Autumn walks in the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons comes alive in the autumn, with crisp leaves and roaring open fires in cosy inns and pubs. Head outdoors and go for a rejuvenating walk in many of the breathtaking spots in the Brecon Beacons.
Exploring on foot is a great way to embrace the autumnal colour, it’s a great opportunity to breathe in the cool crisp air and experience the best of this season with these walks in the Brecon Beacons.
1. Henrhyd Waterfall and Nant Llech walk
Discover the tranquil surroundings at Henrhyd Falls as you take this adventurous walk to the highest waterfall in South Wales.
Admire the spectacular falls in full flow
Plunging into the wooded Graig Llech Gorge, Henrhyd is best seen after a heavy downpour; please take care as paths can get very slippery. After visiting the falls take time to meander down the Nant Llech valley admiring the haven for wildlife that surrounds you and passing a disused watermill, the Melin Llech, along the way.
Find Henrhyd waterfall walk route here.
2. Cwm Llwch from Cwm Gwdi walk
This is the hard way to the summit of southern Britain’s highest mountain, Pen y Fan. Starting at just over 1000ft (310m) above sea level, you have 1893ft (576m) of climbing before the reaching the top at 2908ft (886m).
See the geological and archaeological features along the way. You will also take in the summit of Corn Du, the Tommy Jones obelisk and the legendary Llyn Cwm Llwch. Save this one for a clear day because then the views are truly spectacular.
Find the Cwm Llwch from Cwm Gwdi walking route here.
3. Craig Cerrig Gleisiad
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve is situated in the central part of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Experience a craggy mountain landscape just a few hundred metres from the A470 in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Here you will find yourself enclosed within an atmospheric amphitheatre created by the soaring cliffs of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad.
Try our waymarked walks to get a flavour of the reserve or, for map-readers wanting a longer walk, footpaths lead upwards to the lofty, exposed moorlands of Fan Frynych and across to the spectacular cliffs at Craig Cwm-du.
Find out more about walking Craig Cerrig Gleisiad here
4. Fan-Y-Big
For a quieter walk in the Brecon Beacons, why not hike up Fan-Y-Big and get a selfie on the ‘diving board’ rock formation?
It may not be the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons but the views are equally as spectacular and there are far fewer people here, especially in the autumn and winter.
You can get a dramatic photo on the rocky outcrop, known as the ‘diving board’, with the glorious scenery in the national park in the background.
5. National Botanic Gardens of Wales
At the National Botanic Garden of 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. In autumn the woodland floor comes alive with fruiting bodies of fungi, some recorded nowhere else in Wales.
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. You can find the route info here.
6. Talybont to Tof y Foel
Brecon Beacons Ambassador Dorian Thomas from TrigPoint Adventures shared his favourite hike from Talybont-on-Usk to Tor y Foel. A walk that combines a decent hill, a canal path, and the Taff Trail.
7. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or Mon and Brec for short, is a true hidden gem. A haven for wildlife and a favourite with nature-lovers, walkers and cyclists. The navigable section of the canal runs for approx. 36 miles from Brecon to Five Locks, Cwmbran.
A favourite with holiday boaters, there are loads of activities to enjoy on this beautiful canal. Relax on a boat trip, take in the local heritage, there are lime kilns and old workings from our industrial heritage that can be seen all along its length, spot wildlife, buzzards, red kites, herons and dragonflies.
Enjoy a family day out to the wonderful sites of Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks or Goytre Wharf, with its historic limekilns or pop in for a snack at Pontymoile or any of the numerous canal side pubs or cafes. Find out more about the canal walks here.
8. Go on a guided walk with an experienced walking guide. We have a number of excellent guides who would love to help you explore the park. Find out more and book a guide here.