First Time Camping In The Brecon Beacons

I spent Jubilee weekend camping in the Brecon Beacons which was a big deal for me as it was my first time camping in the Brecon Beacons. And I was alone.

I’ve been playing safe and the comforts of “home” for too long. With dreams of Wandering to other countries and far away lands, I’m under no illusion that I may run into problems trying to find a cosy room on Brecon Beacons Accommodation (Booking.com). So, it’s time to pull on the big boy pants and go out into the big bad world camping by myself.

A previous excursion involved a one-night stay on a campsite in Mytchett in Surrey. Ok, I was alone in my tent but my friend Ann and Zebby the dog where in the tent “next door.” But, did I have the bottle to go away camping all by myself?

Well I did. Weirdly I was finding excuses not to go. But I made a compromise (with myself) and decided to look up campsites on (is it IN or ON?) the Brecon Beacons.

Weather In The Brecon Beacons

Weather in a mountain region like the Brecon Beacons, doesn’t really follow the rules. You can check a few days in advance if its going to make a difference whether you travel or not. But sometimes the weather changes its mind. If you plan your

The Mountain Weather Information Service is a great site and probably more reliable than some other places. Maybe even the MET Office, but feel free to check them out too.

Does it Snow on the Brecon Beacons?

The snowy period runs from around mid December to February. January is the month with the most snow in Brecon Beacons, with an average of 1.4 inches of snow.

When It’s Raining In The Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons does experience some rain from time to time. However that shouldn’t put you off from going or, if you are already there, getting out and about and trying some great activities, even when it’s pouring. So, here are some ideas on what to do while you are in the Brecon Beacons.

Dan Yr Ogof Showcaves

The National Showcaves Centre, at Dan-yr-Ogof Caves has three separate cave systems and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the National Park.

Most people just think of the Park as having big mountains, jaw dropping landscapes and big skies but there’s a unique environment that lies just beneath their feet

Canyoning or Gorge Walking

What ever the weather is doing, the more the rain the better for Canyoning. Think White Water Rafting without the raft.

Sliding down rapids, swimming down rapids, floating down fast flowing chutes and waves, walking behind waterfalls and jumping off the waterfalls.

Welsh Whisky Tasting

Taste the only Welsh Whisky in the World and see how it’s made with a guided tour at the Penderyn Distillery.

Brecon Mountain Railway

Ride the Brecon Mountain Railway in an observation car pulled by a vintage steam locomotive. One of the most popular railways in Wales. The station is 1,134 feet above sea level and the railway line will take you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons Mountain Range. You pass along the eastern side of Pontsticill reservoir with views of the highest mountain in southern Britain; Pen Y Fan.(889mtrs).

Visit the South Wales Borderers Museum

You will find artefacts from all over the world that reflect the history, over 300 years, and character of the Royal Regiment of Wales. The main attractions in the museum are the Medal Room which has nearly 3,000 medals on display and the Zulu War Room which tells a compelling story of the events surrounding the heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift by B Company, 2/24th in the Zulu war of 1879. The 1964 Film ‘Zulu’ recreates this story.

with and the Medal Room which has nearly 3,000 medals.

Craig y Nos Castle

Located in the picturesque Swansea valley, Craig-Y-Nos Castle and its grounds were once the estate of the celebrated opera diva Madam Adelina Patti (1843 – 1919). She became one of the worlds most famous and highly rewarded entertainers. Although she travelled extensively, she much preferred entertaining her friends at Craig-Y-Nos.

In 1891 Madam Adelina opened the theatre that she had built by the side of the castle. This included state of the art technology, for the time, and was to be her miniature La Scala, Milan. Over the years the castle has taken on the role of family home as well as a hospital and today it is a hotel and conference facility.

Brecon Museum

Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, is one of the finest of small museums in Wales. It was first established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society and occupies an historic building at the heart of the area.

The Exhibition programme is exciting, varied and features the work of Contemporary artists living and working in Wales.

Cantref Adventure Farm

The Cantref Adventure Farm is a great day out no matter what the weather. Slide at speed down Europe’s longest sledge ride or take part on the family boat ride. There are paddle boats for the children and a wooden agility course.

There are a wide range of animals from sheep, donkeys, pigs to lamas and water buffalo. You will see many of the animals on the tractor-trailer ride or as part of the pet handling show.

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Camping In The Brecon Beacons

Before I left for Wales I did a quick google search, as you do, for wild camping near Brecon Beacons. First on the list was “Brecon Beacons Wild Camping” and although it says “just turn up,” I had a 3 hour trip ahead of me and so gave them a quick text and call. But all was good, they replied saying “just turn up.”

So, that was the destination sorted, now I just needed to pack the car.

Wild Camping In The Brecon Beacons

This site looked really nice and when I arrived, there was space, though its was starting to fill up.
(2024 February – Website doesn’t seem to be working now)

Campsite Website: Wild Camping In The Brecon Beacons

Facilities include: Water, Portaloos.
Suitable For: Tents, Caravans, Motorhomes, small Campervans.
Dogs are welcome

But I wasn’t sure this was the place for this weekend. There were quite a few families on one side of the woods and then small groups of kids (to me) I didn’t really fancy it. I wanted a quiet spot and this was buzzing with folk playing music and kids running round. So back to google.

Llwynstyffilin Campsite

Defynnog
Sennybridge
Brecon
LD38SR

This campsite on a working farm was just down the road (2 miles) from the Brecon Beacons Wild Camping site. They don’t have their own website. And I called them on 01874 636767.

Campsite Website: UKCampsite

Facilities include: Water, Electric hook-up, Toilets and shower.
Suitable For: Tents, Caravans, Motorhomes, small Campervans.
Dogs are welcome

Wandering The Brecon Beacons

Brecon Town

You can find so much information from the website: Brecon.org it doesn’t make sense to tell you about the Market Town of Brecon (Aberhonddu in Welsh which means mouth of the Honddu) or the surrounding area. So a quick summary.

Brecon Town is a Market, Garrison & Cathedral Town located in Powys, mid Wales that sits on the River Honddu and River Usk which meet near the centre of the town. This confluence of the rivers made it a valuable defensive position for the 11th Century Norman castle that overlooks the town.

Breconshire holds evidence of Iron Age forts and Celtic immigrants and remains of an 8-acre Roman fort at Y Gaer. By the early 18th century, Brecon had developed into one of the leading towns in Wales with a long ecclesiastical and military influence.

Brecon is a Garrison town and the Brecon Barracks currently house the Administrative Headquarters for the Army in Wales. The 160 (Wales) Brigade was originally formed in 1915 as part of the 53rd Welsh Division.

Talybont Reservoir

The Talybont Reservoir is he largest fresh water reservoir in central Brecon Beacons National Park, covering 318 acres.

There is a circular cycling and walking route that takes you around the Talybont Reservoir. The route makes use of National Cycle Route 8 and the Taff Trail.

Tor Y Foel

Tor y Foel is located on the eastern side of Talybont Reservoir. The summit (551m) is marked by a small cairn.

A useful mobile app I used on the day was AllTrails and I found the Talybont Reservoir and Tor y Foel Circular (moderate and easy routes available) made for a nice afternoon wander.

Wild Camping In The Brecon Beacons

Wild camping is where you camp outside of the boundaries of a regular campsite. The land (outside boundaries) is called Access Land and you need permission of the land owner to camp there. But you may find that the majority of landowners in the Brecon Beacons don’t appear to allow this. This includes the National Park Authority land.

I was a little worried about the Wild Camping. The thought of possibly getting into situation of conflict didn’t encourage me. I follow a few Wild Campers who respect the places they go making sure no trace of their visit is remains, but I have no idea if they seek permission first.

Take a look at the Guidelines To Camping In The Brecons section below.

Can I Go Anywhere On The Brecon Beacons?

Some areas or types of land are exempt from the new access rights. Although these areas are mapped as Access Land, access is not permitted. Some examples include:

• Land within 20 metres of a house
• Parks and gardens
• Golf courses
• Aerodromes.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ( CROW Act ) normally gives a public right of access to land mapped as ‘open country’ (mountain, moor, heath and down) or registered common land. These areas are known as ‘open access land.’ A full list of Excepted Land is specified in Schedule 1 to the CROW Act.

You can find Open Access land in Wales using this fantastic resource on the Welsh Natural Resources website. Keep Zooming in (might be several clicks) to reach the Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping.

Access Land In The Brecon Beacons

Access Land, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW Act 2000), Access Land consists of open country (mountain, moor, heath and downland) and “registered common land.” It also includes areas of “dedicated land” where owners, such as Natural Resources Wales, allow free access.

Some areas of forest have also been declared as public forests, such as Forestry Commission land, and the public are allowed free access to them.

Landowners and tenants are able to restrict or exclude public access to Access Land in certain circumstances. More information about exclusions and restrictions can be found here.

In short, the CROW Act allows you to walk freely on Access Land and you do not have to stick to linear routes (such as footpaths or bridleways). Activities that are permitted include:

• Walking or running
• Sightseeing
• Bird or wildlife watching
• Picnicking
• Climbing

Activities such as horse riding, camping, swimming and cycling are not allowed. Horse riders, cyclists and motor vehicles must keep to existing rights of way.

Can I Take My Dog On The Brecon Beacons?

Dogs are not permitted to run freely on Access Land. The exception being dogs of Land Owners and Managers that are using “working dogs” on the land (i.e. Hunting & Sheep Dogs).

You can take your dog with you as long as they remain on a short , fixed lead, not more than 2 metres in length.

There will usually be signs up for areas where dogs are not permitted as as to minimise any impact on wildlife or livestock. This may be temporary during special periods such as lambing, nesting, planting, harvesting, etc.

Pronouns - Tongue In Cheek Side Note
I thought it funny that the restrictions are all directed at "he" - so for all the ladies and "others" out there, it looks like you can do what you like. It's highly likely that the definition of "he" has been defined somewhere on the site or in the legislation documents. So please don't use this as a "defence!"

Map Of The Brecon Beacons

For a map of the Brecon Beacons you have good old Google, the old fashioned OS maps which are available on Amazon or in Hiking, Camping or Outdoor Sports shops. But you can also find them on some of the popular mobile Apps like the one I use AllTrails.

For more information on apps and what to take when Backpacking, take a look at this link.

Guidelines To Camping In The Brecon Beacons

Picture your ideal pitch. Probably a spectacular view, maybe some shelter from the rain or wind. Now what about what you would Not want to find at or near your pitch.

Leave It As You Found It – Or Better

Always remember to leave the pitch as or better than you found it. Going back to the opening sentence; “Picture your ideal pitch.” How would you feel if someone had left their rubbish, scrap or even toilet paper (or worse….)?

Approached by the Land Owner

If approached by the land owner or representative and asked to move, you must. Be nice and courteous. You never know, they might negotiate with you. But if you get rude or argumentative then they have every right to ask you to move on and call the Police.

I’m not sure how they will prove they are the land owner or a representative unless they carry some sort of documentation with them proving this. But be cool and be polite.

Going To The Loo On The Beacon Beacons

Camping or not, you nature may call. When you need the loo, you will need to find a spot at least 50 metres away from any running water (streams and rivers). You must dig a hole and cover your “business” and with earth when you’ve finished. Take your toilet paper and wipes – yes the used stuff – back with you.

Yup – it stinks, but that’s the rule.

Biodegradable Paper and Wipes

I have not found anything yet to suggest that biodegradable paper or wipes are ok to leave in your poo-pit, so assume you need to take them with you too!

Wild Campers I Follow

I’ve started following some wild campers on YouTube. So I hope to get lots of hints and tips and hopefully quell any (irrational) fears that I have – I know I have.

They each have their tales and experiences which are great for newbies and experienced too I would imagine. They will also help you with kit. and like my site, they will offer Affiliate links directly to recommended (or Not) products. These links may also offer discounts; so it’s a good idea to check them out.