You can stroll through sleepy valleys, wander alongside sparkling lakes and reservoirs or hike across some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Britain. For the less energetic, you can just amble along the canal to the next pub and back!

Where to Walk

NEW Get a copy of the new Wildlife Walks booklet with 12 wonderful nature reserves to visit. Walks are less than 2hours and many less than an hour so if you have young ones or dont fancy a hike these are the places to go.

Loops & Links There is a new series of walks, cycle routes and horse riding routes to the south of the National Park created by Groundwork and associated with the Taff Trail. Go to the Loops & Links Website for more information.

Aircraft Crash Sites The National Park Authority once produced a booklet of walks that took you to aircraft crash sites of historic importance. Unfortunately this booklet is now out of print, but for those who are interested the booklet can now be viewed here

Once you are in the area, drop by for a chat at any of the National Park Information Centres who will be glad to advise you where to go for wonderful walks. There are many guidebooks to walking in the National Park available at Centres - a list and order form can be obtained here.

The National Park also runs a fantastic programme of Guided Walks.

The next annual 8 day guided walk along the Beacons Way will be Saturday 26 July to Saturday 2 August 2008. For more details and to book a place contact Rob Knowles on 07971 190768.

Countryside Access in Wales is a guide to land and paths that are normally available for access on foot in Wales.

Powys Trails provides an overview of walks in the National Park and across Powys, including two National Trails, two long distance riverside walks and a number of shorter, but no less beautiful walks, to explore.

Minimum Impact

Help us protect our walking environment - take care to cause the minimum impact possible when walking in the Hills. Read the Minimum Impact guidelines produced by TGO Magazine.

Transport

When you are planning a route, why not use the bus to get you back? You can cover far more ground if you don’t have to walk back to the start. Beacons Bus is specially designed with walkers in mind but the local services are also very helpful. Get a copy of the free National Park Travel Guide from Information Centres or by sending your name and address by email. If you do use your car, do be sure not to leave any valuables within it if parking in the countryside. Vehicle crime is a sadly ever present problem.

Be safe

You must be properly equipped especially if the walk takes you into the mountains. Take care, tell someone where you are going and don’t be afraid to turn round if the weather turns wet or misty.

• Plan your route carefully, taking a proper walkers map with you
• Check the weather forecast before your start
• Take the right equipment including good footwear, warm clothes and waterproofs
• Bring plenty of food and drink as well as sunblock
• Remember mobile phone coverage is patchy and cannot be relied upon
• Visit one of the National Park Information Centres for detailed information
• Go on a training course if you are at all unsure of your safety

For more information on events, entertainment and local accommodation in the National Park, get a copy of the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Guide by emailing us your name and address.