Brecon Beacons National Park

Bannau Brycheiniog, commonly known as the Brecon Beacons National Park, is located in southern Wales, covering parts of Powys, Carmarthenshire, and Monmouthshire. The park is situated within easy reach of cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Hereford, with nearby towns including Brecon, Abergavenny, and Hay-on-Wye. Established in 1957, it is one of Wales' three national parks and is famed for its dramatic landscapes, including rolling hills, high peaks, and sweeping moorlands. The park offers numerous parking facilities, with car parks available at key locations such as Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, and the popular waterfall trails near Ystradfellte. Most car parks operate on a pay-and-display basis, with fees contributing to the park’s maintenance. Some remote areas may offer free parking, though spaces can be limited. Bannau Brycheiniog is rich in wildlife, with notable species including the red kite, which has become a symbol of the park, as well as otters, dormice, and a variety of bat species. The park’s rivers and lakes support diverse aquatic life, including salmon and brown trout. Birdwatchers may also spot peregrine falcons and ravens soaring above the cliffs. The park's flora is equally varied, with ancient oak woodlands, vibrant bluebell carpets in spring, and unique moorland vegetation like heather and bilberry. Rare plants such as the sundew, a carnivorous plant, can also be found in the park's boggy areas. Notable features of Bannau Brycheiniog include the Black Mountain range, the Brecon Beacons themselves, and the historic ruins of Llanthony Priory. The park also features several reservoirs, such as Llyn y Fan Fach, known for its stunning views and folklore. Public transport to the Brecon Beacons is available, with train services to Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil, and bus connections to various parts of the park. This makes the park accessible to visitors from across the region, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue.