With the mountains just starting to curl up for winter, the scenery of the Brecon Beacons can be at it’s most dramatic. There are a handful of great stops to admire the fall foliage, take a hike and bag some great memento snaps including Craig Cerrig Gleisiaid a Fan Frynach, Llyn y Fan Fach and Llanthony Priory (sandwiched between the autumn-hued hills of Twmpa and Hay Bluff). For a peaceful autumn stroll, head to the Brecon and Monmouth Canal to see migrating birds headed to warmer climes, sun dappled leafy trails, chugging canal barges and cosy fireside pubs.
Pontneddfechan Waterfall Country
This beauty spot in the heart of the Vale of Neath is a great place to view the autumn colours along the leafy trails leading up to Sgwd Gwladus, Melincourt Falls, Aberdulais and Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind a curtain of water. Pontneddfechan waterfall country is a photographer’s paradise with a number of waterfalls and tracks to explore, the remains of the old gunpowder works and silica mines provide plenty of nooks and crannies ripe for discovering. Feeling hungry after your walk? Stop off for a cosy fire-side pint in the Old White Horse Inn, near the falls.
The Wye Valley
As an AONB, Wye Valley is awash view beautiful photo opportunities of autumn foliage and sweeping views. Tintern Abbey’s monastic ruins are a sight to behold in the autumn, with surrounding trees on the hills tinted red and orange. For an impressive sweeping view, head to Kymin Tower, an 18th century Round House and Naval Tower, where you can observe gorgeous views of Monmouth and the Wye Valley. Serious hiking buffs should consider walking a section of the 136-mile Wye Valley Walk to explore the rich colours of the wooded ravines, limestone gorges and rugged moorland slopes on the trail.
The Brecon Canal
The Brecon Canal towpath enchants autumn walkers. Still canal waters reflect jewelled leaves of red and gold. Bright painted boats pass aqueducts and bridges, and the wild and rural Brecon Beacons cast a storybook glow upon the towpath walk. The 35 mile canal towpath begins in Brecon and traverses the Usk Valley through villages, under bridges and across an aqueduct until it rambles into Five Locks in Cwmbran. Trees and wildflowers line the path, making it a haven for birds and butterflies. It’s a mild and easy walk, so take it in small sections depending upon how much time you have. Be sure to stop along the way to sample a local pub.
Talgarth Woods and Waterfalls 
At the National Botanic Garden in Wales, the wooded valley of Pont Felin Gat displays ancient woodland flowers and culminates in a dramatic waterfall built 200 years ago. A leisurely stroll through Pont Felin Gat can be done in about 90 minutes or less.If you’re still yearning for more scenery, take in the rest of the Botanic Garden, housed in the 568-acre historic Middleton Hall estate. Walled gardens, formal borders, endless varieties of flora, and a garden café provide a colourful day out.
