The Beacons Way walk offers some of the best views the National Park has to offer.   If you want to complete the whole 163km (101 mile) walk it takes eight days, or you can do it one day at a time at your convenience. Some days are more challenging than others so you can choose what suits you and maybe set yourself a challenge to build up to the more strenuous days.

A book is available called The Beacons Way: The Holy Mountain to Bethlehem by John Sansom and Arwel Michael, complete with maps, instructions and points of historical interest - available in the National Park Visitor Centres or by post - see details below.

Or you can use the OS Explorer Maps OL12 and OL13 to follow the route.

If you have walked part or all of the Beacons Way we would love to hear about your experiences and value your feedback.

The Route

Day 1: The Holy Mountain to Llanthony via Ysgyryd Fawr (486 metres), Llanvihangel Crucorney and Hatterrall Hill (531m).

• Total: 16.2km (10.1miles) long with 803m (2634ft) of ascent.

Day 2: Llanthony to Crickhowell via Bal Bach (520m), Partrishow, Crug Mawr (550m) and Table Mountain.

• Total: 20.3km (12.7 miles) long with 961m (3152ft) of ascent.

Day 3: Crickhowell to Llangynidr via Cwm Mawr, Cwmdu, Cefn Moel and Bwlch.

• Total: 20.3km (12.6 miles) long with 844m (2768ft) of ascent.

Day 4: Llangynidr to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad via Bryn Melyn, Pont Blaen-y-glyn, Fan y Big (719m), Cribyn (795m), Pen y Fan (886m) and Corn Du (873m).

• Total: 26.4km (16.4 miles) long with 1439m (4719ft) of ascent.

Day 5: Craig Cerrig-gleisiad to Craig-y-nos via Fan Dringarth (617m), Fan Llia (632m), Sarn Helen and Penwyllt.

• Total: 21.8km (13.5 miles) long with 755m (2476ft) of ascent.

Day 6: Craig-y-nos to Llanddeusant via Tafarn y Garreg, Llyn y Fan Fawr, Fan Brycheiniog (802m) and Picws Du (749m).

• Total: 17.8km (11.0 miles) long with 1067m (3500ft) of ascent.

Day 7: Llanddeusant to Carreg Cennen via Carreg yr Ogof (585m), Garreg Las (635m), Foel Fraith (602m) and Carn Pen Rhiw-ddu.

• Total: 23.8km (14.8 miles) long with 1032m (3385ft) of ascent .

Day 8: Carreg Cennen to Llangadog via Cilmaenllwyd, Carreglwyd, Y Gaer Fawr (236m) and Bethlehem.

• Total: 16.0km (9.9 miles) long with 329m (1079ft) of ascent.

Copies of the publication are available by post from Walking Wales on payment of £12.00 (the price includes postage and packing). Write to: 

• 3 Glantwymyn Village Workshops, Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire SY20 8LY  
• or phone: 01650 511314  
• Fax: 01650 511602
• or E-mail walkingwales@perrocarto.co.uk  

Please make cheques payable to Walking Wales. Copies are also available at Tourist Information Centres and good bookshops.

For more information about the Beacons Way, including outline maps of the various stages, accommodation and transport options, details of guided walks along the route, and a series of photographs, visit: Brecon Beacons Park Society.  

This route was researched, developed and compiled by the late John Sansom, for the Brecon Beacons Park Society, in conjunction with Arwel Michael and Chris Barber. It has been adopted as the Official Trail of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

Please follow the Countryside Code at all times.