If you’re looking to burn off the few added calories after Christmas, the Brecon Beacons provides the perfect place to venture out and go for a scenic walk. The Central Beacons is the highest mountain range in southern Britain. Many walkers make for the famous twin summits of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du for challenge and adventure. However, the 520 square mile extent of our Park also contains three other upland areas, the Black Mountain range, the Fforest Fawr massif and the Black Mountains, all with their own distinctive character and spectacular walking potential. Here are some boxing day walks you can enjoy!
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
The canal offers a wonderfully scenic and varied walk, with stunning views and lots of wildlife along the way. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll after Christmas Day. Click here for a walk along the canal from Crickhowell.
Mynydd Illtud, Libanus
This is a simple, straightforward walk across a high common, with excellent views of the snowy hills throughout. It culminates in a short but steep ascent to an iron age hill fort, where there are stunning panoramic views that are sure to take your breath away. More here.
The Fforest Fawr Massif
Sugarloaf Mountain, Abergavenny
This rewarding walk takes you up the distinctive Sugar Loaf Mountain. Viewed from some directions it has the shape of a sugar loaf or even a volcano (which it isn’t!). It is a short climb to the summit and on a clear day it is possible to see hills as far north as Shropshire and as far south as Somerset as well as many of the major mountains in the Brecon Beacons. Find the walking route here.
The Bryn, The Black Mountains
Starting from the Talybont dam along part of the Henry Vaughan trail, this route goes through beechwoods and fields around the base of the Bryn. Then out onto open moorland to the summit with its fantastic view and majestic Beacons backdrop.
Craig y Nos Country Park
Situated in a dramatic and romantic location in the secluded upper Swansea Valley, Craig-y-nos Country Park is a 40-acre Victorian garden with shady woodlands, meadows, ponds, lazy lawns and rushing rivers. Find out more here
Bwlch to Tor y Foel
Fresh air, lush valleys and big views – this energetic, exhilarating walk comes with lots of ups and downs, with forest, lake, canal and historic tramroad along the way. Find the walking route here.
Usk Valley near Crickhowell
Take a tranquil stroll along lanes, footpaths and the canal and make sure you fit in time to enjoy a flask of tea and a snack. Or choose from one of the many friendly pubs along the canal, all dog friendly of course.
You don’t have to go far for a great walking experience in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our collection of walks measuring three miles or less offers the perfect way to dip into our great outdoors.
These walks can be taken at a relaxed pace and are ideal for novice walkers. While they are short, please make sure you are fully prepared before you set out. Weather conditions will have an impact and the ground could be wet or muddy. Wear comfortable clothes that enable you to move freely, and flat shoes or boots with grip on the soles. Find the collection of walks here
If you’re looking for a slightly more substantial experience, our collection of walks between three and seven miles in length has something for you.
Riverside rambles, rocky geotrails and sky-high mountain views all feature. A few contain some fairly sharp gradients, so make sure you wear solid shoes or boots with good grips. Find the moderate walks here
If you want to really stretch your legs, this is the perfect place to start. Our collection of walks measuring nine miles or more comes complete with testing climbs, steep descents and challenging terrain – as well as spectacular, super-sized Brecon Beacons views.
If you’re tackling one of our longer routes, make sure that you’re fully prepared. Check out our information on walking safely to ensure that you have everything you need for an enjoyable trip. Find out the routes here.
