The Beacons Way 8-Day Walking Holiday, Wales

For many, the unspoilt beauty and solitude make the Beacons Way one of the best long-distance walks in Wales. Daily distances are between 10 and 16½ miles, and to get the most out of the walk we recommend a reasonable level of fitness. There will, however, still be plenty of time to chat with the locals, explore the historic sites en route and sample some local cuisine.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Abergavenny.

Day 2: Abergavenny to Llanthony - 13 miles (21 km) From Ysgyryd Fawr, known as the Holy Mountain, the path winds up into the Black Mountains. You'll end the day high in the hills, beside the ruins of Llanthony Priory, with its fantastic 12th century buildings.

Day 3: Llanthony to Crickhowell - 13 miles (21 km) Crossing three major ridges, this is a spectacular day with far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Spend the night in the charming Georgian town of Crickhowell, famous for fantastic food and the fine 17th century bridge over the River Usk.

Day 4: Crickhowell to Llangynidr - 12 ½ miles (20 km) A somewhat easier day with a different perspective as the route steers clear of the high mountain paths, veering closer to the valley floor.

Day 5: Llangynidr to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad - 16 ½ miles (26 km) A challenging day through the Central Beacons. You'll summit the peaks of Pen y Fan, Tor y Foel and Cribyn. This is a day of wild, open moorland and fresh upland wind, then you'll spend the night down in the valley, either at Libanus or in Brecon, set astride the River Usk with a cathedral and gorgeous Georgian architecture.

Day 6: Craig Cerrig-gleisiad to Craig-y-Nos - 13 ½ miles (22 km) A less strenuous day through the Fforest Fawr Geopark – an area of exceptional geological importance. Towards the end of the day you'll encounter a landscape pockmarked with potholes, signs of a an extensive network of caves that lie beneath the surface.

Day 7: Craig-y-Nos to Llanddeusant - 11 miles (18 km) Your day begins beside the fabulous Dan-yr-Ogof show caves, climbing onto the Black Mountain, passing the lakes of Llyn y Fan Fawr and Llyn y Fan Fach, home to the legend of the “Lady of the Lake”. The landscape here is wild, empty and untamed.

Day 8: Llanddeusant to Carreg Cennen - 15 miles (24 km) Traces of the industrial heritage of South Wales are evident as you follow old tram roads and tracks across the Black Mountains. End the day with an approach Carreg Cennen castle – a 13th century stronghold perched on top of sheer limestone cliffs - a great opportunity for photographs.

Day 9: Carreg Cennen to Llangadog - 10 miles (16 km) The final day leads to the western edge of the park. Enjoy the view from the enormous Iron Age fort of Carn Goch, strategically sited high above the Towy Valley. The tiny village of Bethlehem is your last port of call before reaching Llangadog and the end of the walk.