Trail Running > Routes > Brecon Beacons Routes
Discover one of Britain’s finest mountain running destinations.
The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) cover more than 500 square miles of rugged Welsh uplands, where sweeping sandstone ridges give way to open moorland, hidden glacial lakes and quiet valleys. Few places in southern Britain offer such variety within a single region.
Explore different sides of the Brecon Beacons through themed collections that reveal its iconic mountains, quieter corners and wild open spaces. Every route includes a detailed guide, GPX download and on-the-ground photography.
Iconic Mountains
The famous summits and classic circuits that define trail running in the Brecon Beacons.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Fan Brycheiniog & Llyn y Fan Fawr
21 km • 970 m • –Hard–
Escarpment adventure with glacial lakes on the wilder side of the Beacons.
BLACK MOUNTAINS
Waun Fach & the Dragon’s Back
11.5 km • 650 m • –Moderate–
The snaking descent of ‘Y Grib’ is an experience not to be missed.
CENTRAL BEACONS
Pen y Fan Horseshoe
20 km • 1,000 m • –Hard–
It may be a honeypot, but this dramatic ridge run is deservedly popular.
Quiet Classics
Escape the busiest trails and discover rewarding runs that many visitors never find.
FFOREST FAWR
Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad Reserve
12 km • 580 m • –Moderate–
Colourful cliffs and rare alpine flora give this route a wild and unique feel.
CENTRAL BEACONS
Carn Pica & Waun Rydd Circuit
12 km • 725 m • –Hard–
Run the frontiers on this beautiful, testing and highly underrated gem.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Cribarth & Carreg Goch Loop
16 km • 680 m • –Hard–
Go off-piste in the wilds of the Black Mountain on this challenging adventure.
Explore the Running Areas
Discover what makes each area unique before choosing your next run.
Black Mountain
Remote western ridges with dramatic escarpments and the quietest mountain running in the National Park.
Fforest Fawr
Open moorland, broad ridges and hidden valleys, with a wilder feel than its famous neighbours.
Central Beacons
Iconic mountain horseshoes and the most popular summits, including Pen y Fan, the highest in southern Britain.
Black Mountains
Miles of moorland ridges, quiet peaks and pastoral valleys – some of the finest scenic running in Wales.
Mini Mountains
Compact outings with all the character of the high peaks, in a little less time.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Usk Reservoir & Mynydd Myddfai
12 km • 275 m • –Easy–
Easy, tranquil and scenic, with all-encompassing views of the National Park.
BLACK MOUNTAINS
The Sugar Loaf – Abergavenny
10 km • 410 m • –Moderate–
Abergavenny’s quirkiest peak makes a classic introduction to the area.
CENTRAL BEACONS
Allt yr Esgair & Llangorse Lake
13 km • 425 m • –Moderate–
Usk Valley views and Celtic history unfold on this mini ridge and lakeside circuit.
Moorland Magic
Lose yourself among sweeping skylines, open moors and wild uplands.
FFOREST FAWR
Fan Fawr Tour of Four Peaks
20 km • 825 m • –Hard–
An off-grid loop of the remote and evocative uplands of Fforest Fawr.
BLACK MOUNTAINS
Craig y Cilau Escarpment
9 km • 285 m • –Moderate–
Follow the clifftops on this authentically wild and rugged moorland hop.
BLACK MOUNTAINS
Mynydd Llangorse & Mynydd Troed
15 km • 625 m • –Moderate–
Steep climbs, fast descents and atmospheric ridges await the intrepid.
All Brecon Beacons trail running routes
An A-Z list of all route guides
Allt yr Esgair & Llangorse Lake
Central Beacons • 13 km • 425 m • Moderate
Blaen Llia Circuit
Fforest Fawr • 22 km • 810 m • Hard
Blorenge
Black Mountains • 11 km • 310 m • Moderate
Carn Pica & Waun Rydd
Central Beacons • 12 km • 725 m • Hard
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad & Fan Frynych
Fforest Fawr • 12 km • 580 m • Moderate
Craig y Cilau & Mynydd Llangatwg
Black Mountains • 9 km • 285 m • Moderate
Cribarth & Carreg Goch
Black Mountain • 16 km • 680 m • Hard
Fan Brycheiniog & Llyn y Fan Fawr
Black Mountain • 21 km • 970 m • Hard
Fan Fawr Four Peaks
Fforest Fawr • 20 km • 825 m • Hard
Mynydd Llangorse & Mynydd Troed
Black Mountains • 15 km • 625 m • Moderate
Pen y Fan Horseshoe
Central Beacons • 20 km • 1,000 m • Hard
Sugar Loaf Loop
Black Mountains • 10 km • 410 m • Moderate
Tor y Foel
Central Beacons • 14 km • 460 m • Moderate
Usk Reservoir & Mynydd Myddfai
Black Mountain • 12 km • 275 m • Easy
Waun Fach and the Dragon’s Back
Black Mountains • 11.5 km • 650 m • Moderate
Prepare for the Mountains
Practical advice on weather, safety and essential kit for running in the Brecon Beacons.
Safety & Preparation
Pre-run planning guides for managing mountain environments
Weather & Conditions
Weather forecasts, ground conditions and their implications
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