The Brecon Beacons National Park is the host to of a wonderful range of festivals and events.
The Guardian Hay Festival that celebrates great writing in every medium occurs annually during Whitsun week. The festival follows up with a literary winter weekend in December - the organisers work with the town of Hay to combine the event with carols, late night Christmas shopping and seasonal dining.
August is a great month for music lovers with The Brecon Jazz Festival swiftly followed by The Green Man Festival at Glanusk. The Green Man Festival has become known for pioneering the best in alternative music styles in an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
The area celebrates food in spectacular fashion with The Abergavenny Food Festival in September with this event mirrored on a smaller scale in June at Hay and in October at Brecon. Walking festivals, craft fairs, fire festivals, art weekends, spooky walks at Halloween, story telling evenings & much more can all be found on our local events calendar.
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Daily events listing
Guided walks, festivals - walking, literary, music or food, fayres, farmers markets, theatre productions, exhibitions.......we list these for you by the day on our activity & events website website link
You can search by date or type of event.
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National Park Walks, Activities & Events - May
SUNDAY 4: 10:00 – 11:00
Watery Places around the Country Park
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply.
A walk around the grounds of this lovely Country Park looking at watery places. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking campaign.
GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
MONDAY 5
11:00 – 17:00
FARMER’S MARKET
VENUE: Craig-y-nos Country Park (car park charges apply).Local food produce from Wales, great tastes, all day from 11 – 5 pm. There will be a minimum of ten stalls and you can buy a picnic and enjoy the Country Park at the same time!
Organised by the Unusual Food Company.
For full details and timings call Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
SATURDAY 10
10:00 -15:00
A Castell, a Dragon & Views from Rhos Dirion
LENGTH: 9m / 14km
MEET: Castle Inn, Pengenffordd (SO 174 296) car park charges apply.
Visit the site of Castell Dinas believed to be the highest Norman Castle in Wales before ascending a ridge & walking to Pen Rhos Dirion for fine views at lunchtime. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 470m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Ros Grant & Anne Pritchard
For more details call 01873 853254.
SUNDAY 11
13:00 – 16:00
Walking for Health around the Footpaths of Ffairfach
LENGTH: 4.5m / 7.2km
MEET: Bus park at Tregyb School, Ffairfach
(SN 632 215).
This beautiful walk through woodland and farmland is set around Ffairfach on the western fringes of the Geopark and National Park. Join Warden, Wyn Morgan and learn more about the work of the National Park and improve your health at the same time! This walk will be taken at an easy pace to suit the group. Accessible by train and bus.
GRADE: Easy
LEADER: National Park Warden, Wyn Morgan
For more details call 01874 623366.
SUNDAY 11
10:00 – 15:25
The History & Natural History of Blorenge Mountain
LENGTH: 6.5m / 10.5km
MEET: Keepers Pond car park (also known as
Pen–ffordd goch Pond) off the B4246 (SO 254 107)
A linear walk to look at the flora and fauna of Blorenge Mountain and the local history of this part of the Blaenafon World Heritage Site and the National Park, whose boundaries substantially overlap. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Moderate / 280m
LEADERS: National Park Wardens Steve Smith & Clive Williams. For more details call 01874 623366.
SATURDAY 17
10:00 – 17:00
Fan Fawr Circuit
LENGTH: 12m / 19km
MEET: Storey Arms car park on the A470, 8 miles south of Brecon (SN 982 203)
A circular walk taking in an ascent of Fan Fawr, around Ystradfellte Reservoir, Fan Llia and a visit to the National Nature Reserve of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad looking at geology and wildlife. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Strenuous / 645m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteer, Lindy Newnham. For more details call 02920 851252.
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Walks with The Beacons Park Society
Most of our walks go into the hills. Participants are reminded that the following gear must be taken:
walking boots, rucksack, hat, gloves, warm clothing (not jeans!), spare sweater, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course, waterproof jacket and trousers. A whistle and torch should be carried, particularly during the winter months. Participants must satisfy themselves that the walk is suitable for their abilities. You can take advice, by ringing the walks leader whose telephone number is given. No liability will be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result of taking part.
An adult must accompany young people (under18).
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Movies, Film and Cinema
The Brecon Beacons area is very lucky to have a The Coliseum 'twin cinema', offering all the latest movies in comfortable surroundings on Big, Bright Screens with Superb Dolby Digital sound.
Click this link to find out what is on this week
website link
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Borough Theatre
Presenting a year round programme of professional and community productions, the Borough Theatre is a lively 338 seat venue situated right in the centre of the historic market town of Abergavenny, the traditional Gateway to Wales.
Visit the theatre website for full listings.
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Angharad Whitfield - Stained Glass
Angharad's work is inspired by both written and performed works, often drawn from her love of Welsh culture, mythology and storytelling. She creates contemporary pieces in glass which can take the form of small quirky panels, wall mounted light boxes or free standing towers of glass, each one unique and invested with personal meaning.
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Farmer's Markets across the National Park
Farmer's Markets are an opportunity to buy local produce direct from the producer.
There is always a wide range of produce available depending on the season including: apple juice, pork, charcoal, smoked meats and fish.
Eggs cheese, sausages, cakes, pottery, bread, mayonnaise, bacon, herbs, preserves, cottage plants, organic fruit and vegetables, organic chutneys and more !
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National Garden Scheme - Open Gardens
See the dates & venues below for local gardens that are opening under the National Gardens Scheme this Summer
Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome over half a million visitors. Their tradition of opening gardens of quality, character and interest is supported by our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.
Few people realise that through this we raise £2 million each year for nursing, caring and gardening charities. Since 1927 we have raised over £30 million (£15 million in the last 10 years). Our office is small so most of the money goes straight to the charities we support.
Most of the 3,500 gardens in the scheme are privately owned. Some open as part of a group which gets the whole community involved. But all the gardens are enjoyed by the garden owners and their visitors, funding charities to help people who are ill or under stress.
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Concerts & recitals at Brecon Cathedral
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Food Festival in Hay
There are so many excellent food and drink producers in this beautiful part of Wales that we thought we would bring them all together for a wonderful celebration and display them for you all to enjoy.
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At the Edge of Fforest Fawr Geopark
Join Dr Tony Ramsay on a walk from Trefil to Cwar yr Ystrad. This almost level walk reveals examples of geological faults and some of the best evidence of changing sea-levels in the Carboniferous Limestone of South Wales.
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Beth yw'r Tywodfaen Coch
What is the Old Red Sandstone? Join members of Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd on a geological trip within Fforest Fawr Geopark. Please note that this event will be conducted entirely in the medium of Welsh.
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Black Mountain - the easy way
A gentle introduction to the Geopark's Black Mountain along its south west flank, with one steepish climb.
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Black Mountain: Rock & Rail
Catch the train along the Heart of Wales Railway Line (HOWL) to Llandovery and take a minibus trip to Carreg Cennen Castle (picnic lunch or eat at the cafe), to the impressive Garn Goch Iron Age hillfort and to Llyn y Fan Fach - home to the fabled 'lady of the lake'.
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Brecon Town - Past & Present
A town walk visiting sites of distinction, discovering Brecon's fascinating past and residents of renown.
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HSBC Brecon Jazz
Welcome to the Brecon Jazz tourism website, which aims to help you plan your visit to the festival. This website provides background information on the festival and on what else there is to see and do, as well as offering a wide range of accommodation in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Now in its 25th year, the HSBC Brecon Jazz Festival mixes some of the world’s finest jazz music with the stunning location of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It creates a unique atmosphere for both its audience, and the galaxy of international artistes, who perform there each year on the second week-end in August.
Winner - Best Major Event in Wales, National Tourism Awards 2007.
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Cracked & Crumpled
Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society in an exploration of the Neath Disturbance - an ancient tear in the Earth's crust. This walk in the SW corner of the Waterfalls Country explores the geology, scenery and industrial remains around Dinas Rock, Cihepste and Moel Penderyn, passing near Sgwd yr Eira.
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Creative Writing & Crossword Weekend Breaks
Set in four acres of countryside and overlooking the town of Abergavenny and the Blorenge Mountain, The Hill is a delightful place for a weekend activity break.
The Hill offers a range of day, weekend and week-long breaks covering a variety of subjects, there is something to suit everyone.
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Carreg Cennen Castle & the Black Mountain
Tri-diversity: Archaeological, biological and geological characteristics all feature strongly in the west of the Geopark. This circular walk from the spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle will take you out onto the Black Mountain and back again, looking at some of the best examples Fforest Fawr Geopark has to offer to illustrate the strong links between rocks, people and place.
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National Park Walks, Activities & Events - July
SATURDAY 5
10:00 – 15:30
The Vale of Ewyas Guided Walk
LENGTH: 9m / 14km
MEET: Llanthony Priory (SO 288 278)
A high and low level walk around the beautiful Vale of Ewyas with time to look at the Monastery & Priory ruins at Capel-y-Ffin and take in the fine views of the Black Mountains. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 420m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Ros Grant & Liz Lloyd. For more details call 01873 853254.
SATURDAY 5
10:00 – 11:30
The Forge and Railway Heritage Trail, Govilon
A Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site Guided Walk
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Forge car park, on the Tyla Road, Govilon (SO 263 134). Walk along the picturesque old railway line to view the site of an ancient forge, later known as Wildon Iron Works. Follow a country lane with beautiful mountain views down to Govilon Aquaduct to explore some of the most interesting historic buildings in Govilon.
GRADE: Easy
LEADERS: Rob Vaughan & Blaenavon WHS Warden, Alvin Nicholas.
For more details call 01633 648045.
SUNDAY 6
14:00 – 17:00
Traeth Mawr Field Study Walk
LENGTH: 3m / 4.8km.
MEET: National Park Visitor Centre (Mountain Centre), Libanus (SN 977 262) car park fees apply.
Join experts from Swansea University on a walk with National Park Wardens looking at this important wetland wildlife habitat whose peat deposits contain a valuable record of the climate of south Wales since the last Ice Age. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is perhaps the best example in Wales for its combination of raised bog and base-rich, sedge-dominated fen communities. The Traeth is well known for its good populations of a range of dragonflies and damselflies, including the scarce blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnuria pumilio) and the now rare small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly which is also recorded here each year, as are a range of migrant and resident breeding birds.
Cost: £5 per person. No dogs please.
GRADE: Easy
LEADERS: National Park Wardens & Michael Isaac, Zoologist, Charles Hipkin, Botanist & Geraint Owen, Geologist from Swansea University. For more details call 01792 295786.
FRIDAY 11
19:00
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
VENUE: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
The Festival Players Theatre Company returns to the Visitor Centre (Mountain Centre) in this production of Shakespeare’s dark and dazzling comedy. Come along & enjoy a summer’s evening of pastoral pleasures, live music and sheer delight. This is an outdoor production, so please bring your own seating & picnic. The performance will go ahead in all weathers, unless safety is compromised. Tickets prices: £12.50 per adult, £8.50 per child (under 16), £45.00 per family (up to 3 children). Call 01874 623366 to book.
SATURDAY 12
10:00-12:15
River, Railway and Canal to Llanfoist Wharf - Walk 1
LENGTH: 4.5m / 7.25km
MEET: Abergavenny TIC (car park charges apply).
Come and join this health walk along the riverbank of the Usk, along the disused railway line and up to the canal towpath to Llanfoist Wharf and back again, looking at local historical sites along the way.
GRADE: Easy (steps to descend along the route)
LEADERS: National Park Volunteer, Ros Grant & Warden, Steve Smith.
For more details contact 01873 853254.
SATURDAY 12
13:30-15:45
A Railway and Canal Health Walk 2
LENGTH: 4.5m / 7.25km
MEET: Llanfoist car park on B42466 (car park charges apply). This second health walk of the day will follow the disused railway line to the canal towpath and Llanfoist Wharf and back again, looking at local historical sites along the way. GRADE: Easy (steps to ascend / descend & 2 stiles along the route).
LEADERS: National Park Volunteer, Ros Grant & Warden, Steve Smith.
For more details contact 01873 853254.
SATURDAY 12
10:00 – 15:30
Time for Tea? Guided Walk
LENGTH: 10.75m / 16.6km.
MEET: Upper Trewalkin Farm, Pengenffordd, near Talgarth, LD3 0HA (SO 058 309)
A walk to the historic site of Castell Dinas at Pengenffordd, then heading south to ascend Mynydd Llangorse, before dropping down to Cockit Hill, skirting Mynydd Troed and returning to Upper Trewalkin Farm for a full Welsh farmhouse afternoon tea. Booking is essential.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 466m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Paul Derrick & Giles Taylor. For more details call 01591 620689.
SUNDAY 13
10:00 – 11:00
The Trees of Craig-y-nos Country Park
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply.
A walk around the grounds of this lovely Country Park looking at the Park’s beautiful trees. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking campaign.
GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
SUNDAY 20
09:30-16:30
A Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Guided Walk
LENGTH: 12.5m / 20km
MEET: Lay by east of Pencelli on the B4558 (SO 094247). A circular walk exploring magnificent scenery to find out what makes the National Park/Geopark special, this walk includes Fan y Big, the Beacons Plateau and Cwm Oergwm. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Strenuous / 750m
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Colin Beach & Rights of Way Assistant, Avril Barnes.
For more details call 01873 853277.
THURSDAY 24
14:15 – 16:30
Brecon Town Walk
MEET: Canal Basin, Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon
A town walk, visiting sites of distinction, discovering Brecon’s fascinating past and residents of renown. No dogs please.
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Peter Brock.
For more details call 01874 625053.
SATURDAY 26
10:00 – 14:00
Talybont Geology Walk Part 2
National Parks Week
LENGTH: 6m / 9.5km.
MEET: Forestry Commission car park at the top of Blaen y Glyn (SO 056 175).
Discover how natural forces shaped the ground beneath your feet on this linear walk, taking in the stunning scenery of the Central Beacons whilst learning how it came to look the unique way it does, returning by minibus to the car park. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Moderate / 60m
LEADERS: National Park Warden, Sam Ridge & Access Officer, Richard Ball
For more details call 01874 623366.
SATURDAY 26 JULY – SATURDAY 2 AUGUST
BEACONS WAY 8 DAY GUIDED WALK
National Parks Week
09:00 start.
This annual 8 day (98 mile) linear guided walk crosses the entire National Park from Skirrid Fawr in the east to Bethlehem in the west. Numbers will be limited by transport consideratons so please book early. Cost: £80 per person. Bring packed lunches.
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Rob Knowles & Anne Pritchard.
For more details and/or to book a place contact Rob Knowles on 07971 190768 or email rskrsk@hotmail.co.uk
SUNDAY 27
PICNIC IN THE PARK: National Parks Week
VENUES: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus and Craig-y-nos Country Park. Come and join our Picnic in the Park event, youngsters can join in the teddy bear’s picnic, whilst the older kids and adults can join in the fun activities that will be on offer.
For more details and timings call NPVC Warden, Natalie Fisher on 01874 623366 or Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
TUESDAY 29
10:30 – 12:30
Clay and Paint: National Parks Week
VENUE: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus (car park charges apply).
Join us for a welcome return of this popular event. We’ll be using natural materials found around the Mountain Centre to inspire masterpieces of art, both on paper and in clay, so roll up your sleeves and join in! Suitable for children aged 5 to 12. 7 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3.50 per child. No dogs please.
Call NPVC Warden, Natalie Fisher for more details on 01874 623366.
TUESDAY 29
14:00 – 16:00
Survival day: National Parks Week
VENUE: Craig-y-nos Country Park, (car park charges apply).
Making shelters and cooking over a fire - just like Ray Mears! Suitable for children aged 7 and up. Cost: £5.00 per child. 7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs please.
For more details call Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
WEDNESDAY 30
10:00 - 13:30
Up the Allt: National Parks Week
LENGTH: 5.3m / 8.5km
MEET: Llangasty Village Hall (SO 122257)
A walk up through woodland looking at the National Park’s work on the public rights of way to the top of the Allt, once used by Iron Age settlers and Roman onwards, for one of the best viewpoints in the National Park, followed by an opportunity to lunch by Llangors Lake. Bring a packed lunch if you would like to do this!
GRADE/ASCENT: Moderate / 230m
LEADER: National Park Public Rights of Way Assistant, Avril Barnes & Volunteer, Peter Brock. For more details call 01874 623366.
WEDNESDAY 30
10:30 – 12:30
Go Wild! - National Parks Week
VENUE: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus (car park charges apply).
The latest of our “Go Wild!” events. Outside if it’s dry, or inside if not-so-dry, there’ll be lots of fun and games looking at the National Park from a completely different angle! Suitable for children aged 5 - 12. 7 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3.50 per child. No dogs please. For more details call NPVC Warden, Natalie Fisher on 01874 623366.
WEDNESDAY 30
14:00 – 16:00
Art Attack: National Parks Week
VENUE: Craig-y-nos Country Park (car park charges apply). Experience creating art through the medium of nature! Suitable for children aged 4 and up. 7 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3.00 per child. No dogs please. For more details call Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
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National Park Walks, Activities & Events - September
SATURDAY 6
10:00-16:00
Sugar Loaf Summit & Ancient Oaks: Guided Walk
LENGTH: 11m / 17km
MEET: Abergavenny TIC (car park charges apply) - accessible by bus & train. A circular walk taking in the summit of the Sugar Loaf via St. Mary’s Vale and Mynydd Pen-y-fal, returning through the ancient oaks of Deri Wood. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 500m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Ros Grant & Anne Pritchard.
For more details call 01873 853254.
SATURDAY 6
10:00 – 11:30
A Chapel, a Church and a Canal: Govilon’s Heritage
A Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site Guided Walk
LENGTH: 1.25m / 2km
MEET: British Waterways car park, Govilon Wharf (SO 272 137). Llanwenarth Baptist Chapel, Govilon, built in 1695, is the oldest Baptist chapel in Wales. In 1860 the growing community built their own Parish Church too, from a little Chapel of Ease. This walk features a guided tour of Llanwenarth Chapel and Christ Church, plus a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.
GRADE: Easy with one set of steep stone steps
LEADERS: Rev. Peter Baines, Frances Baines and Blaenavon WHS Warden, Alvin Nicholas. For more details call 01633 648045.
SUNDAY 7
10:00 – 17:00
Sinks, Stones and Pavements - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 9m / 14km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (car park charges apply) (SN 839 155).
A fascinating ramble over Castell y Geifr and Carreg Goch, visiting many active sink holes, rock features and a standing stone. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 500m
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Dave Ing
For more details call 01874 623366.
SUNDAY 7
10:00 – 14:30
Fossil Hunt - A Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site Guided Walk
LENGTH: 5m / 8km
MEET: Blaenavon Ironworks car park (SO 248 091)
A walk looking at archaeological features in the landscape and the reasoning behind their development – geology, location and the interaction of people with nature. Try to find and identify some of the 300 million year old fossils scattered throughout the landscape! Bring packed lunch. Accessible by bus.
GRADE: Moderate
LEADERS: Blaenavon WHS Warden, Alvin Nicholas & National Park Warden, Steve Smith or Clive Williams. For more details call 01633 648045.
SUNDAY 7
10:00 – 11:00
Walking for Health around the Grounds of the Country Park
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply. A walk around the grounds of this lovely Country Park to stimulate mind and body. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking campaign.
GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
SUNDAY 14
13:00 – 16:00
Walking for Health around Llandovery’s Footpaths
LENGTH: 4m / 6.4km
MEET: Outside Llandovery Information Centre – car park charges apply (SN 767 343). A lovely walk through the trees and farmland around Llandovery looking at the work of the National Park and local communities.
GRADE: Easy
LEADERS: National Park Warden, Wyn Morgan
For more details call 07854 997512.
SUNDAY 14
10:00 – 14:00
Archaeology of Mynydd y Garn-Fawr -
A Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site Guided Walk.
LENGTH: 5.5m / 8.85km.
MEET: Foxhunter car park, near Blaenavon (SO 264 108). Mynydd Y Garn-Fawr has a fascinating history and is full of interesting features from the Bronze Age to the Industrial Revolution. This wonderful circular walk looks at some of the fascinating remains to be found on this wild, windswept moor. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE: Moderate
LEADERS: Blaenavon WHS Warden, Alvin Nicholas & Frank Olding.
For more details call 01633 648045.
SUNDAY 21
10:00 – 11:00
Autumn Trees around the Country Park
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply.
A walk around the grounds of this lovely Country Park looking at the Park’s beautiful trees. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking campaign.
GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
SATURDAY 27
09:30 - 16:30
Talybont Valley Guided Walk
LENGTH: 13m / 20km
MEET: Danywenallt Study Centre, near Talybont-on-Usk (SO 107 206)
A fascinating high level walk looking at some of the industrial and social history of the area, including a visit to the crash site of Wellington Bomber R1465 and the memorial to the crew. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Strenuous / 580m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Paul Derrick & Debbie Flint. For more details call 01591 620689.
SUNDAY 28
09:00 – 12:00
Exploring the Waterfalls - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 6m / 9.6km
MEET: Cwm Porth car park near Ystradfellte (SN 928 124), car park charges apply.
A walk through the mystical land of the waterfalls looking at the wildlife and geological features of this very Special Area of Conservation with a National Park Warden.
GRADE: Energetic
LEADER: National Park Warden, Helen Pye
For more details call 01874 623366.
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National Park Walks, Activities & Events - October
SATURDAY 4
BRECON BEACONS FOOD FESTIVAL
MEET: Market Hall, Brecon
A great day out for the family with over 50 local food stalls. For more details call Andrew Powell on 01874 624979.
SUNDAY 5
09:30 – 15:30
Escarpment to Reservoir and back via the Taff Trail
LENGTH: 8m / 12.8km
MEET: Craig Cerrig-gleisiad National Nature Reserve car park. A circular guided walk taking in this gem of a nature reserve, across moorland to spectacular views from the top of Fan Fawr before descending to join a stretch of the Taff Trail. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 675m
LEADERS: National Park Volunteers, Liz Lloyd & Paul Derrick. For more details call 01874 623366.
SUNDAY 5
10:00 – 11:00
Walking for Health around the Grounds of the Country Park: Food
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply.
A walk around the grounds of this lovely Country Park with a talk about locally sourced fresh produce. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking campaign.
GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
WEDNESDAY 8
19:00 – 21:30
STAR GAZING - CRAIG-Y-NOS COUNTRY PARK
This is an ideal location from which to see the stars. Come and join this special event and see what you can spot in the night sky. There will be a talk and a look at the stars through telescopes. If weather conditions aren’t clear a talk on the planets and history of the telescope will be given with some photographic images taken by NASA of the planets.
There is no charge for this event although car parking charges apply.
Organised by the Swansea Astronomical Society. For more details call Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
SUNDAY 12
10:00 – 15:15
Eastern Aspects of the Beacons - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 8m / 12km. MEET: Car park at the camp site 1/2 mile south of Aber Village (SO 105209).
Explore some less frequented areas of the Beacons, climbing Carn Pica then crossing the moorland plateau and descending by Bryn and the eastern spur. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE/ASCENT: Energetic / 700m
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Colin Beach
For more details call 01873 853277.
SATURDAY 18
10:00 – 16:00
Explore Llangynidr Mountain - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 9m / 14km
MEET: Llangynidr Village car park (SO 155195).
A circular walk exploring Llangynidr Mountain including some geology, micro navigation and the contributions a BBNP Volunteer can make. Includes minor roads, footpaths, bridleways and open moorland. Bring packed lunch.
GARDE/ASCENT: Moderate / 460m
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Peter Brock & Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis. For more details call 01874 623366.
SUNDAY 19
10:00 – 11:00
Around the Country Park: Adelina Patti
LENGTH: 2m / 3.2km
MEET: Craig-y-nos Country Park (SN 839 155) car park charges apply.
Discover the history of famous opera singer, Adelina Patti in the Country Park on this walk around the grounds. Ideal for novice walkers and people on health programmes. This walk is designed to improve fitness and health and is part of the Healthy Walking.
campaign. GRADE: Access for All
LEADER: Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis
For more details call Ageliki on 01639 730395.
MONDAY 20 – FRIDAY 24
AUTUMN RAMBLES
MEET: YHA Danywenallt National Park Study Centre (SO 107206).
Arrive Monday afternoon and enjoy four days walking in the stunning scenery of the National Park. Walks last all day, will be easy to moderate and about 7 -10 miles in length. Each walk will be led by an experienced leader. You will be based at Danywenallt, a converted farmhouse. Return from your walk to traditional Welsh cooked food in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Prices: Single £280 or twin £258 for four nights all inclusive.
For more details call 0870 770 6136.
SATURDAY 25
11.00-15.00
Industrial Heritage Walk
LENGTH: 6m / 9.7km.
MEET: Henderson Hall, Talybont on Usk (SO 112 228). Use Towpaths and Tramroads to take in stunning views of the Talybont and Usk Valleys whilst learning about this area’s rich industrial heritage. Bring packed lunch.
GRADE: Moderate.
LEADER: National Park Warden, Sam Ridge.
For more details call 01874 623366.
SUNDAY 26
10:00 – 15:00
Blorenge Circular - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 9m /14km.
MEET: Abergavenny Tourist Information & National Park Centre. Discover the history, wildlife and landscape of the Blorenge mountain. Bring packed lunch. GRADE: Energetic
LEADER: National Park Volunteer, Mike Bebb
For more details call 01874 623366
TUESDAY 28
14:00 – 16:00
Clay and Paint Autumn Spectacular
MEET: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus (car park charges apply).
We’ll be using natural materials found around the Mountain Centre to inspire masterpieces of art, both on paper and in clay, so roll up your sleeves and join in! Suitable for children aged 7 and up. 7 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3.50 per child. No dogs please.
Call NPVC Warden, Natalie Fisher for more details on 01874 623366.
TUESDAY 28
14:00 – 16:00
Bats and Besoms: Children's Event
VENUE: Craig-y-nos Country Park, Libanus (car park charges apply).
Have fun on this arts and craft session making a Harry Potter style besom broom and some bats to take home for Halloween. Booking essential. Cost: £3.00 per child. Suitable for 5 to 12 year olds. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs please. For more details call Country Park Warden, Ageliki Politis on 01639 730395.
WEDNESDAY 29
10:30 – 12:30
Winter essentials - for animals! (Children's Event)
VENUE: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus (car park charges apply).
Help our furry and feathered friends get ready for the winter by making feeders and hibernation boxes. Suitable for children aged 5 - 12. Under 7s must be accompanied by an adult. Cost £3.50 per child.
For more details call NPVC Warden, Natalie Fisher on 01874 623366.
FRIDAY 31
10:00 - 13:30
Up the Allt - Guided Walk
LENGTH: 5.3m / 8.5km
MEET: Llangasty Village Hall (SO 122257)
A walk up through woodland looking at the National Parks’ work on the public rights of way to the top of the Allt, once used by Iron Age settlers and Roman onwards, for one of the best viewpoints in the National Park, followed by an opportunity to lunch by Llangors Lake. Bring a packed lunch if you would like to do this!
GRADE/ASCENT: Moderate / 230m
LEADER: National Park Public Rights of Way Assistant, Avril Barnes
For more details call 01874 623366.
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Events at Cyfarthfa Castle
24th - 26th May
European Geoparks Fortnight: discovering local geology. Learn about how the local landscape was formed by getting hands-on with our geology collections. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Drop in Event.
2nd June 2008 - 30th July 2008
Fit for Merthyr
An exhibition exploring Merthyr Tydfil’s rich sporting heritage. From legendary boxers such as Howard Winstone & Johnny Owen to Merthyr Tydfil Football Club’s famous victory over Seria A team Atalanta.
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Fans, Tramways, Pavements & Holes
Join the on this walk looking at how man and nature have influenced this landscape. Follow the Beacons Way through Ogof Ffynnon Ddu national nature reserve to the Nedd Fechan, along Sarn Helen to Afon Llia, then up to Fan Nedd, Fan Gyhirych and return via the silica sand tramroad from Pwll Byfre.
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Geology of the Cribarth
Discover the geology of the Cribarth - shakeholes, limestone and lots more on this Geopark walk with specialist Dr Geraint Owen of Swansea University.
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Geopark Day
A day of adventurous and geology-related activities, stone-carving, catering and willow sculpture-making for all the family.
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Talybont Geology Walk (part 1)
Discover how natural forces shaped the ground beneath your feet on this linear walk, taking in the stunning scenery of the Geopark's Central Beacons whilst learning how it came to look the unique way it does, returning by minibus to the car park.
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The Guardian Hay Festival
We invite the writers and performers (great writers work in all media) we most admire. We try to bring the greatest contemporary practitioners and the most exciting new voices.
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Local Heritage & Culture Weekends
Set in four acres of countryside and overlooking the town of Abergavenny and the Blorenge Mountain, The Hill is a delightful place for a weekend activity break.
The Hill offers a range of day, weekend and week-long breaks covering a variety of subjects, there is something to suit everyone.
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Twrch y Trot
Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society exploring the landscapes of the Black Mountain. The walk will visit Llyn y Fan Fach and the upper reaches of the Afon Twrch.
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walking for Health - the geology & history of Ystradowen
A lovely walk through farmland, riverside and woodland around Ystradowen looking at the geological and industrial history of this part of the Geopark.
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A Waterfalls Circuit
A circular walk exploring the formation and natural beauty of the waterfalls of the mellte, hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd Fechan rivers in the south of the Geopark.
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Beacons Heart Challenge
Prepare for this year's British Heart Foundation's Challenge on Saturday 21 June by joining this strenuous re-run of last year's Brecon Beacons Heart Challenge circuit, looking at conservation and the landscape of the Geopark en-route. Find out more about this worthwhile fund-raising event on 21 June at website link
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Fan Fawr to Libanus
Catch a bus from Brecon to Storey Arms and walk over the magnificient tops of Fan Fawr and Fan Frynych to the National Park Visitor Centre and back to Libanus for the return bus. Keen walkers can walk back to Brecon along valley lanes and footpaths. Bring packed lunch or have lunch at NPVC tearooms.
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Fan y Big
The route ascends Gist Wen before following the ridge west up to Fan y Big. Take in stunning views of the central Beacons and the Usk Valley before descending along Cefn Cyff with a gentle finish back through farmland to Pencelli
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Glacial Cirque & Hanging Valley
Join the Brecon Beacons Park Society for a walk exploring the geology and plants of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad national nature reserve. Includes ascent of Fan Frynych, drop down to Cwm Du and return via Sarn Helen and Twyn Dylluan-ddu.
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The Carmarthen Fans
A classic circuit of the Carmarthen Fans looking at the natural history and the impact of the Ice Age on the Geopark's landscape that we can still see today, including a visit to a stone circle.
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The Nedd Fechan Valley
Join experts from Swansea University on a walk looking at Coedydd Nedd a Mellte ('Waterfalls Area'), designated a Special Area of Conservation for its very large and diverse examples of old sessile oak wood. Interspersed with ash and lowland woodland, the whole site is biologically rich, with a huge variety of woodland plants communities, mosses and lichens.
