Advertisement
Step into two days of unforgettable adventure as we explore the most spectacular and iconic landscapes of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. This mid‑week August escape blends breathtaking mountain scenery with a relaxed, social atmosphere — the perfect chance to walk, connect, and share great food with like‑minded people.On day one, we’ll conquer the legendary peaks of Pen‑y‑Fan and Corn Du, and on day two we’ll ride the rolling spine of the Black Mountains’ famous Dragon’s Back straight from Dinas Castle.
Every walk will be expertly led by qualified Mountain Leaders — Clare, Abi and Heather — so you can simply soak up the views, enjoy the company, and embrace the challenge at your own pace. To make the experience accessible for different abilities, we’ve built two route options into our Brecon Beacons day.
Walk Details
Day 1 – Brecon Beacons (Two Route Options)
Option 1: The Brecon Beacons Challenge Trail
A truly epic 22‑mile / 36km adventure starting at dawn (6:30am) from Talybont‑on‑Usk.
We’ll warm up along the Talybont Reservoir before tackling the long ascent to Carn Pica (760m). From there, the ridge opens up into a sweeping journey across Fan y Big and onto the legendary “Fan Dance” route — the infamous SAS training ground — taking in Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
The return leg follows the Taff Trail and Cambrian Way, crossing dramatic ridges, wild moorland and peaceful woodland as we loop back to the reservoir.
With elevation comparable to the Yorkshire Three Peaks (4,650ft / 1417m), this is a big, bold day out — but the scenery is extraordinary and the sense of achievement unbeatable.
Target time: up to 12 hours.
Option 2: The Shorter Summit Experience
If you want the iconic peaks without the full challenge, this 12‑mile / 19km route delivers all the drama with less distance.
Starting at 9:30am from a point just outside Talybont‑on‑Usk, we’ll climb to Fan y Big, Pen y Fan and Corn Du, enjoying the same spectacular high‑level views while skipping the long initial ascent to Carn Pica.
With 2,900ft / 884m of elevation, it’s still a rewarding challenge — but at a steadier pace, aiming for around 7.5–8 hours on the trail.
Day 2 – Dragon’s Back, Black Mountains
For those keen to stretch their legs again, this optional 7.5‑mile / 11km walk sets off at 9:30am from the Dinas Castle Inn after a relaxed breakfast.
We’ll follow the iconic ridge of the Dragon’s Back — a rolling, dramatic spine said to resemble a sleeping dragon — before summiting Waun Fach (811m), the highest point in the Black Mountains. With 675m of ascent, it’s a satisfying climb with plenty of gentler sections to enjoy along the way.
Estimated finish: 2:30pm.
Accommodation & Logistics
Abigail’s Trails is not a registered tour operator, so you’ll arrange your own travel, food and accommodation. Most of us will likely base ourselves at the Dinas Castle Inn, which offers a range of dog‑friendly options — camping, and bunkhouses — please get in touch with us if you fancy this option.
You’ll need your own transport to reach the meeting points (though if you stay at Dinas Castle, Day 2 starts right from the doorstep).
Dogs are welcome on our walks and for the social evening (we will choose a dog-friendly pub), but must be well-behaved, friendly and fit / agile enough to cope with full day walks (max. 2 dogs per person).
Children aged 14+ are welcome to join us with an accompanying adult on our walks and evening meal, but may not be able to join us for the social after the meal.
As with all Abigail's Trails, this is a small-group guided walking event led by professional Mountain Leaders with public liability insurance, Outdoor First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.
We recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment, and personal injury.
Advertisement
Event Venue
Talybont-on-Usk, B4558,Brecon, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
