Brecon Beacons Can Soon Beckon
The wild and yet beautiful mountains of South Wales and the Brecon Beacons in particular are seemingly not so well-known as Snowdonia in the North.
However, it’s an area that is covered with stone capped wild mountains, dissected with steep sided river valleys and lakes.
Making this whole area a very tourist friendly and yet accessible rugged location for an outdoor holiday break.
Tretower Court and Castle, Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Using the rural market town of Brecon as a centralised base is certainly a good choice. The town is small and with a charming distinct friendly Welsh flavour.
Home to one of Wales’ cathedrals although it is still remains a town and not a city. Which, unusually that status has never been confirmed on it.
One place to start exploring is to head to near to the town centre which is where the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal system a winds its way the 40 miles south to Abergavenny.
Canal Basin in Brecon, South Wales.
Along the main street a military museum of the Royal Welsh Regiment is very popular with visitors. The proud exploits of the regiment were featured in the film Zulu, starring Michael Caine in the epic Battle of Rorke’s Drift in South Africa.
Most VC’s
The unique Victoria Cross medals awarded to the Royal Welsh following Rorke’s Drift battle.
Renowned for the multiple Victoria Crosses won that day. Along with the battle honours are proudly displayed in the museum along with a regimental colour from the period too.
Outnumbered some forty-to-one the defenders held on in this famous encounter and in all 11 medals were awarded, the highest ever for one battle.
Royal Welsh Museum, Brecon, South Wales.
Packed to the roof with thousands of exhibits from its inception in the 17th century until right through until today the museum is fast running out of room.
The cathedral also has a famous colour from a defeat for the regiment at the battle of Isandlwana.
The floral tribute given by Queen Victoria in the Cathedral.
This colour was later recovered and that Queen Victoria personally placed a floral wreath on it. Both can be seen in a chapel dedicated to the regiment to one side of cathedral adjacent to the main altar.
A Cathedral But Still No City Status
Although, known for the toughness of its mountain terrain being that the Brecon Beacons are used for the training of members of the Special Forces.
There are many delightful walks that can be enjoyed without the need to take a 60lb pack along as the SAS do.
Brecon Beacons, South Wales.
Plenty of very tranquil ways of exercising over the mountains but with the correct equipment and there are guided walks too.
The canal basin in Brecon is a good place to start a gentle relaxing level walk along the towpath. Another footpath route is also by the River Taff that also starts in the town and can take you as far as Cardiff if you want.
Neat shops of Brecon, South Wales.
Guided walks are on offer and are certainly one easy way to get to see the mountains, which do have a majestic beauty.
Watch The Weather
For a small charge, hiking guide like Cari Evans of Muddy Boots Hiking can get you safely into and out of the mountains. Taking you to the best sites for the very best of ‘sights’ within the mountain ranges.
Mountainside where a Canadian Wellington bomber crashed in bad weather in World War II, South Wales.
Bearing in mind the weather can change very quickly in the park, with low cloud sometimes cutting people off. Having a qualified park ambassador to hand you also get to know loads about the flora and fauna as you trail around the park.
In Brecon itself there are plenty of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Plus, numerous smaller hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in the town for a stay.
The Grange Guest House, Brecon, South Wales.
My stay was the at The Grange Guest House with first class good modern accommodation. A delightful full ‘Welsh’ breakfast to wake up to. Host David Almond, will look after your, needs. Wi-Fi of course and off street parking makes this a great choice.
Castles There Are Plenty Here
Very much known for castles. Here in Wales there are plenty to visit just around Brecon, at least a dozen are in easy reach.
Brecon itself, Crickhowell, Llandovery, Abergavenny, Dinas Castle, Hay Castle, Carreg Cennen Castle the list goes on.
Tretower Castle and Court near Brecon, SouthWales.
However, one not too far away is Tretower Castle and Court run by Cadw, the Welsh Historic Environment Department.
The castle that once helped defend the important River Usk crossing point. And of a 13th century motte and bailey construction. With the later Court building alongside from the 14th and 15th centuries providing an insight into life of that period.
With the main hall being laid out as if for a colourful feast good enough to eat!
Tretower Castle and Court the colourful main hall set out for dining.
Driving around the national park you will find many places to stop and take in the magnificent views of the many lakes and waterfalls.
Whisky In Wales
Along with lush valleys that thread their way through the park. Something rather strange and seemingly out of place that you may come across is that of a whisky distillery.
Thinking that you have suddenly ‘time warped’ to the Scottish Highlands on your tour… do not be alarmed!
Welsh whiskey is produced at Penderyn in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Visitors centre is open for tourists.
You have in fact just found Penderyn! This village boasts of having a Welsh whisky distillery where you can tour and see the production of the golden spirit. Plus, sample it too!
Bryn Terfil whisky.
Producing a unique range of whiskies, gins and vodka’s many named after Welsh hero’s. Leading the way Welsh stars of sport and song. As a result, rugby player Gareth Edwards and opera star Bryn Terfil plus of course the Welsh dragon turns up as well on much of the packaging.
Brecon makes a good base for touring.
Dark Sky Status
Moving from spirits to stars. Importantly the park has been awarded dark sky location status in the UK. Now making it very popular stagazing.
Here it is possible to do some night time planet and star studies with the help of the people like Allan Trow. He helps to organise computer guided telescopes for visitors to use at various locations, including at the National Park Visitors Centre.
Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Allan Trow and his team.
The Brecon Beacons provide a broad range of experiences for the visitor. I sampled full on mountain hiking and some moderate walking and strolling all of which were rewarding.
I enjoyed the amazing scenery and history that can be enjoyed along the way. Plus added into the mix many ‘old school’ local shops. Plus, farm produce food like lamb and even the odd glass or two of genuine Welsh whisky.
In conclusion, I will certainly drink to that! And recommend you to do the same.
For once the park re-opens after the Covid19 lockdown situation has passed. A more satisfying day out will be hard to find for you.
