The Beacons Way - 8-Day Escorted Walking Tour

Tour Summary:
A wonderful walk, traversing the entire Brecon Beacons National Park from East to West. Waterfalls, glacial valleys and ancient woodland are just some of the features that create the famously striking landscapes of Wales, and some of the highlights of the 100-mile Beacons Way. For many, the unspoilt beauty and solitude make the Beacons Way the best long-distance walk in Wales.

Our knowledgeable, local guides will accompany you for the whole walk. As well as navigating and keeping you on the right path, your guide will provide in-depth information about the natural and historic environment of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Learn about geology, savour the majestic views and discover hidden corners of Celtic Britain on this terrific walking holiday in Wales.

Tour Details:
*Grading: Strenuous - some steep climbs and stretches across open hillside. The going underfoot may be rocky, boggy, or otherwise potentially treacherous. This route is best suited to someone with experience of hill-walking, but fit hiking novices will cope just fine.
*Maximum group size: 10 people

Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Abergavenny - Llanthony (13 miles / 21km)
From Ysgyryd Fawr, known as the Holy Mountain, the path takes us up into the Black Mountains. We spend our first night high in the hills, beside the ruins of Llanthony Priory, with its delightful 12th century buildings.

Day 2: Llanthony – Crickhowell (13 miles / 21km) Crossing three major ridges, this is a fantastic day with far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside. We descend to spend the night in the quaint Georgian town of Crickhowell, renowned for good food and a fine 17th century bridge over the River Usk.

Day 3: Crickhowell - Llangynidr (13 miles / 21km) An easier day with a different perspective as the route steers clear of the high mountain paths, and stays closer to the valley floor.

Day 4: Llangynidr - Craig Cerrig-gleisiad (16 miles / 26km) A fantastic and challenging day through the Central Beacons, summiting the most famous peaks of Pen y Fan, Tor y Foel and Cribyn. The wild, open moorland is magnificent and the fresh upland wind is breathtaking.

Day 5: Craig Cerrig-gleisiad - Craig-y-Nos (14 miles / 22km) A quieter and less strenuous day through the protected Fforest Fawr Geopark – an area of tremendous geological importance which is home to a wealth of wildlife, and some wonderful natural features.

Day 6: Craig-y-Nos - Llandeusant (11 miles / 18km) The day starts beside the fabulous Dan-yr-Ogof show caves, and then climbs onto the Black Mountain, passing the legendary lakes of LLyn y Fan Fawr and Llyn y Fan Fach. The character of the landscape is quite different – wild, empty and untamed. A friendly welcome and a substantial meal await in Llandeusant at the end of the day.

Day 7: Llandeusant - Carreg Cennen (15 miles / 24km) Traces of the industrial heritage of South Wales are evident today as we follow old tram roads, bridleways and tracks across the Black Mountain. A mesmerising end to the day as we approach Carreg Cennen castle – a 13th century stronghold perched on top of sheer limestone cliffs. We overnight beside this atmospheric ruin.

Day 8: Carreg Cennen - Llangadog (10 miles / 16km) The final day leads to the western edge of the park. Admire the view from the enormous Iron Age fort of Carn Goch, strategically sited high above the Towy Valley. The tiny village of Bethlehem is our last port of call before reaching Llangadog and the end of the walk.

We can also advise on travel arrangements to/from the UK and help arrange rail/private vehicle transfers to/from Wales.