Brecon Beacons

07/09/2012 to 14/09/2012

42 miles; 13,200 feet total ascent and descent

  

The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in South Wales. The central Beacons includes the highest summit in southern Britain, Pen y Fan (2,907 feet) which is flanked by Corn Du to the west and Cribyn to the east. The Brecon Beacons are said to be named after the ancient practice of lighting signal fires (beacons) on mountains to warn of attacks by invaders, or more recently to commemorate public and national events such as coronations or the Millennium. Much of the area consists of high, open country with smooth grassy slopes lying on red sandstone. On the northern edge there are steep escarpments whilst on the southern rim there are limestone crags, wooded gorges, waterfalls and caves.

Within the Brecon Beacons National Park there are four mountain ranges: the Black Mountain (to the west), Fforest Fawr (Great Forest), the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains (to the east). Much of the area consists of high, open country with smooth grassy slopes lying on red sandstone. On the northern edge there are steep escarpments whilst on the southern rim there are limestone crags, wooded gorges, waterfalls and caves.

Each of the four mountain ranges has its own distinct character. In the west the remote Black Mountain is surrounded by wild open country in a grand scale. There are sheer limestone cliffs and impressive views can be enjoyed from the higher ground.

Forest Fawr (Great Forest) is an area offering a wide variety of walks with lush countryside and sparkling waterfalls. In addition the high ground to the north offers quiet walks across rolling open country with views east to the Beacons and west to Black Mountain.

At the eastern end of the National Park lie the Black Mountains (not to be confused with the Black Mountain in the west). These form the border between England and Wales. Long high ridges provide excellent hill walking whilst the valleys provide less demanding but equally enjoyable walks.

 

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