Brecon Beacons National Park - Historical Canals, Castles and Mineral Deposits - By: keith lunt

The attractive Brecon Beacons was designated a National Park in 1957 and it has some of the best scenery in the United Kingdom. There are undulating hills, spectacular mountains, quiet lakes, scenic rivers, picturesque market towns and quaint villages. The park covers five hundred and nineteen square miles and two thirds of this is made up of Old Red Sandstone rocks. The landscape is also dotted with castles, ruins and historical monuments. Castles of interest include those found at Abergavenny, Brecon, Crickhowell and Llandovery.

In 2005 the Brecon Beacons National Park was awarded the highly prestigious Geopark status. This covers the western part of the district stretching from Llandovery in the north to Merthyr Tydfil in the south. It is known as Fforest Fawr Geopark which translates as 'Great Forest'.

The southern edge of the Brecon Beacons is characterised by wooded gorges, caves, swallow holes and of course waterfalls. The best place to investigate the waterfalls is around Ystradfellte. A popular attraction is the 'Waterfalls Walk'.

The Brecon Beacons has the largest natural lake in south Wales. Llangorse Lake has a circumference of five miles and it is home to a wealth of different species of flora and fauna. The reeds around the border of the lake attract a large number of birds. It is also well known for its watersports including fishing, sailing and windsurfing. It is particularly well-known for its pike fishing. Llangorse village also offers pony trekking and an indoor climbing centre.

One of the most beautiful canal routes in the country has to be the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. It is thirty-two miles long and passes through six locks. Enjoy a relaxing day out on a narrow boat or on the other hand leisurely walk along the towpath admiring the setting as you go. There are many pubs to stop at and have a delicious pub meal in along the way.

For serious walkers there are numerous opportunities to get out on to the hills. The Brecon Way is a long distance path and covers one hundred miles.

In the east of the park lies the Black Mountains and these form a natural border between England and Wales. These have long, narrow valleys dotted with pretty little villages. Waun Fach is the highest point in these hills and the views from the summit are spectacular. The little, market town of Talgarth is known as the 'gateway to the hills'. Notable landmarks include the fourteenth century church and the thirteenth century Pele Tower. The later is now home to the tourist information centre. There is also an ancient woodland about one kilometre from the town centre.

The striking Brecon Beacons was designated a National Park in 1957 and it has some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom. There are rolling hills, spectacular mountains, serene lakes, scenic rivers, charming market towns and old-fashioned villages. The park covers five hundred and nineteen square miles and two thirds of this is made up of Old Red Sandstone rocks. The scenery is also dotted with castles, ruins and historical monuments. Castles of significance include those found at Abe

Jane Lunt writes for Holiday Cottages in Wales where you can find an excellent choice of holiday cottages in Wales.