The Dark Skies Brecon Beacons National Park

We moved to the Brecon Beacons fifteen years ago after years of travelling the world for work and pleasure. We live in an old Victorian Rectory which also has a coach house. This is now a comfortable holiday cottage for two with frankly views of the mountains to die for. We are now both involved in the Park. I am an Ambassador and Peter is a volunteer Park Warden responsible for maintaining the paths around Pen Y Fan. Over the years we have gained a wealth of knowledge about the park which we are happy to share with our guests.

Local Towns

The 520 square miles of the Brecon Beacons offers something for everyone. Stretching from Hay-on-Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west and includes four ranges of mountains; the Black Mountains, the Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountain(Mynydd Du).

The traditional market towns, that form the gateways to the Beacons, each retain their own charm. Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Brecon are towns not only with a wealth of history, but places where you can still find vibrant and exciting events going on all year round.

Dark Skies Brecon Beacons

With the help of the  Brecon Beacons Park Society the park applied to the International Dark Sky Association to make the National Park an International Dark Sky Reserve. In 2012, we became just the fifth destination in the world (and the first in Wales) to be accredited.

We are very lucky here at Aberyscir Coach House to be in one of the darker parts of the park. Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons from our swing seat, weather permitting, is truly amazing. We are also only a 10 minute drive from the visitor centre where Dark Skies Wales holds regular experiences.

Walking the Brecon Beacons

The Beacons Way is the Brecon Beacons National Park official trail. It passes east-west through the landmark Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain. The Brecon Beacons National Park is a protected environment with some of the most spectacular upland scenery in Britain. Beacons Way involves remote and rugged terrain, with some 8500ft of ascent and is designed for experienced walkers. As well as incorporating many of the major peaks, including Fan y Big, Pen y Fan, Fan Llia, Fan Hir, Fan Foel and Twyn Swnd, the Way passes glacial lakes, ancient standing stones, churches and fine mountain views.

Waterfall Country

If waterfalls are of interest then ‘Waterfall Country’ is the place to go. Those that are found along the rivers Nedd, Mellte, Pyrddin and Hepste  that run south through Fforest Fawr and join at Pontneddfachan are some of the best. You can also find many less well known ones to explore as well.

History and Culture

If you are interested in history and Welsh culture then we have ancient standing stones, castles, churches and a cathedral, alongside monuments and museums to our industrial heritage.

My guide has articles on some of the activities we offer our visitors during their stay. I am always adding new posts for you to read. Also a very good place to find information on the area is our local Brecon Beacons National Park website

Dark Skies Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottage

Aberyscir Coach House – Brecon Beacons Guide