12 of the finest Brecon Beacons views

The Brecon Beacons is a beautiful national park with plenty of dramatic peaks, marvellous mountains and peaceful valleys where you can enjoy some of the UK’s most Instagrammable views. 

If you fancy soaking in some stunning scenery during your next visit to Wales, we have compiled some of the best Brecon Beacons views to seek out along with a selection of the loveliest cottages to stay at on a short break or holiday to this wonderful part of the world.

Pen y Fan

There’s a reason why Pen y Fan is one of the UK’s most popular mountains to climb: the views from the top are spectacular. Pen y Fan is part of the Black Mountains and is the highest peak in South Wales, and there are four ways to get to the top including a family-friendly route from the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre to the tough Horseshoe Ridge walk.

Whichever route you go for, the climb is well worth the effort as, on a clear day, you can see across to the Cambrian Mountains with views out over a patchwork of green countryside to Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and even Somerset.  

Where to stay: Ty Penybryn | Sleeps: 6 guests + 1 dog

Llyn-y-Fan Fach

Llyn-y-Fan Fach is a peaceful glacial lake that’s nestled deep within the Black Mountains, surrounded by peaks that you can climb to get beautiful views over the water. The lake itself lies at an altitude of 1,660 feet, accessed via a walk along the Afon Sawdde River, and is a peaceful spot for wild swimming in the Brecon Beacons so you can cool off after your climb.

Llyn-y-Fan Fach is said to be home to the mythical ‘Lady in the Lake’ and we recommend climbing up Picws Du for a wonderful view over this Brecon Beacons beauty spot.    

Where to stay: Rye Barn Llanilid | Sleeps: 4 guests

The Sugar Loaf

This iconic Brecon Beacons mountain is managed by the National Trust and has a conical shape that makes it easily recognisable as The Sugar Loaf, with views from the top over Abergavenny and across to the south of England. 

The heather-clad moorland on the side of the mountain is home to an array of wildlife including buzzards, grouse and red kites, and you’ll also pass ancient woodland and wildflower meadows on your way to the top. 

Where to stay: Swn - Y - Nant | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

Carreg Cennen Castle

The remains of this 13th-century castle are perched atop a limestone crag and have some of the best Brecon Beacons views. So much so, they were even named the most romantic ruins in Wales by Countryfile magazine. The remote location and dark skies make Carreg Cennen Castle one of the best places for stargazing in the Brecon Beacons, and there are spectacular views across the River Cennen and Carmarthenshire countryside from this special spot.

It’s well worth entering the natural cave at Carreg Cennen Castle after climbing to the top of the hill, though you’ll need to bring a torch along to guide your way. Other parts of the fortress to explore include an elaborate barbican, parts of a remaining wall walk linking the gatehouses, and the round north-west tower.

Where to stay: Beacons Hot Tub Retreat | Sleeps: 2 guests

Henrhyd Falls

The spectacular Henrhyd Falls is not only the highest waterfall in South Wales but it was also famously featured in The Dark Knight Rises when Batman seemingly disappears behind a curtain of water. The secret is a hidden cave behind the waterfall if you fancy recreating the scene during your visit. Discover more Brecon Beacons caves. 

Follow a path to the top of the waterfall where there’s a viewpoint to watch the water dramatically falling into the still pool below. You can then make your way down the Nant Llech Valley to walk behind Henrhyd Falls and take a swim in this magical woodland setting. 

Where to stay: Penrock | Sleeps 4 guests + 2 dogs 

Pant to Torpantau 

Take a scenic steam train journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway which climbs up through the Brecon Beacons National Park from Pant to Torpantau travelling past Pontsticill Reservoir, which is best known for its bell mouth spillway which looks like a giant sinkhole.    

You can enjoy spectacular Brecon Beacons views as you travel in style on the beautifully restored period trains, and there’s time to get off at the top of the line so you can make the most of the surrounding scenery from this elevated spot. It’s also worth disembarking at Pontsticill station on your way back down to Pant where you can enjoy refreshments at the Lakeside Cafe as you look out over the water.

Where to stay: Abercynafon Farm Barn | Sleeps: 10 guests + 4 dogs

National Park Centre at Libanus

Not only does the National Park Centre at Libanus have lots of useful information about the Brecon Beacons with maps, leaflets and walking guides, but it’s also a great place to stop for a while and enjoy the view.  

Known as Mountain Centre, it’s located just a few miles from Brecon and, at around 1,100 feet above sea level, the site provides unrivalled views across to Pen y Fan which you can enjoy from a children’s play area and tearoom. An area of common land called Mynydd Illtud lies just next to the National Park Centre with a flat field for ball games and moorland ridges for family-friendly walking with wonderful vistas across the hills.   

Where to stay: Beacons Field | Sleeps: 5 guests + 1 dog

Llanthony Priory

The sprawling ruins of the 900-year-old Llanthony Priory tower are nestled in the Honddu valley with a row of ancient pointed arches that make a wonderful frame to the majestic Brecon Beacons views over the Vale of Ewyas.

The remote location is perfect for enjoying the wide-open spaces of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, and you’re not far from the nearest towns and villages on the eastern edge of the national park. We recommend walking up to nearby Hatterall Ridge from Llanthony Priory to see the patchwork of green countryside at its finest.

Where to stay: The Old Smithy | Sleeps: 6 guests + 1 dog

Gospel Pass

Winding its way through some of the hills and mountains that lie between Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, Gospel Pass is the highest road pass in Wales. Whether you choose to travel up it by car or on a challenging Brecon Beacons cycle ride, there are stunning views to be had as you climb up through the mountains, although you may have to watch out for wandering sheep along the way.  

It’s well worth stopping at the Gospel Pass car park to soak in your surroundings and, if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can even climb up the nearby Lord Hereford’s Knob for even more spectacular panoramic views and an array of local wildlife including native Welsh ponies.  

Llangattock Escarpment 

The Llangattock Escarpment is a series of limestone cliffs that lie hundreds of metres above the River Usk, close to the popular market town of Crickhowell. The area was used as a limestone quarry in the 18th and 19th centuries and is now a lovely nature reserve with wildflower meadows and woodlands.   

It’s a popular spot for walking in the Brecon Beacons and we recommend following a path to the top of the escarpment where you’ll find the perched bog of Waen Ddu and can enjoy views across Crickhowell and out to Abergavenny.    

Where to stay: Sycamore Barn | Sleeps: 4 guests

Sgwd Clun-Gwyn

The Brecon Beacons is famous for its wonderful waterfalls and you can take a scenic stroll along The Four Falls Trail at the eastern edge of the national park to see some of them at their best. The challenging route will take you through ancient woodland with dramatic gorges and mesmerising views.

The first waterfall you’ll come across on this beautiful walk is Sgwd Clun-Gwyn which has tumbling upper falls and gently cascading lower falls. There’s a viewpoint where you can linger to look out over the water and a series of ledges to climb.       

Where to stay: Beudy Bach Barn | Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog

Llangorse Lake

Not only is Llangorse Lake the largest natural lake in Wales but it is one of the most beautiful spots in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The water is surrounded by a green patchwork quilt of meadows, fields and farmland with the peaks of the Black Mountains looming large in the background. 

Although you can take a very scenic walk around Llangorse Lake, one of the best ways to enjoy the 360-degree views of the surrounding Brecon Beacons countryside is from the water itself. Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and rowing boats are all available to hire for a peaceful day amongst the geese, otters and water voles that live in this wonderful wildlife-rich location. There are plenty of spots for a picnic and an interesting on-site information centre where you can learn more about the history of Llangorse Lake. 

Where to stay: Ty Clyd | Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs

Plan your getaway to the Brecon Beacons 

This is just a small selection of the picturesque locations and beautiful views that can be found throughout the Brecon Beacons National Park and sometimes the best thing to do is go out exploring in the great outdoors and see what you can find.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your getaway to this wonderful part of Wales, browse our complete range of Brecon Beacons cottages to find your perfect base.