I’ve had all kinds of adventures in the Brecon Beacons. From sheltering in bothies with strangers and a bottle of Jack to hiking up mountains in some of the most glorious weather I’ve ever experienced in the UK, it’s a place where any kind of experience is possible. You can get remote and do some hardcore missions (one of my favourites is trying to evade the soldiers with muddy faces and twigs stuck to their heads out roaming the hills […] The post The best hiking and scrambling in the Brecon Beacons appeared first on Wired For Adventure.
I’ve had all kinds of adventures in the Brecon Beacons. From sheltering in bothies with strangers and a bottle of Jack to hiking up mountains in some of the most glorious weather I’ve ever experienced in the UK, it’s a place where any kind of experience is possible.
You can get remote and do some hardcore missions (one of my favourites is trying to evade the soldiers with muddy faces and twigs stuck to their heads out roaming the hills on combat exercises), or you can enjoy a tranquil family outing, walking through the mountains on a well-graded path. It’s a place that I’d happily return to every weekend, and I often do.
It helps that for most people in the South, the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park is their closest and most accessible mountain range. But what if you’ve only got one weekend to be there? What should you go and do? Many people would head straight to Pen y Fan to tick off the highest peak in the park, and that’s certainly a classic and enjoyable hike.
But to really showcase the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, we reckon we can go one better. Mountain peaks, views stretching out to the sea, glacial lakes, staircases of waterfalls, and forests that you’d expect elves, gnomes, and other such woodland folk to inhabit. That’s what we’re talking about.
That’s why we’ve put together an itinerary to discover the best of the Brecon Beacons in just one relaxed weekend. Drive there after work on Friday, spend Saturday and Sunday morning exploring some of the most beautiful spots in the country, and be back home at a reasonable time on Sunday, refreshed and recharged for the week ahead.
To do so, we’ve partnered with Escapade 4×4 to turn our wheels into mobile glamping base camps with their excellent range of roof tents. Escapade currently has an end-of-summer sale, so head on over to their website to find out more and check out the deals.
Best of all, you don’t have to be an athlete to experience this. It’s perfect for all levels of ability, whether you’re a beginner, have kids in tow, or simply want a chilled weekend. And if you fancy getting a bit of a sweat on, we’ve got you covered for that as well.
Friday
We set off after work and reached our campsite just in time to see dusk enveloping the mountains. Our chosen digs were the Cefn Cantref campsite, just a few minutes outside Brecon. We rolled in, set up our Escapade rooftop tents in five minutes, and got straight to the important stuff: lighting the fire, folding out the camp chairs, and cracking open a beer.
As the fire caught and embers fizzled into the dusk, we leaned back in our chairs to take in the view of Pen y Fan, Corn Du, and Fan y Big. Even better, the clouds had disappeared and we were within a Dark Sky Reserve, so as the day settled into night, a blanket of stars unveiled itself above our heads. The weekend was already off to a cracking start.
Saturday
What’s the point in rushing when you’ve got a spectacular view of the mountains ahead of you and a hot mug of coffee to enjoy? We took it easy in the morning, watching the dew rise into the air as mist and then evaporate into the sky as we had breakfast and got some more good sitting done in the chairs. By about 10, we were ready to move on, and we set off on the 45-minute drive to the Llyn y Fan Fach car park to begin our day’s adventure.
This was a 9.3-mile circular walk around two of Wales’ prettiest lakes, bagging four peaks along the way. Delancé was more prepared than I was for hiking, equipped with homemade granola bars, chocolate chip biscuits, clementines, and Babybel cheese. I had a kiwi. Thankfully, we pooled our resources and set off along the gravel path up to the first lake, Llyn y Fan Fach. This path is rather steep but easy underfoot, and once you’ve reached the lake, the views of the shimmering water reflecting the mountains above are satisfying enough if you’re after a shorter hike.
We had the full circular in our sights, so after a quick snack break, we set off again, following the well-worn trails leading up to the first peak of the day, Waun Lefrith. Standing next to the stone cairn at the top, we could see right across the Brecon Beacons, controlled heather burning in the hills, sending wisps of smoke into the air, Pen y Fan standing proudly on the other side of the park, and the sea glistening faintly in the distance. Looking down, it almost looked like you could dive into Llyn y Fan Fach, although I wasn’t feeling game enough to try.
The gradient was easier from here, reaching the next summit of Picws Du in no time. Then, a descent into a col before climbing back up to Fan Foel, the escarpment ahead catching the sunlight on its red rock. Then it was just a matter of ticking off Fan Brycheiniog, which is the highest peak in the Black Mountain range, before a somewhat steep descent to the beautiful Llyn y Fan Fawr, tranquil and steeped in glacial goodness.
It was the perfect place to stop and relax in the sunlight, dip our toes in the water, and fuel ourselves for the return walk, which thankfully features a slow descent around the base of the mountains above. All in all, it took us about six hours to complete the walk, with plenty of time for relaxing and taking photos.
After the walk, we jumped back in the cars, taking the scenic Black Mountain Road to our next campsite at Cae Glas. This campsite offers pitches for tents and cars along with a few glamping options. It is situated a few hundred metres up in the Upper Swansea Valley. Again, we were treated to fabulous views as we set up our rooftop tents, lit the fire, and got a big cast iron pot of chilli on the go. We also indulged in the steaming hot shower at the campsite before climbing into our tents, stretching out on our memory foam mattresses, and promptly falling asleep.
Sunday
Croissants and coffee for breakfast before hitting the road. With the mountains and lakes ticked off the list, it was time for one of the other main attractions of the Brecon Beacons: Waterfall Country. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the numerous falls and cascades that run through the Vale of Neath. However, we had our eyes on a short circular hike and scramble centred around the Sychryd Waterfall. We parked at Dinas Rock, a short drive from the campsite.
This impressive slab of limestone is popular for sports climbers and youth groups, and a few climbers and abseilers were hanging off the rock face while we got changed into our swimming clothes. From the carpark, we followed the Sychryd Trail up around the back of Dinas Rock and into a stunning gorge lined with alders and gnarled oaks. The trail took us past more quality climbing spots and under imposing roofs of rock, which offer plenty in the way of bouldering.
Shortly, the trail ran out, becoming a scramble up through the gorge. It’s a relatively benign and straightforward grade I as long as the river isn’t in spate, but it’s lots of fun climbing over boulders alongside the rush of water. If you don’t fancy the scramble for this one, it’s easy enough to avoid. Just follow the route in reverse to Sychryd Waterfall and then simply return the way you came.
Once we’d scaled the gorge, it was just a minute’s walk before we reached Sychryd Watefall, and what a beautiful sight it is. Suspended amongst ferns, vines, twisted trunks, and moss, it’s a scene straight out of Tomb Raider. It’s a great spot for a swim, too, and we jumped into the pool below the falls and let the cool (some might say icy) water rejuvenate our bodies and minds before getting out and towelling off as quickly as possible. The air wasn’t quite warm enough for any basking by the falls.
Just near the falls are the remains of old silica mines, which are worth poking your head into, although they do stretch quite far underground, so don’t spelunk too deep if you haven’t got the right kit and knowledge. Then, it was just a matter of climbing back up the path and over Dinas Rock to return to the car and crank the heating for the drive home, with enough time to stop for a Sunday roast at a pub on the way home.
Sychryd Falls walk and scramble
Distance: 0.8 miles
OS Maps: Explorer OL 12
The first part of this walk to the Sgydau Sychryd cascades is flat and accessible for wheelchairs and prams, and takes you through a deep gorge and past impressive rock formations. From here, it’s a short scramble next to the cascades and about a 50m walk to reach the Sychryd Waterfall. If you can brave cold water, it’s a beautiful spot for a swim, and you can also check out the old mines, but do take care. After that, it’s a quick uphill walk and then a descent past Dinas Rock to the car park.
Options: If you don’t feel like scrambling, you can follow the trail on the north side of Dinas Rock, which will lead you up and around to Sychryd Falls. Simply retrace your steps to return to the carpark. If you fancy a longer hike, the 4-mile Sgwd yr Eira trail takes about 2 hours to complete and takes you up to the famous Sgwd yr Eira waterfall, along with connecting to the Four Falls trail.
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Elevation gain: 49m
Difficulty: Easy
PARKING: Dinas Rock Car Park (free)
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Llyn y Fan Fach circular walk
Distance: 9.3 miles
OS Maps: Explorer OL 12
This route packs a lot into a day hike, with stunning views both across the Brecon Beacons and of two picturesque lakes: Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. The first part of the walk is a well-graded but steep gravel trail up to Llyn y Fan Fach which takes about 30 minutes. From here, the trail becomes rougher but still not technical as you climb up the mountain and follow a series of plateaus and broad ridges around a series of peaks. A steep descent brings you to Llyn y Fan Fawr, which is also great for swimming. Then, the route winds its way back around the base of the mountains to return to the carpark.
Options: If you want a shorter hike, the walk up to Llyn y Fan Fach is relatively accessible, and you’re rewarded with lakeside views under the shadows of the mountains. From there, the walk up to the first peak of Waun Lefrith only takes another 20-30 minutes, and you’ll have fantastic views at the top. You can then return to the car park via the route you came.
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 754m
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
PARKING: Llyn y Fan Fach Car Park (free)
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Where to stay
We opted to take cars equipped with excellent Escapade Roof Top tents, which made setting up each night a breeze. Simply roll up to a campsite, open the tent, and relax comfortably. It’s a perfect system for when you’re driving around and staying in different places each night.
Cefn Cantref Campsite
SEASON: 1/3 – 31/10
FACILITIES: Showers, toilets, electric, reception, washing up area, great views
SUITABLE FOR: Tents, cars, small campervans
PRICE: £15 per adult for non-electric pitch, car included
WEB: www.campingbrecon.wales
PHONE: 01874 622626
LOCATION: Cefn Cantref Campsite, Cefn Cantref, Brecon, LD3 8LT
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Cae Glas Camping
SEASON: 23/3 – 30/9
FACILITIES: Showers, toilets, reception, washing up area, donkeys and alpacas
SUITABLE FOR: : Tent, cars, small campervans, glamping available
PRICE: £15 per adult, car included
WEB: www.cae-glas.com
PHONE: 07805 610095
LOCATION: Cae Glas Farm, Brecon Road, Penycae, Swansea, SA9 1GH
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Where to eat
Country Kitchen Brecon
Open: Open 9:30-16:00 Mon-Sat, 10:00-15:00 Sun.
ABOUT: Friendly café with classic and filling breakfasts along with homemade pastries, bakery, deli, fresh produce, and a butchers
Location: Country Kitchen Brecon,
LD3 7BH
The Ancient Briton
Open: 12-22:00 or later every day.
ABOUT: Welcoming pub serving excellent food featuring local ingredients and a wide selection of drinks.
Location: The Ancient Briton, Ynyswen,
SA9 1YY
Explore more with Escapade 4×4
Somewhere in Bannau Brycheiniog, after a long day of hiking in the mountains, I pulled into a campsite, ready for some rest. With aching legs and tired eyes, unpacking and pitching a tent was less than appealing. No worries. Within five minutes, I had a dry bed, hot tea, and postcard views of the mountains around me. I’d never felt so smug in the hills…
I never thought I’d become a rooftop tent guy, and I’d hadn’t slept in one before Escapade 4×4 offered us the chance to test their setup in Wales for this edition of Wild Weekends. This is surprising, considering every second car back home in Australia seems to have one bolted to the roof, whether it’s a Landcruiser or a Yaris.
Usually, if I’m going camping with my car, I want it to be involved as little as possible, simply serving as a way to get me to a cool spot and as a place to store silly amounts of stuff that I would never otherwise take camping. Now, however, I’ve seen the light, and I desperately want to kit out my own car with a roof tent. Here’s why.
Set up. Chill out.
We tested two models from Escapade 4×4, the Discovery (£2,950) and the Horizon (£2,850), and they were set up in minutes. You can pull up and relax in a spacious tent faster than you can say, “Where’s the peg bag?”
This is particularly handy for when it’s raining, but also if you’ve spent the day exhausting yourself in the mountains and you want to crawl onto a luxurious memory foam mattress. That’s right, the tents come with a mattress, and no inflating is required. But there’s also no art to setting them up, as they’re incredibly intuitive and straightforward, something I appreciate. Escapade also makes heaters, awnings, showers, and even portable loos, so you can turn your car into a fully equipped mobile basecamp.
Memory foam goodness
I can sleep pretty much anywhere. I can dispense with long-haul flights in a blink and will happily bed down in a muddy ditch if and when required. However, my body appreciates it when I get a good night’s rest in a comfortable position, especially when I’ve got a day of activities ahead.
This is where these tents deliver: a comfortable mattress, excellent ventilation, bug nets to keep the midges outside, and plenty of room to stretch out. No crawling required. Even better, they’re fitted with blackout interiors, so I can even get a lie-in. Perfect.
Fits any car for any adventure
These tents aren’t just somewhere to lay your head. There’s enough room to spend a day inside, lounging with a good book and a great view. You can zip down all the vents and let a summer breeze roll through or you can bunker down and weather out a storm.
Plus, Escapade’s range has something for pretty much every vehicle, with the Horizon perfect for bigger roof racks like on a Land Rover, and the Discovery and THRE360 fitting everything from vans to hatchbacks. Plus, they’re compatible with other mounting systems, you don’t even need to sacrifice your roof. You can still secure bikes and other gear to the top.
Modern kit
Sleeping under canvas evokes memories of Scout trips with musty army tents and family holidays in our 80s folding caravan. While Escapade’s tents don’t use canvas, opting for more modern, mould-resistant materials like sturdy ripstop polyester and waterproof rain flies, they’ve got the same heavy-duty feel about them that makes reading inside by torchlight while the wind howls and the rain pelts against the outside so damn cosy.
Build to outlast the weather
An Escapade roof tent will set you back more than (most) backpacking tents, but you do get what you pay for. They’re superbly designed, practically thought out, and built to a high standard. I’d expect it to last for many, many years of adventures. With prices starting from £995, an Escapade 4×4 Rootop Tent is a serious upgrade, but one that earns its keep.
Elevate your car camping experience
If you’re looking to turn your car into an adventure wagon, I’d happily recommend Escapade 4×4’s rooftop tents. They’re perfect for couples, solo campers, and even families, and the fact that they fit most vehicles is even better. They’re currently running an end of summer sale, with savings of up to 25% on selected models, so head on over to the website to snag a great deal.
Thre360
Turn your ride into the ultimate adventure basecamp with the THRE360 roof tent. Sets up in under a minute, features a blackout interior, bug mesh, storage, LED lighting, and a comfy memory foam mattress.
Horizon
The Horizon roof tent features a robust aluminum hard shell, gas strut-assisted opening, and a built-in roof rack. It sleeps two with a memory foam mattress, 3D mesh, LED lighting, and ample storage.
Discovery
Meet the Discovery rooftop tent—the perfect blend of hard-shell durability and soft-shell space. With room for two adults and a child, it has blackout interiors, gas strut-assisted setup, LED lighting, ventilation, storage.
Escapade Swag tent
If you prefer a more grounded sleeping experience, the Escapade Swag is a great blend of comfort, ease-of-use, and practicality. With a luxurious memory foam mattress and excellent weather protection, it’s not your regular camping tent.
The post The best hiking and scrambling in the Brecon Beacons appeared first on Wired For Adventure.
