays are for a relaxing pub lunch while your horse grazes nearby.
Riding for beginners
If it’s your first time on horseback, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is the ideal place to start. Trekking provides a unique way to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, and for many, it becomes the start of a lifelong passion. Pony trekking centres offer routes that take you into the park’s uplands, providing unforgettable views.
Horse riding and trekking
Local riding and trekking centres offer top-quality services, including trekking holidays, short rides, hacking, and pony trekking, ensuring an adventure for every rider of every ability.
Horse Riding and Trekking
Riding for Improvers
Already comfortable in the saddle? Centres can organize faster, longer rides tailored to your abilities. For group rides, ensure everyone’s skill level aligns for a seamless experience.
Horseback adventure routes
Explore thousands of acres of hills, moors and fields, crisscrossed by ancient trails and lanes, perfect for riders of all abilities. Enjoy the freedom to ride all day, sharing panoramic views with soaring buzzards.
Horseback Adventure Routes
Riding for Advanced Riders
Seasoned riders can enjoy exhilarating canters across hills and rugged tracks. Centres provide a variety of horses and will tailor rides to your preferences.
Horse riding holidays
Unforgettable horse riding holidays for families, couples and friends, combining adventure, relaxation and connection with nature.
We have plenty on offer. From half-day and full-day rides, to multi-day riding holidays (2–7 days) and pony trekking for all levels. Riding in our National Park will leave you wanting more
Local Businesses
Horseback adventure routes and bridleways
Our waymarked routes and bridleways offer exceptional opportunities to explore the diverse and breath-taking landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park on horseback.
Three Rivers Ride
This iconic 35-mile route takes riders through lowland and upland bridleways, passing the western flank of the Black Mountains, Llangorse Lake, and the River Usk, before finishing at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus. Part of the National Bridleroute Network developed by The British Horse Society, riders can purchase rosettes at the Visitor Centre to commemorate their achievement.
Black Mountains Riding Loops
Explore four circular loops that offer varied terrain and stunning views. Stay overnight at horse-friendly B&Bs or let local riding centres handle logistics, including luggage transfers and guiding services.
Radnor Forest Ride
Starting at the Visitor Centre, this 70-mile route takes you through some of Wales’ most picturesque upland scenery via bridleways, byways, and quiet lanes.
The route has been researched and developed by The British Horse Society and is part of the National Bridleroute Network
The British Horse SocietyFurlong Route Ride
Explore around 12 miles of linked loops through the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, featuring woodlands, forests, and mountain views.
Epynt Way
A 55-mile circular permissive bridleway near the MOD’s Sennybridge Training Area, offering dramatic mountain terrain and sweeping vistas.
Epynt WayCrychan Forest
Located at the gateway to the Cambrian Mountains, Crychan Forest features waymarked routes ranging from 5 to 25 miles. Facilities include horse-box-friendly car parks and sandy corrals.
Crychan ForestTread and Trot Trails, Monmouthshire
The Tread and Trot Trails app guides riders, walkers, and cyclists through Monmouthshire’s countryside, offering wildlife spotting and time trials.
Tread and Trot Trails
Local businesses
Horse Riding Holidays
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park offers unforgettable horse riding holidays for families, couples and friends, combining adventure, relaxation and connection with nature.
Over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks
With over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks, this region is ideal for exploring breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife and serene trails.
Grange Horse Riding and Trekking Centre
Tailor-made experiences
Our riding and trekking centres provide tailor-made experiences to suit all abilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try horseback riding for the first time or an experienced rider seeking thrilling canters across the hills, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy half-day rides, full-day treks or multi-day holidays ranging from two to seven days.
Cantref Adventure Farm Horseriding and Trekking Experiences
Experienced trail guides
Qualified, experienced trail guides accompany you on your journey, leading you to horse-friendly B&Bs where you and your mount can rest and recharge. Luggage transfers and even aromatherapy massages can be arranged to make your experience truly stress-free.
Tregoyd Mountain Riders
Perfect for all occasions
Perfect for couples seeking a unique getaway, friends reuniting or anyone looking to escape the pace of modern life, horse riding in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is both rejuvenating and eco-friendly.
Pentre Riding Stables
Local businesses
Horse Riding and Trekking
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is a premier destination for horse riding and trekking, catering to riders of all abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced equestrian, our riding centres offer tailored experiences to suit your skill level.
Riding for Beginners
If it’s your first time on horseback, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is the ideal place to start. Trekking provides a unique way to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, and for many, it becomes the start of a lifelong passion. Pony trekking centres offer routes that take you into the park’s uplands, providing unforgettable views.
Riding for Improvers
Already comfortable in the saddle? Centres can organize faster, longer rides tailored to your abilities. For group rides, ensure everyone’s skill level aligns for a seamless experience.
Riding for Advanced Riders
Seasoned riders can enjoy exhilarating canters across hills and rugged tracks. Centres provide a variety of horses and will tailor rides to your preferences.
What’s on Offer
We have plenty on offer. From half-day and full-day rides, to multi-day riding holidays (2–7 days) and pony trekking for all levels. Riding in our National Park will leave you wanting more.
Local businesses
Fishing
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) offers some of Wales’ finest fishing opportunities with renowned rivers, scenic lakes and well-stocked reservoirs. Whether you’re game fishing for salmon and trout or coarse fishing for pike, perch and roach, the park is a prime destination for anglers of all skill levels.
The River Wye
Flowing near Hay-on-Wye, this river is known for barbel, chub, perch and pike. Day tickets are widely available.
The River Usk
Famous for salmon and wild brown trout, the Usk Valley offers idyllic fishing. The Wye and Usk Passport provides permits and conservation updates.
Talybont Reservoir
A productive brown trout fishery located in the Caerfanell Valley. Permits are available from Welsh Water.
Usk Reservoir
A remote trout fishery with stunning views of the Carmarthen Fans. Permits are issued near the dam wall.
Llangorse Lake
South Wales’ largest natural lake is ideal for pike, perch and tench fishing. Permits and boats are available from Lakeside Boat Hire.
Llangorse Lake Boat Hire and Fishing
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Perfect for trout, carp and perch, this canal features accessible towpaths, including wheelchair-friendly sections.
Important information
To fish in Wales, you must have a Rod Licence, valid for one day, eight days, or a full year, which can be purchased online, by phone, or at Post Office branches.
Practice responsible fishing by adhering to guidelines, obtaining permits, and following the Check, Clean, Drain, Dry routine to prevent invasive species. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) while preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.
Group Activities
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is an ideal destination for group getaways, offering a wide range of activities and accommodation options for families, friends, students, stag and hen parties, and corporate teams.
Something for every group
You can choose from scheduled activity sessions or work with experienced organisers to create a tailored programme. Whether you’re looking for fun team challenges, physical adventures, or activities focused on skill-building and leadership, there’s something for every group.
Water-based adventures:
Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing and windsurfing.
Activities at Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer
Land-based exploration
Animal & farm based activities, hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and pony trekking.
Good Day Out, Animal Experiences
Nature and skills
Navigation, foraging, bushcraft, wildlife watching, archery and clay pigeon shooting.
Borderlands Outdoor
Adventure challenges
Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking and zip wires.
Zip World Tower Colliery, Phoenix
Local Businesses
Golf
The National Park and it’s surrounding areas offer a selection of golf courses set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, providing both challenging play and breath-taking views.
Cradoc Golf Club
Located just two miles north of Brecon, Cradoc Golf Club features an 18-hole parkland course renowned for its natural surroundings, mature tree-lined fairways, and occasional water hazards. The course is designed to challenge golfers of all abilities and is complemented by a welcoming clubhouse.
Cradoc Golf Club
Brecon Golf Club
Situated at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, this 9-hole course was originally designed by James Braid.
With a yardage of 6,122 and a par of 70, it offers a fair yet challenging experience for golfers of all levels. The predominantly flat terrain makes it accessible for players of all ages.
Glynneath Golf Club
Nestled within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Glynneath Golf Club provides a scenic 18-hole course. Its location offers easy access, being only 20 minutes from Swansea and 30 minutes from Cardiff, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
Celtic Manor Resort
Championship Golf in South Wales – Celtic Manor Resort
Set against the rolling landscapes on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Celtic Manor offers a world-class golfing experience with three championship courses, each designed to challenge and inspire.
Perhaps best known as the host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, the Twenty Ten Course is a true test of golfing skill, purpose-built for match play and full of drama from the first tee to the final green. Alongside it, the Roman Road and The Montgomerie offer varied and scenic layouts, with sweeping views across the Usk
Things to do
Where to stay
Climbing
Explore the heights of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and take your climbing skills to new levels.
Challenges for climbers of all abilities
With a tradition of Traditional & Sports climbing the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) has limestone cliffs, rocky escarpments and old quarries, our National Park offers a range of challenges for climbers of all abilities.
Whether you’re seeking a sheltered rock for winter bouldering, bolted faces for sports climbing or an all-weather indoor option, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and it’s landscapes are the perfect backdrop for adventure. We recommend that experienced outdoor climbers grab their guide books for South Wales.
Climbing and Bouldering at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
For Beginners: Try a Taster Session
If you’re new to climbing, book a session with an experienced and qualified instructor. They’ll guide you through the basics of rock climbing and abseiling, helping you discover the excitement of scaling natural rock faces safely.
For Improvers: Build Your Skills
If you’ve caught the climbing bug and want to develop your abilities, a Mountaineering Instructor can help you tackle more advanced routes or teach you the skills needed to climb independently.
Local guides and instructors can tailor experiences to your goals and interests.
For Experts: Independent Adventures
Experienced climbers will find plenty of challenges in the National Park. From traditionally protected routes to bolted sport climbs and quality bouldering, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park offers diverse climbing opportunities in spectacular settings.
Local businesses
Stunning Bluebell Walks
As winter gives way to spring, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) bursts into life with breathtaking displays of bluebells carpeting its woodlands and nature reserves. These delicate flowers, with their charming Welsh names like bwtsiasen y gog (‘cuckoo’s boots’) and cloch yr eos (‘nightingale’s bell’), are a seasonal highlight you won’t want to miss.
Pwll-yr-Wrach Reserve
This Talgarth gem features bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic. Nearby, visit [Talgarth Mill Café] or the [Old Railway Garden Centre] or see more flowers pushing through at [Gwernyfed Walled Garden and Café] in Three Cocks.
Castle Woods, Dinefwr Park
Dinefwr Park near Llandeilo boasts a stunning bluebell carpet. Explore the castle and enjoy refreshments at the park café or head to [The Plough Inn] in Rhosmaen.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Spring Woods and Pont Felin Gât offer vibrant wildflower displays alongside Regency-era remnants.
Priory Groves, Brecon
Adjacent to Brecon Cathedral, this mixed woodland hosts bluebells and river wildlife. Stop by [The Hours Café and Bookshop] for a treat.
Skirrid Mountain
The Holy Mountain’s western slopes dazzle with bluebells. End your visit at the Walnut Tree Inn or [Angel Hotel].
Coed Cefn, Crickhowell
This ancient woodland combines bluebells with history, thanks to its Iron Age hill fort. Nearby, visit [Book-ish Café], [The Bear Hotel], or [The Dragon Inn].
This National Trust hill fort offers bluebells, wildlife, and sweeping views of the Sugarloaf and Usk Valley.
This National Trust hill fort offers bluebells, wildlife, and sweeping views of the Sugarloaf and Usk Valley.
Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park offers a paddling adventure for everyone, from canal & river outings to autumn and winter whitewater challenges.
Wye and Usk Foundation
Check river access, webcams, and water levels for the Wye and Usk rivers.
Visit Wye and Usk FoundationCanal and River Trust
Explore the tranquil Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Visit Canal and River TrustJoin a Canoe Club
Loved your paddling experience? Join a local club like Brecon Canoe Club or Glasbury Paddlers to enhance your skills and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Visit Canoe Wales for more club options
Paddle Cymru
