Underground adventures
The Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales is one of the most exciting and varied caving areas in Britain. Our Geopark includes four of the five longest limestone cave systems in Britain. Why not explore this fascinating underworld? You can go caving with one of the expert instructors and guides.
Sightseeing Underground
If you aren't quite ready to commit to the full caving experience the Dan yr Ogof Showcaves offers an amazing opportunity to explore caves and admire rock formations.
If you fancy immersing yourself in Wales' industrial past Big Pit should be on your itinerary. It's near the Park boundary to the South and the the main attraction is the mine underground but don't miss out the galleries on the hill - well worth a visit
General information
Our caves and caverns have been quietly forming for thousands of years, underground and out of sight. Visitors from all over the world come to the southwest section of the Brecon Beacons National Park to explore these amazing spaces and feel the thrill of discovery. For some, it’s their first ever caving trip, while others have many years of experience.
Since caving is a potentially dangerous activity, inexperienced cavers should always have a qualified instructor or leader with them. Some of the more extensive cave systems in the National Park can only be accessed with the prior permission of local caving clubs, whose experience is invaluable. There are also many outdoor centres and activity specialists in the Brecon Beacons which offer caving experiences.
Caving experiences
1. Tasters (for beginners)
If you’re a novice caver, you’ll need to set out with an experienced and qualified Cave Leader. Our numerous outdoor activity companies can help. Book a half day or a full day, and you can learn horizontal and vertical caving skills, visiting sites that are approved for beginners.
2. Improvers (for returners and skills builders)
Once hooked on caving, many people want to try something more challenging and visit a greater variety of caves. For this, you need the services of a qualified Cave Instructor. A member of the Association of Caving Instructors holding a Cave Instructor Certificate can take you to more extensive or unusual cave systems and can teach you the single rope technique for vertical cave sites.
3. Independent experiences (for enthusiasts and experts)
All but a handful of the caves of the Brecon Beacons National Park are accessible only to the experienced caver with local knowledge or with the assistance of an expert local guide. Many are the sole preserve of clubs. A list of caving clubs can be found on the Cambrian Caving Council website.
Find out more
To learn about the unique geological make-up of the western section of the Brecon Beacons National Park, visit our Caves section and Fforest Fawr Geopark website.