Photograph © Bob Grainger Photography Caption: Dog walkers at Craig-y-nos Country Park
1. Mynydd Illtyd Common – An easy walk over closely gropped open ground to an Iron Age hill fort, passing upland ponds and gorse outcrops with spectacular views in all directions
2. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – One of the most scenic and spectacular canals in the UK. The towpath winds its way for over 50km between Brecon and Cwmbran and has good views over farmland, woodland and mountains.
3. Hay-on-Wye Riverside Walk and the Warren – The riverside walk or Bailey walk follows the old railway line alongside the wooded banks of the Ricer Wye and leads to an area of grassland known locally as the ‘Warren’.
4. Castle Meadows, Abergavenny – This 20-hectare site of flat, floodplain grazing land is next to the River Usk, along with bordering trees, small copses, stream and ponds.
5. Bullpit Meadow, Crickhowell – close to the bridge over the River Usk at Crickhowell. The meadows are well used by local people and visitors for walking and recreation.
6. Llangorse Lake and Common – The flat, grassy common alongside Llangorse Lake has good views of the surrounding hills and the central Brecon Beacons.
7. Talybont Reservoir and Forest – This scenic, 3km long reservoir is surrounded by steep hill, forestry and farmland.
8. Forestry Trails – The forestry commission manages several forests within the nationl Park which have open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Most of the forests have designated car parks and compacted stone tracks which encourages easier access.
9. Usk Reservoir – Is in a remote area surrounded by forest and moorland overlooking Mynydd Du of the Black Mountain. There is an 8km circular trail which winds its way around the reservoir.
10. Bwlch with Altitude – energetic 12 mile circular walk with 360 degree views of Llangors Lake. You will climb two hills – that’s the altitude bit -starting and ending at the pub in Bwlch (pronounced Boolkh).
For more information on dog friendly holidays in the Brecon Beacons click here.
Make sure you have an enjoyable and safe time in the Brecon Beacons, by adhering to these rules:
Stay in control
By law, you must keep your dog under effective control so your dog does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and commonland between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals. You don't have to put your dog on a lead on public paths as long as it is under effective control. But as a general rule, it's considerate to keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. Remember, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals. You don’t want to spoil someone else’s walk by your dog upsetting them or their children, not everyone is as comfortable or confi
dent around dogs as you are.
Be aware of other animals
Move carefully and quietly around cattle, never pass between a cow and her calf. Be particularly wary of situations where you may unintentionally be 'herding' cattle into a confined space where their only means of escape is back past you. If a farm
animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it. Take care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
Tidy up
Dog mess can cause illness and infections – to both humans and other animals. Please clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly – this means taking it with you and then disposing of it safely. Be
sure to leave all gates as you found them.
Follow the rules
At certain times dogs may not be allowed on some areas of open land or may need to be kept on a lead, so keep an eye out for any signs. You can also find out more about these rules from Natural Resources Wales.
