The Brecon Beacons National Park
One of the many natural treasures of Wales
The Brecon Beacons National Park was established in 1957 and covers over 519 square miles stretching from Llandeilo in the west to Hay-on-Wye in the east. The mountain ranges include the confusingly named Black Mountains in the east of the Park on the border with England and the Black Mountain in the west. The name of Brecon Beacons came from the fact that the heights were used as look out posts where ancient fires signaled invasions of the English. In more recent times the fires are lit to commemorate coronations and celebrations such as the Millennium.
Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls
The main mountain peaks are the highest Pen y Fan standing at 886 m and Corn Du (873m), Crybn (795m) and Fan y Big (719 m). This group makes up the famous Beacons Horseshoe a very strenuous walk only to be undertaken by the experienced walker and not for the faint hearted. This area is still used by the SAS for training troops in mountain conditions so attention should be paid to any notices restricting access. The ever changing weather in the area can also pose a threat to the inexperienced and advice and care should be taken at all times when climbing and walking in the area.
Most of the National Park is moorland with some forestry plantations and pastureland in the valleys.
In 1966 the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre was opened as an interpretive facility to enable visitors and tourists to find our information and safely enjoy this area. There is a sunny terrace giving wonderful views of the mountains with a cafe where you can get a cup of tea and sit down and rest your feet.
Walking is a very popular pastime in this area and in 2005 a walk was opened called The Beacons Way – this consisted of a 160 km route running from Abergavenny, through Crickhowell and ending in the small village of Bethlehem.
Red Kites make a spectacular comeback
Activities in the Park include mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing and caving. There are also opportunities for windsurfing, canoeing and fishing in its rivers, reservoirs and lakes. This is also a great area for bird watching as the Red Kite has made a spectacular comeback and a visitor to the feeding centre in the area allows the visitor to see these magnificent birds up close.
This area has waterfalls including the Henryd Waterfall which cascades 27 m into a pool and also the Ystradfellte a series of waterfalls where energetic walkers can pick along the riverside.
|
