| Wales has three of Britain's National Parks, the | | | | are feeling energetic then why not ramble the |
| Brecon Beacons National Park, the Pembrokeshire | | | | 100-mile route, called the "Beacons Way". The |
| Coast National Park and the Snowdonia National | | | | walk takes you over the Carmarthen Fans, the |
| Park each with its own special features and | | | | Central Beacons and Pen-y-Fan, and the soft |
| distinctive character. | | | | scenic slopes of the Black Mountains. |
| The National Park was established in 1957, the last | | | | The Taff Trail is a multi-purpose route for cyclists |
| of the three Welsh parks. It runs from | | | | and walkers and runs through the South Wales |
| Hay-on-Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west. | | | | valleys and the Brecon Beacons. Those that enjoy |
| There are the Black Mountains (in the east of the | | | | cycling can go the many mountain bike centres |
| park, on the border with England) and the Black | | | | called hubs, each of which are graded to help you |
| Mountain (in the west), just to be confusing. The | | | | select the right route for you. |
| area to the west of the Brecon Beacons range is | | | | Horse lovers will enjoy the spectacular scenery |
| known as the Fforest Fawr (Great Forest), in | | | | and wealth of wildlife it really does make some of |
| 2005 The Brecon Beacons National Park became | | | | the best riding in Europe and there are many |
| part of a prestigious worldwide network of | | | | stables in the area that offer short and long |
| Geoparks and received recognition by UNESCO to | | | | hacks. |
| become the first Geopark in Wales and the first | | | | There are great sailing opportunities in spectacular |
| National Park in the whole of the UK to be | | | | settings at Llangorse Lake and Pontsticill Reservoir. |
| designated. | | | | Boat Hire facilities are available at Llangorse Lake. |
| The Beacons themselves take their name from | | | | This is also perfect fishing country, with good |
| the fact that they were used for signal beacons. | | | | sport for both fly and general coarse fishermen. |
| Dotted around the Brecon Beacons are small | | | | The rivers Wye and Usk provide top Salmon and |
| market towns and villages full of character and | | | | Trout fishing, while coarse fishing is available on |
| that offer a wide range holiday accommodation. | | | | Llangorse Lake, numerous reservoirs and also the |
| Whether you stay in a family run bed and | | | | Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. |
| breakfast, a traditional farm house or luxury hotel | | | | Other popular activities include caving. There are |
| rest assured you will receive a warm welcome. | | | | many outdoor centres which offer caving courses |
| There are many excellent pubs and restaurants | | | | suitable for the beginner and the more |
| that serve a wide variety of food, utilising the | | | | experienced caver. What ever you decide there |
| superb local produce. The centre for exploring the | | | | are so many things to do and see you will never |
| Brecon Beacons is the market town of Brecon | | | | be bored, so visit the Brecon Beacons it is closer |
| located on the River Usk; it has a wealth of | | | | than you think. You can reach the Park in an hour |
| history with a fortified Cathedral with a Norman | | | | from Cardiff and less than three hours from |
| font. | | | | Birmingham and London. |
| Popular activities in the park include walking, if you | | | | |