Introducing: The Brecon Beacons

We're delighted to announce that over 30 wonderful holidays and accommodations in the spectacular Brecon Beacons have joined greentraveller. 

From the mighty Fforest Fawr to the Black Mountains in the east, the region's rolling countrysides, wide open valleys and tranquil lakes make it a fantastic destination for everything from walking, cycling and mountain biking to sailing and canoeing. Rich in cultural heritage, the Brecon Beacons also boasts countless churches, castles and traditional Welsh villages.

Beili Helyg Guest House, Brecon Beacons

Here are a few of our suggestions of where to stay and what to do:

Brynhonddu Country House. Photo Tom Watts.Brynhonddu Country House
A warm, welcoming B&B just outside Abergavenny. Allow owners Keith and Carol to give you an interesting local history lesson over breakfast before heading out onto the Offa's Dyke walking path for some fantastic views of the surrounding Black Mountains. Choose between 4 comfortable rooms, including the spacious Cerise loft room, or opt for the 'Retreat' for a modern self-catering option.

Beili Helyg Guest House
A secluded 18th century stone-built farmhouse. Ideally located for both walking and cycling, the surrounding 16 acres of woodland and upland meadow offer easy access to the scenic Cwm Cadlan Valley and its Nature Reserve. When you're done exploring, relax in front of the cosy log burner with a hearty local meal.

Offa's Dyke 12 day self-guided walking holiday
Officially opened in 1971, Offa's Dyke forms an ancient frontier between England and Wales. During the challenging 12-day tour, you'll make your way from Prestatyn to Chepstow encountering stretches of beautiful countryside, castles, churches and some spectacular upland scenery.

One of the ruins on the Four Castles tourThe Four Castles 2 day self-guided cycling holiday
A gentle paced tour exploring the Monmouthshire countryside that surrounds the town of Abergavenny. Combine magnificent ruins and ancient stone carvings with local food in some of the region's top pubs and restaurants including 2007 Michelin Pub of the Year - the Bell at Skenfrith.

To help you pick the perfect accommodation or holiday, the Brecon Beacons Tourist Authority have just released a 'Greener Holidays' brochure. Aimed at helping visitors to have a more eco-friendly stay in the National Park, the brochure lists over 20 businesses to have been awarded at least bronze by the Green Tourism Business Scheme, so you know exactly what each business is doing to help preserve the region. The brochure is available from all Tourist Information Centres throughout the National Park or, for a downloadable version, visit the website of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

Horse riders taking part in the Travel ChallengeAs an extra added incentive to be green this summer, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority have also unveiled an exciting new Travel Challenge competition. Running between May 1st and September 30th, the competition encourages visitors to ditch their cars for greener forms of transport - this can be anything from walking, cycling and canoeing to hopping on the train or the Beacons Bus.

All you have to do is send in proof of your alternative travel (ie a ticket, receipt or photo) and you could be in with a chance of winning prizes including books and magazine subscriptions. One winner will be announced at the start of each month and then, in October, all entries will be entered into a grand prize draw with the chance of winning a fabulous walking/cycling weekend in the Brecon Beacons. Enter online or pick up an entry form from a Tourist Information Centre.

>> For more holidays in Wales, see Green Holidays in Wales.