Hom Las, Barn

Explorer Tom The Brecon Beacons, now formally Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, give Tom a dangerous amount of room for heroic speeches. Mountains rise above valleys, waterfalls cut through woods, and a clear night can turn the sky into its own attraction. Pen y Fan draws the biggest crowd, but the park is far larger than any one summit. Tom needs several pairs of boots before he can claim to have explored it. Pen y Fan reaches 886 metres and is the highest point in South Wales. Its paths can be busy, especially on fine weekends, yet weather and steep edges still deserve respect. Beyond the central peaks lie Fforest Fawr, the Black Mountain and the Black Mountains, with different walks and quieter corners. There are caves, waterfalls, towns and canals too. The park's breadth is the pleasure: choose a landscape that fits your time instead of treating every visit as a race to the highest cairn. Start with the national park visitor centre near Libanus if you want an easy view of Pen y Fan and help planning a walk. For a high route, check the day's forecast, wear suitable clothes and use marked paths. Parking at popular trailheads can fill, so consider a less crowded starting place or public transport. Tom's map shows a shortcut through the clouds; yours should show a safe way back. There is no admission gate to the whole park. Individual attractions, car parks and guided activities have their own arrangements, and conditions change from valley to summit. Come for the mountain scenery, then leave room for a waterfall, a village or an evening under the dark sky. Bannau Brycheiniog is best when it refuses to fit your first tidy plan.