The Beacons Way is a 163km (101 mile) eight day walking route across the Brecon Beacons National Park, situated in South Wales, United Kingdom.

It has been 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 Park Authority.

A Route Guide, complete with maps, instructions and points of historical interest, has been available from June 2005.

The walk emphasises the scenic elements of the National Park, but does contain 7200m (23700ft) of ascent, and crosses areas where navigation can be difficult in poor weather conditions.

Day One: The Holy Mountain to LLanthony via Ysgyryd Fawr (486 metres), Llanvihangel Crucorney and Hatterrall Hill (531m). 16.2km (10.1miles) 803m of ascent (2634ft).

Day Two: Llanthony to Crickhowell via Bal Bach (520m), Partrishow, Crug Mawr (550m) and Table Mountain. 20.3km (12.7 miles) 961m of ascent (3152ft).

Day Three: Crickhowell to Llangynidr via Cwm Mawr, Cwmdu, Cefn Moel and Bwlch. 20.3km (12.6 miles) 844m of ascent (2768ft).

Day Four: 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). 26.4km (16.4 miles) 1439m of ascent (4719ft).

Day Five: Craig Cerrig-gleisiad to Craig-y-nos via Fan Dringarth (617m), Fan Llia (632m), Sarn Helen and Penwyllt. 21.8km (13.5 miles) 755m of ascent (2476ft).

Day Six: Craig-y-nos to Llanddeusant via Tafarn y Garreg, Llyn y Fan Fawr, Fan Brycheiniog (802m) and Picws Du (749m). 17.8km (11.0 miles) 1067m of ascent (3500ft).

Day Seven: Llanddeusant to Carreg Cennen via Carreg Yr Ogof (585m), Garreg Las (635m), Foel Fraith (602m) and Carn Pen Rhiw-ddu. 23.8km (14.8 miles) 1032m of ascent (3385ft).

Day Eight: Carreg Cennen to Llangadog via Cilmaenllwyd, Carreglwyd, Y Gaer Fawr (236m) and Bethlehem. 16.0km (9.9 miles) 329m of ascent (1079ft).

ROUTE GUIDE

As well as detailed navigational instructions, compiled by John Sansom, and comprehensive Ordnance Survey maps, The Beacons Way Route Guide contains much interesting historical and geological information about the National Park. There are accounts of local Myths and Legends by Arwel Michael and many superb illustrations taken by Chris Barber.

Copies of the publication are available by post from: Walking Wales 3 Glantwymyn Village Workshops Machynlleth Montgomeryshire SY20 8LY Tel: 01650 511314 Fax: 01650 511602 or email walkingwales@perrocarto.co.uk  on payment of £12.00 (this includes postage and packing). 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.

The next annual guided walk along the Beacons Way will be Saturday 25 July to Saturday 1 August 2009. For more details and to book a place contact Rob Knowles on 07971 190768.