Brecon Beacons National Park

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Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) is a national park in Wales, covering 1,344 square kilometers (520 sq mi) and encompassing parts of the counties of Powys, Carmarthenshire, and Monmouthshire. The park was established in 1957 and is one of three national parks in Wales, the others being Snowdonia National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Geography

The park is named after the Brecon Beacons, a range of mountains in the south of Wales. The highest peak in the park is Pen y Fan, which stands at 886 meters (2,907 ft) above sea level. Other notable peaks include Corn Du, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. The park also includes the Black Mountains to the east and the Black Mountain to the west.

Flora and Fauna

Brecon Beacons National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park's varied habitats support species such as the red kite, peregrine falcon, and otter. The park is also known for its rich plant life, including rare species of orchids and mosses.

History

The area has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. The park contains numerous historical sites, including Iron Age hill forts, Roman roads, and medieval castles. Notable historical landmarks include Carreg Cennen Castle, Tretower Court and Castle, and the Brecon Cathedral.

Recreation

Brecon Beacons National Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and rock climbing. The park also offers opportunities for caving in the extensive cave systems, such as Ogof Ffynnon Ddu and Dan-yr-Ogof.

Dark Sky Reserve

In 2013, Brecon Beacons National Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognizing its efforts to reduce light pollution and promote stargazing. The park offers excellent conditions for astronomy and hosts regular stargazing events.

Visitor Centers

The park has several visitor centers, including the National Park Visitor Centre near Libanus, the Craig-y-nos Country Park, and the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre. These centers provide information about the park, its history, and the activities available to visitors.

Related Pages

• Snowdonia National Park
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
• Pen y Fan
• Black Mountains
• Carreg Cennen Castle
• Brecon Cathedral