The Beacons Way

The Beacons Way [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/476809] is a waymarked long distance footpath in the Brecon Beacons National Park in south Wales, United Kingdom.

Distance

The Beacons Way runs for 161 km / 100 miles through the National Park.

Development & Route

The Beacons Way was developed through the Brecon Beacons Park Society and local walkers, particularly the Society's Secretary John Sansom [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/645206] , Arwel Michael and Chris Barber and was developed as recently as 2005.

It is a linear route and runs broadly east-west through the Park. It traditionally starts in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, at the eastern end of the park and heads north east to the Skirrid, passes The Skirrid Mountain Inn and climbs Hatterall Hill, (as does Offa's Dyke Path) and runs along the Welsh–English border , before descending into the Vale of Ewyas at Llanthony beside Llanthony Priory.

From Llanthony the route passes through Partrishow and over Crug Hywel [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/292424] to Crickhowell.

From Crickhowell [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/645201] the Beacons Way enters Llangynidr and passes through Bwlch before crossing the Beacons themselves : Pen Y Fan and Corn Du.

Beyond Brecon the way passes through Craig-y-Nos, once home to Adelina Patti, and via Sarn Helen, the old Roman road it reaches Llanddeusant. Then the route traverses Fan Brycheiniog in Carmarthenshire passing above Llyn y Fan Fach, climbing to Carreg Cennen Castle and the route finishes in Llangadog.

It is a strenuous walk with plenty of ascents and descents. Wet weather can make the route extremely difficult and dangerous and large sections of the route are isolated. It can be walked in its entireity in about 8 days but could easily take twice as long as there is so much to explore and enjoy en route.

External links

* [http://www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/Beacons%20Way/psBeaconsWay.htm Brecon Beacons Park Society route info]
* [http://www.breconbeacons.org/content/visit-us/outdoors-activities/walking/guided-walks-activities-and-events/beaconsway The Brecon Beacons National Park info on The Beacons Way]