Witness The Wild Beauty Of This Remote Welsh Park Perfect For Stargazers & Adventure Seekers

The U.K. has no shortage of spectacular, remote national parks that showcase its diverse and stunning natural landscapes, rich history, cultural heritage, and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure. Brecon Beacons National Park — known as Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh — is one such iconic travel destination in Southern Wales. The park, which welcomes over 4.1 million visitors annually, covers roughly 520 square miles and is located just north of the capital city of Cardiff, spanning South and Mid Wales. It is famed for its picturesque mountain ranges and impressive natural features like waterfalls, caves, and peaks. The national park is also a popular ecotourism destination, offering a range of experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

While you may need to consider the best time of year to plan a trip to London, visiting the Brecon Beacons is a year-round affair. Come rain or shine, the park offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained. From cozying up with local dishes at a traditional pub to spending a night stargazing or hiking breathtaking hills and mountains, Brecon Beacons offers a memorable experience for every kind of traveler. A visit to this beautiful region in the U.K. provides a revitalizing mountainside escape while avoiding some of the most "overtouristed" locations in Europe.

Stargazers and astronomers will be drawn to this remote area for its exceptionally dark sky sites, free of excessive light pollution. In 2013, Brecon Beacons National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. The park's authority even funded an observatory in 2014, which is centrally located at the park's visitor center to promote tourism and attract budding astronomers. The observatory hosts a Dark Sky Festival each September, perfect for those looking to learn more about the night sky and what lies beyond. It's impossible not to be awestruck by a skyscape filled with nebulas, shooting stars, and the sense of the universe's vastness.

You don't need to visit the observatory to enjoy the stars, as much of the park offers excellent stargazing spots. Allan Trow, co-founder of Dark Sky Wales, recommends some of his favorite locations for stargazing (via VisitWales), including the Pontsticill Reservoir, Llangorse Lakes, Usk Reservoir, and Crai Reservoir. Be sure to layer up when heading out at night — the Welsh weather can be unpredictable and chilly, even in the summer. Carrying a thermos with something warm is a good idea. Note that much of the land in Brecon Beacons National Park is privately owned, so ensure you're not trespassing on private land when stopping off to enjoy views of the Milky Way or constellations. If you're really lucky, you may even catch sight of the Northern Lights during your visit, as they have been seen here on occasion during the winter months. 

One of the best ways to experience Brecon Beacons is to immerse yourself in its glorious, sprawling countryside, characterized by diverse natural scenery, like rolling hills, valleys, waterfalls, and forests. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the park, and many trails are full-day treks, requiring careful planning and preparation. Some trails feature challenging terrain and inclement weather, so be sure to consider your safety before your first solo hike and take note of the national park's safety guidelines before heading out.

One of the most popular hikes is undoubtedly the ascent of Pen y Fan, the highest point in South Wales. The 4.4-mile Storey Arms route is challenging but offers stunning panoramic views. It is best enjoyed between spring and fall. Those looking for a more intensive climb can take on the 9.2-mile Horseshoe Ridge route, a longer circular loop through the summit and surrounding peaks. The 9.3-mile Llyn y Fan Fach, Llyn y Fan Fawr, and Carmarthen Fans Circular takes hikers through the spectacular Black Mountain Range. This route is quieter than the Pen y Fan, ideal for those seeking to embrace the solitude of the area's natural landscape. Be sure to bring waterproof footwear, as parts of the trail are notoriously wet and boggy.