Whether you’re visiting for a weekend of hiking, taking your dog for an adventure, or just looking to explore some of pretty villages, there’s no shortage of incredible places to discover around the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).
From mountain summits steeped in folklore to hidden waterfalls, cosy pubs and brilliant local food spots, here are some of our favourite recommendations for making the most of your trip.
Mountains
Table Mountain
A mountain that sits right behind our shop, Table Mountain sits above Crickhowell and rewards you with panoramic views across the Black Mountains. At the summit you’ll find the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, making it one of those walks that feels both wild and historic.
It’s a shorter hike compared to some of the bigger peaks nearby, at around 2 and a half hours for the complete circular, making it perfect if you want something rewarding without committing to a full day trek, however you can extend this hike to include the trig point at Pen Cerrig-Calch.
Sugar Loaf
Sugar Loaf is one of the most recognisable peaks in South Wales, with its distinctive rounded shape visible from miles away. The walk itself is relatively accessible and offers incredible views across the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons and around a 10 minute drive from our shop.
Local folklore says the mountain was once linked to giants that roamed the valleys, while others believe its unusual shape gave rise to stories of sleeping dragons beneath the hills. Like many Welsh mountains, it feels tied to myth and old stories in a way that’s hard to explain until you stand on the summit yourself.
Fancy something to eat or drink after? Check out Sugarloaf Vinyards with beautiful wines and Charcuteri boards.
Skirrid Fawr
Steeped in legend, Skirrid Fawr is often called “The Holy Mountain.” According to folklore, the mountain split apart at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, creating the dramatic landslip that still defines its shape today.
The walk is short but steep, with brilliant views over the borderlands and towards the Black Mountains.
After your hike, head to The Skirrid Mountain Inn, often described as Wales’ most haunted pub. The inn has a hanging noose inside a nod to its history from when executions reportedly took place there centuries ago. Thankfully these days you’re far more likely to find good food, a pint and a cosy atmosphere than any ghosts.
Pen y Fan
The highest peak in South Wales and probably the most famous mountain in the Brecon Beacons. The views are incredible, but it’s worth knowing it can get extremely busy, especially on sunny weekends and holidays. If you’re after quieter trails, early mornings are always worth it.
Hay Bluff
A prominent 677-meter (2,221 ft) peak at the northern tip of the Black Mountains in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons). Straddling the England Wales border between Powys and Herefordshire, it is highly regarded for its rewarding hikes and panoramic views of the Wye Valley.
Llyn y Fan Fach
A beautiful glacial lake surrounded by dramatic ridges and linked to one of Wales’ most famous folk tales, the Lady of the Lake. The scenery here feels remote and wild, especially when the mist rolls across the water.
Dragon's Back
A spectacular circular hike along a narrow ridge line that genuinely looks like the spine of a dragon. This one’s perfect if you love dramatic scenery and ridge walking.
Waterfalls & Walks
Four Waterfalls Walk
If you don’t fancy a mountain, this is one of the best walks in South Wales. The route takes you through woodland and river gorges to a series of waterfalls, including the famous Sgwd yr Eira, the waterfall you can actually walk behind.
It’s especially good after rainfall when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic, though the paths can get muddy and slippery, so decent footwear is essential.
Fan Frynych Ridge
One of the more underrated ridge walks in the area. A big bonus here is that the route starts from the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre, so there’s plenty of parking along with a café and gift shop before or after your hike.
The ridge itself offers fantastic open views without the crowds you’ll often find on Pen y Fan, but can see South Wales highest peak for pretty much the entire walk.
Carreg Goch - Crash Site Wellington MF509
A fascinating walk that begins near Dan yr Ogof. Along the route you’ll pass the memorial site of Wellington bomber MF509, which crashed here in 1944 after ice formed on one of the aircraft’s engines.
Fragments of wreckage still remain on the mountain as a quiet memorial to the crew and a reminder of the area’s wartime history.
Explore The Towns & Local Culture
Crickhowell
Where you'll find our shop and one of the loveliest small towns in the Brecon Beacons. Crickhowell is full of independent shops, cafés, bakeries and pubs, all set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains and the River Usk.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the area, whether you’re hiking Table Mountain, walking along the canal or simply slowing down for a weekend away. If you’re visiting, make sure to pop into our shop and say hello too, we’re always happy to share recommendations for walks, food spots and hidden gems nearby.
Abergavenny
Abergavenny is packed with independent food spots, markets and festivals throughout the year. The town is especially well known for its food scene, so it’s always worth checking online before your visit to see what events or markets are happening while you’re here.
Hay-on-Wye
Known as the “World's first Book Town,” Hay-on-Wye is filled with independent bookshops, cafés, lifestyle shops, historical landmarks and little hidden corners to explore. It’s a brilliant day trip if you’re heading west.
Places To Eat & Drink
Antur Brew Co, Crickhowell
Great beer brewed in-house and a relaxed atmosphere make this a brilliant post hike stop. Also home to Hop Hatch’s rotating pop up kitchens every Friday and Saturday, serving everything from tacos and burgers to Malaysian food.
Halo, Crickhowell
Vibrant fresh food made with love and care with loads of vegetarian and vegan options too. All served with a smile and a friendly welcome. You can also sit outside in the courtyard on sunny days and soak in the calm surroundings.
The Horse Shoe Inn, Llangattock
A traditional pub inside and out but with a twist. Resident Chef Raymond Hinds serves up authentic Jamaican street food and alongside home cooked Welsh dishes with a fusion dining experience by the name of JamWelsh.
Brecon Tap
If you love proper comfort food, head here for the pies. Perfect after a long hike.
Treebeards, Crickhowell
A cosy craft beer spot in the heart of Crickhowell with a brilliant atmosphere and quirky interior.
The Towpath Inn, Gilwern
Known for their deep pan Detroit style pizzas and location right beside the canal. Ideal for pairing with a peaceful canal walk.
We also put a call out to our Instagram community asking for their favourite local food spots, and these places came highly recommended...
Hop In, Brecon
A cosy and welcoming bar in the heart of Brecon, known for its excellent selection of craft beers, real ales and impressive gin menu. Alongside drinks, they serve delicious small plates and sharing boards with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great spot for lunch, dinner or relaxed drinks with friends.
Hills, Brecon
One of Brecon’s favourite independent food spots, known for its incredible smashed burgers made with quality local ingredients, homemade sauces and bread from Alex Gooch Bakery. A brilliant post-hike stop with a relaxed, lively atmosphere.
The Retreat, Llanover
A charming farm shop and café set inside a beautifully atmospheric old chapel. Serving delicious home cooked food, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and relax after a day exploring.
The farm shop is filled with local produce, arts and crafts, and books from local authors, making it well worth a special trip.
Whether you’re here for mountain summits, hidden waterfalls, folklore, food or just a slower pace of life, there’s so much to explore across the Brecon Beacons and surrounding areas. We’re always happy to share recommendations in the shop too, so if you pop in, feel free to ask us for our favourite walks, cafés and hidden gems.
