Autumn Walks in the Brecon Beacons

Why the Brecon Beacons Shine in Autumn

There’s something special about the Brecon Beacons in autumn. The bracken turns burnt orange, mist clings to the valleys, and the sharp ridgelines of Pen y Fan and beyond catch the low golden light like something out of a film.

Whether you’re after a big mountain day, a peaceful waterfall trail, or a misty moorland ramble, this national park—now officially known by its Welsh name Bannau Brycheiniog—delivers. And with the summer crowds long gone, it’s one of the best times to explore the area.

What to Expect from Autumn Walking in the Beacons

• Weather: Expect a bit of everything—sun, rain, wind and mist can all show up on the same walk.
  
  
• Daylight Hours: Shorter days mean earlier starts are a good shout, especially for longer routes.
  
  
• Trail Conditions: Expect mud, slick grass, and the occasional boggy patch—especially in the valleys.
  
  
• Seasonal Highlights:
  
  
  • Autumn colours in the valleys and along riversides
    
    
  • Powerful waterfalls after rain
    
    
  • Dramatic cloud inversions from the tops
    
    
  • Wildlife: look for red kites, rutting deer, and fungi in the woods
    
    

6 of the Best Autumn Walks in the Brecon Beacons

Here’s a handpicked list of walks that really come alive in autumn. Some are big days out, others are ideal for a foggy Sunday morning with a flask of coffee.

1. 

Pen y Fan via the Horseshoe Ridge

Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km

Time: 4.5–6 hours

Start Point: Taf Fechan Forest (Neuadd car park)

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Why it’s great in autumn:

This classic route hits Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big in one big circuit. The higher you climb, the more autumn colour spreads out below—especially over the Taf Fechan valley. Go early for a sunrise summit with fewer people.

Extra tip: It gets windy—bring a windproof layer, even if it’s calm in the car park.

2. 

The Four Waterfalls Walk

 (Waterfall Country)

Distance: 5.5 miles / 9 km

Time: 3–4 hours

Start Point: Cwm Porth car park, near Ystradfellte

Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some slippery steps and uneven paths)

Why it’s great in autumn:

Lush woodland, rich leaf colour, and waterfalls in full force after seasonal rain. This is where the Beacons feels truly magical in autumn—especially on moody, misty days.

Extra tip: Take a towel and spare socks if you’re tempted to get closer to the falls (you probably will be).

3. 

Fan Frynych from Storey Arms

Distance: 5 miles / 8 km

Time: 2.5–3 hours

Start Point: Storey Arms car park

Difficulty: Moderate

Why it’s great in autumn:

Often overshadowed by Pen y Fan next door, Fan Frynych is quiet, accessible, and delivers spectacular views over the Central Beacons. The light in the late afternoon is top tier this time of year.

Extra tip: Ideal for those short on time but still craving height and solitude.

4. 

Llyn y Fan Fach & Llyn y Fan Fawr Loop

Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 km

Time: 4–5 hours

Start Point: Llyn y Fan Fach car park (near Llanddeusant)

Difficulty: Moderate

Why it’s great in autumn:

This glacial lake circuit is one of the most scenic walks in Wales. The escarpment above the lakes catches the golden light beautifully at this time of year, and the loop feels remote without being overly difficult.

Extra tip: Go anti-clockwise for a more gradual ascent and better views on the descent.

5. 

Mynydd Illtud Common

Distance: 3–4 miles / 5–6.5 km (multiple options)

Time: 1–2 hours

Start Point: Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre

Difficulty: Easy

Why it’s great in autumn:

A gentle walk perfect for families or those after a more chilled experience. You’ll get huge views across to Pen y Fan, especially atmospheric with autumn skies and a bit of mist.

Extra tip: This is one of the best spots in the park for star-gazing too—ideal if you fancy a late stroll and a thermos of something warm.

6. 

Sugar Loaf near Abergavenny

Distance: 5 miles / 8 km

Time: 3 hours

Start Point: Sugar Loaf car park (NP7 7LA)

Difficulty: Moderate

Why it’s great in autumn:

A steep but manageable climb through oak woodland and open moorland, with a summit view that stretches to the Severn Estuary. Gorgeous colours, and usually much quieter than central Beacons.

Extra tip: Combine it with a trip into Abergavenny for lunch or a pint after.

What to Bring for Autumn Walking in the Beacons

• Waterproof jacket (expect at least one downpour)
  
  
• Insulating layers – temps drop fast once the sun dips
  
  
• Good boots – expect slippery terrain
  
  
• Map & compass or GPS app – especially for ridgelines in mist
  
  
• Headtorch – daylight fades fast
  
  
• Snacks & flask – because autumn walks deserve good snacks
  
  

Extra Tips for Visiting in Autumn

• Timing matters: Start early, finish before dark
  
  
• Avoid weekends if possible: especially for the Pen y Fan area
  
  
• Pack a towel: for waterfall walks or if you’re caught in rain
  
  
• Leave no trace: Stick to paths and carry out what you carry in
  
  
• Check mountain weather forecasts: Conditions change quickly in the hills
  
  

Final Thoughts

If you only hike the Brecon Beacons in summer, you’re missing a trick. Autumn transforms this national park into a canvas of colour, texture, and atmosphere. From high ridgelines to sheltered waterfalls, there’s something in the Beacons for every kind of walker this season.

Use the Peaky Baggers app to log your routes, track your peaks, and plan your next adventure and summit bagging progress. Autumn’s calling — go answer it.

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Photo by Yoonsuh Park on Unsplash