Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) Reviews Summary

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

• "You can park your vehicle at the visitor center car park (Pay and Park) and can take a walk towards the hill which offers the complete view of a national park."
• "A lovely place to stretch your legs. Various paths to the top and what stunning views all around.. parking isn't an issue."
• "It was easy to find the parking area."
• "You can park at the Pont ar Daf Car Park, the car park is small and there are toilets and refreshment vans."
• "Fantastic place to explore. Lots of parking areas for free. Many pubs dotted around for refreshments and what beautiful scenery to kill one's own time!"
• "Ample car park spaces."
• "The parking was reasonably priced at the visitors centre and there were good facilities on site there, including lots of maps and walking supplies."

Cons:

• "The car park however needs expanding as this is a popular walk and the on site toilets are horrendous."
• "Parking can be difficult on weekends and bank holidays."
• "Pont ar Daf car park was overflowed with vehicles."
• "At busy times it is difficult to park."
• "The car park gets full quickly but people are parking next to the main road (free) on both sides, which may be a bit dangerous."
• "Can get busy at weekend and an early start will ensure a parking space."
• "Be sure to arrive VERY early or you'll end up parking on the grass outside the car park."

Scenery and Trails

Pros:

• "Beautiful scenery and views. This is now one of my favourite places."
• "Great walk up from the car parking area; mesmerising scenery, around 4 ways to go up that vary in difficulty."
• "There are lush green mountains with sporadic rocky outcroppings. Clear streams, waterfalls and lakes."
• "A magical countryside of green and auburn, with rolling hilltops, caves, lakes and waterfalls."
• "Stunning view, wherever you look!"
• "By far the most beautiful scenery in this part of the world...from beautiful rolling hills to dramatic glacial scenery, sweet little streams that run through ancient forest."
• "Incredibly stunning national park with so many fantastic views."

Cons:

• "We got lost but just kept on driving and ended down some very crooked and narrow lanes with very steep hills."
• "Too many rowdy motorcycle bikers looking for cheap thrills and noisy motorbikes."
• "Beware - locals on Bwlych put tacks on the road to sabotage the cyclists."
• "Some footpaths can be somewhat steep and demanding."
• "The only down fall we could find was how much litter /fly tipping there was along the side of the roads."
• "Errmm was ok but visiting many similar placed in Wales and England feel it was not really great marked, the time to get to waterfalls was way undert timed, location of each waterfalls is not very clear as well as the difficulty level to get to each one."
• "Some paths are not super well-marked, so you just kind of hope you are on the right path."

Weather and Preparation

Pros:

• "Be prepared for all weathers remembering its going to be at least 1 degree C colder per 1000 feet climbed."
• "But please do check the weather and take the necessary things accordingly like if it's going to be a very hot day then have lots of fluids."
• "Weather can be awful and can change quickly. Proper hiking clothing warm and wind/waterproof and good boots are essential and take plenty of food and drink."
• "We caught the mountain on a dry sunny day. Perfect conditions not too hot or cold."
• "Take care out there 😁 If in trouble call 999 ask for mountain rescue, stay put keep warm."
• "Choose wisely when you come here. Don't expect rays of sunshine and a cloudless experience during the Winter as I did."
• "BE PREPARED IF THE WEATHER IS BAD, ALWAYS CARRY THE RIGHT KIT AND DONT RELY ON YOUR PHONE."

Cons:

• "Need a new injection of life in the area to attract tourists."
• "It can be harsh if you're not careful, one reason why the army train there."
• "It is very steep to reach the falls. It is a good 15 - 20 mins walk before getting to the falls. On way back the hike back is very difficult."
• "Paths are still slippery even in the dry weather."
• "Well it is a stunning place to go visit, but expect rain!"
• "We walked in typical Welsh weather...rain and cloud...but still found the scenery breathtaking."
• "Walked up to Pen-y-fan although the view from the top was masked by cloud and drizzle which came down as we went up."

Local Amenities and Services

Pros:

• "Very good site nice pub with good food not over priced."
• "There are portaloos now at the bottom. Various food trucks too."
• "The gift shop was well stocked with a large range of items and gifts."
• "The people are lovely, the walks are well maintained."
• "The Welsh people are absolutely smashing, considerate and welcoming."
• "Friendly, chatty locals who are only too happy to help you find that spot you're looking for."
• "Food and drink vans a plenty and portaloos in the main car park."

Cons:

• "Also toilets but they’re dreadful, so wouldn’t recommend."
• "Some burger vans can be quite expensive for what you get (Terry's)."
• "The local shops and area is depressing... although you would go there for the nature and not to eat or shop on the high street."
• "Nice little village no shop."
• "Skyrrid car park overpriced but little choice."
• "Went to the four waterfalls in the Brecon forest some of the car parks outside the area charge £5 but only take cash."
• "Also be careful with the squirrels. They're not very street wise and tend to run in a straight line in front of your car."