Scale new heights in the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a vast and unspoiled range of red sandstone mountains in South Wales. In a wider sense, the national park contains not just these peaks but also the Black Mountains to the east and, confusingly, the "Black Mountain" to the west. The Great Forest, or Fforest Fawr, also lies at the centre of the park, which stretches as far as Llandeilo in the west to Pontypool and Hay-on-Wye in the east.
Get the binoculars out
The Brecon Beacons are popular among nature watchers, in particular birders. Nightjars and reed warblers are both experiencing a growth in numbers in the area, while red kites are a particular success story: the Red Kite Feeding Centre in Llanddeusant is definitely worth a visit for fans of raptors.
Get a bite to eat
If you're hiking, cycling or birdwatching in the Brecon Beacons, you'll doubtless work up an appetite - so a pub lunch in one of the many fine establishments in the area is a sound option. The White Swan Inn and The Bank Bar & Kitchen in Brecon itself both come highly recommended, while the Kings Arms gastropub in Abergavenny is also worth a visit. Planning a trip to the Brecon Beacons National Park? Travelodge Merthyr Tydfil Hotel to the south will be convenient for most visitors to the area, although Travelodge Swansea Central Hotel and Travelodge Hereford Grafton Hotel are both within an easy drive of the national park.